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It wasn’t huge but definitely roomy. It was certainly larger than her bedroom in the apartment, though not nearly as lived in. Aside from a dresser, nightstand, and the large bed centered in the room, it was barren. It didn’t have any special touches to it. No pictures or knickknacks, though Trax didn’t come off as a knickknack type of guy.
She got up and stepped onto the floor with her back to the bed. One last look proved effortless. Wherever her sneakers were, she couldn’t see them. Her pocketbook hung over the back of the chair. She made her way to it, taking careful, quiet steps not to wake him up. She needed to get out of there.
She grabbed the bag and turned around. She screamed, falling back into the chair and almost losing her footing. The quick move had her wincing from the pain shooting up her back. She gasped for a breath as she stared into his eyes. Somewhere along her quiet quest to sneak out, he’d gotten up and sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. His arm rested against his thighs, and he cocked his head.
“Leaving?”
She nodded in a shaky tremble. “Yeah.”
His gaze darted down her frame. “Barefoot?” The corner of his mouth curled. He seemed less scary when he smiled.
She licked her lips, and his gaze immediately dropped to her mouth, losing any ease he had. His jaw tightened.
“I can’t find my sneakers.”
He leaned forward, reaching to the floor, and tucked his hand under the bed. Seconds later, her sneakers appeared. She inched forward, thinking he would hand them to her, but instead, he left them between his bare feet. The thought of getting too close to him was slightly freaking her out. The idea she had slept with him all night was surreal. Aside from being sore, it had been one of the best night’s sleep she’d had in weeks.
She walked toward him and leaned down to grab her sneakers, but his hand cupped her jaw, and she was frozen in her spot. His finger grazed over her bruised cheekbone. “We should have put ice on that. It hurt?”
Yes! It was achy before but tolerable. Now, with him rubbing the raw skin, it felt as if it was on fire. She winced from the pressure on the spot. “A little.”
He nodded and shifted his thumb over her lips. She watched his gaze drift to her mouth, and for a brief second, she thought he might kiss her. How absurd was that? A total stranger kissing her, and what was even crazier was, she was pretty sure she would have let him. His gaze flicked up to hers. His eyes were so dark, without the sunlight in the room, she could have easily mistaken them for black. Being this close gave her the opportunity to really see him. Her original assessment of gorgeous had been on point.
“Never thanked you.”
She tilted her head, curving it deeper into his hand, and though not intentional, she liked it.
“For Mick.”
There it was. The long awaited and now unexpected gratitude. Her face heated.
“Oh, um…you’re welcome.”
His mouth curled again, but this time it was a full grin. His eyes glimmered, and the corners crinkled. “Would have stopped for anyone, I’m guessing.” His head shook in amusement, but she wasn’t sure why. “Even a damn dog, huh?”
She pulled back slightly, and his palm slid across her jaw. “Of course, wouldn’t you?”
His smiled faded, and she wished she had kept her mouth shut because his eyes darkened again, and he scowled. “No.”
She straightened her back and watched as he got up and paced across the room. “Get your stuff, and I’ll walk you out.”
She refused to acknowledge the short wave of disappointment. She was leaving. She sat on the bed and bent over to grab her sneakers from the floor and yelped. A sharp pain shot through her ribs, and she eased up slowly. Oh God, did they break a rib last night? She grasped her side and drew in a deep breath.
“You okay?”
She kept her eyes aimed at her shoes. “Yeah.” How the hell was she going to get them on if she couldn’t even bend down? Before she could strategize a plan, Trax appeared in front of her, bent down on his knees, and untied her laces. He dug inside, pulling out her socks, and she watched in complete awe as he put them on her feet. His touch was gentle. She peeked through her lashes as he reached for her sneaker and guided her foot. He did the other sneaker and then tied her laces. A Ghosttown Rider tied my shoes. She felt a giddy bubbling in her chest. So sweet.
He sat back on his heels and glanced up with his dark-eyed gaze set on her. She flattened her lips and shifted on the bed. Under his heated stare, her pulse raced.
“T-thank you,” she stammered, unable to control her breath.
The corner of his mouth curled. He rose but remained bent over at eye level. “You’re welcome.”
Kiss him, just do it!
She blinked at the voice screaming in her head. He chuckled. Oh, my God, did I say that out loud? She watched him straighten and turn slowly, walking to the opposite side of the room.
She took even breaths before standing and faltering her steps. She heaved her bag over her shoulder and stood silent. The whole mood shifted. She waited for him to put on his boots and grab a T-shirt from the dresser. The muscles on his back contracted as he lifted the material over his head. She’d never given much thought to a back being sexy but watching the muscles tighten and flex, she was getting slightly turned-on. He turned to the side, giving her a half view of his abs. Damn. Even from the side view she was getting, she could see the lines cut into his skin. She sucked in a breath and smirked. Too bad she couldn’t snap a quick picture because Macy was going to think she lied when she described this later to her best friend.
