Evan picks up on my thoughts. “It’s open because he’s here, he would know if anyone was close.”
I nod, I keep forgetting about supernatural senses.
Chapter 17
Quinn
Griffin is loungingin the living room area. It’s the first time I allow myself to really look around. Other than the gorgeous vampire sprawled across a plush sofa in a deep burgundy color, my eyes are drawn to a fireplace large enough to spit-roast a hog in. There’s a small fire burning, mostly embers and ash, but I appreciate the warmth.
“How’s the pup?” Griffin questions in a lazy drawl.
My eyes bounce over him to the table at his side, then further to the hastily stacked shelves of books behind him. Most are leather bound, but not all. I’m too far away to see the titles, but I have a yearning to do so. What would a man like Griffin read? And it’s obvious he does, there are several books lying around, some open while others are layered in stacks.
“Good, settling in.” Evan moves around the space effortlessly. It’s easy to see his familiarity with the room. Idly, I wonder how often he’s here. He all but admitted he and Griffin are best friends.
I turn so they don’t see the blush that might work its way up my face. I’ve been harboring a little crush on Evan ever since the plane ride home when he was so sweet to me. I’m not even sure how to put a name to what I’m feeling about Griffin, but there’s no hiding his appeal, be it sexual or otherwise. Leave it to me to start pining after two best friends, two best friends who seem, at least on the surface, as if they couldn’t be more different.
“I put your things in the room,” Griffin informs me. Not his room, justtheroom. I wonder if he’s saying that for me. This is the side of him that confuses me, and after Evan’s little proclamation about Griffin liking me, I’m even more perplexed.
“Thanks,” I mutter, feeling guilty that I was so aggravated with him after he volunteered to do this for me. I mean, he’s giving up his home for me, even if it’s only for a day or two. I turn to look over at Griffin. Evan has joined him in the living room. He’s sitting in an oversized chair, his arms draped over the sides in a relaxed manner. “Thank you, Griffin, for letting me stay here. Sorry about all this.”
Griffin
“Don’t be sorry.It’s not your fault.” That’s what I say, but what I’m thinking is more along the lines of the spider calling the fly closer. I didn’t create the issue that brought her to my bed, but I can’t even pretend I’m not happy that’s exactly where she’ll be.
Quinn walks through the living room, headed back to my room, but not before I notice the way her eyes linger on each detail of my home. Her face is expressive, she likes the fireplace, but loves the books.
“I know it’s been a long time for you, but I don’t believe making her think you hate her is the right play.” Evan stretches his arms over the back of his head and groans.
“Keep your voice down. What the hell are you talking about?” I hiss.
“She’s human, Griff, and I can tell by the dissipation of her scent she’s in the bathroom, behind a closed door.” His brows lift as if to say,can’t you? “You’re confusing her.” I rub my palm over my face, knowing he’s right. “Be nice to her. It’s simple.”
I narrow my eyes on him. “I thought you were interested.” I keep my voice low, even though I know she can’t hear us, wondering why he would offer me advice, even unsolicited.
“I am, but I don’t need help courting a female.” Another brow raise.
“Neither do I,” I grate through my teeth. But I do. I peer down the hall and lean forward so I can be more quiet. “Is this a ‘may the better man win’ thing for you?”
“No.” Evan lets his head tip back against the chair.
“Then tell me what you’re playing at.”
He makes eye contact with me, our gazes locked. “I’m not playing at anything. We both want her.” Evan wets his lips. “I’m man enough to share, it’s not a new concept for either of us.”
“Casually, for a night here or there, yes, but I want more.” The words slipping from my mouth come as a slight shock to me, but I can’t deny them. My mind is already racing with the idea. I could have Quinn, and she could have Evan. He’s good and kind. Would treat her well.
“Are you saying you’re not interested?” Evan eyes me, and I see a challenge there. If I said I wanted her for myself, he wouldn’t back down just because I wanted her. Good, it shows me he does want her, maybe as much as I do, because I would be kidding myself if I said I would give her up for him.
“No, that’s not what I’m saying.” The door to the bathroom opens, and Quinn’s natural scent grows stronger. Her fragrance has been teasing me all day. You’d think I’d have sucked every last molecule of her out of the air with how hard I’ve been breathing her in, but a trace of her remains, like a stain on my soul.
“Good, now quit being a dick.” Quinn walks into the living room, and a flush rises in her cheeks at Evan’s admonishment.
Quinn’s dressed in a loose t-shirt, the wide collar leaving her long, slender neck exposed, and deliciously tight black pants. Her feet are bare, and her toes are painted a near match for the color of my couch. She either has no clue what she’s doing, or she knows exactly what she’s doing. I swallow, sure it’s the former.
“Are you guys staying here for a while?” Her eyes dart to Evan. “I’m not ready for bed, mind if I hang out?” Her shoulders rise up with each word, as if she’s waiting for one of us to tell her to go away.
“Come, sit.” I try to make it sound like an offer, but fuck me if it doesn’t sound like a demand. Evan glares at me. I glower back.I’m trying.
