"Scarlett would know," I mused. Tenn's girlfriend knew her way around a lock pick. If Tyler had a clue how to pick a lock, I'd still bet he wasn't as good as Scarlett. Something occurred to me. "One sec, Savannah. Can you do me a favor?"
I pushed open my door and clicked my tongue. Shadow's head popped up to peek over the arm of my velvet chair. I scooped her up and nuzzled the top of her head. "Aren't you a good girl? Aren't you the sweetest kitty?" Her purr was an outsized rumble against my neck.
Wishing I didn't have to, I handed her to Savannah. "Would you put her in Sterling's room? If I'm going to lock my door, I shouldn't keep her in here where no one can visit her."
Savannah dropped a kiss on the top of Shadow's head and tucked her into her arm. "Good thinking. I'll get her settled. You two get out of here and have a nice afternoon. You can't do anything about that mess downstairs anyway." She turned toward Sterling's rooms with a spring in her step, murmuring sweet words to Shadow as she went.
Once we were in my room with the door locked behind us, Nash dropped his bag and cupped my face in his hands, staring down at me, his eyes bright. "This is going to save me a lot of sneaking around."
"That's the plan." Sliding my arms around his waist, I said, "I'm sorry I blocked you. I overreacted."
"I get it," he said, lowering his mouth to brush his lips across mine. "I'm sorry I didn't leave a note."
"It's okay," I whispered. Despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach, I pressed on. "I feel like I should say I'm not sure about this. But I am. I don't know why or how, but I am. I want to give you what you asked for. Time. A chance. I want to give us a chance. Tyler being here doesn't change that."
"You won't regret it," Nash promised.
I stared back at him, his heart shining in those dark eyes. "You know, I don't think I will."
I leaned into him, tightening my arms around his waist. "I really want to strip you naked and drag you to my bed." His eyes heated. "But I also don't want to be interrupted. So, for now, let's get the hell out of here and let the rest of them deal with Tyler and Bryce. Griffen's head is probably ready to explode by now."
"I'm with you all the way," Nash said. "But I want to do this first." He kissed me again, this time no gentle brush of his lips. Letting go of his waist, I slid my hands around the back of his neck, holding Nash close, kissing him with everything I had.His skin was hot, the spicy scent of him anchoring me. I was home. Here, in Nash's arms, I was home.
The sounds of raised voices filtered in through my heavy bedroom door. Nash's lips left mine. "We'd better get out of here while we can," he murmured into my hair.
I nodded against his chest, happy exactly where I was. His arms drew tight, and we stood there, just like that, for a long minute, breathing, holding on to each other.
"I wish he wasn't here," I said into Nash's shirt. "I wish we could just be us, together, without him in the way."
"We'll figure it out," Nash promised. "I say we ignore him. He's here to cause trouble. That doesn't mean we have to let him."
Doubtful, I studied Nash's resolved expression. "Do you think it could be that easy?"
Nash shook his head. "Probably not. Tyler isn't the type to go quietly. But we can't leave, and we can't force him to leave."
"So we might as well ignore him as long as we can," I finished. "I'm in. I've spent enough of my life thinking about Tyler. For once, I want to think about me. About us."
"Good." Nash brushed another of those feather light kisses across my mouth, sending a shiver straight to my core. I was rethinking stripping him naked when he dropped his arms and stepped back. "Should we take the bike or my car? You'd have to change for the bike." The look in his eyes told me he liked my dress. So did I, but I also loved the bike.
"What kind of car?" I asked, considering.
"An Audi R8. Panther edition," he answered.
I grinned up at him. "Can I drive?"
"Hell, no." Nash smiled back at me, the happiness on his face filling my heart. "Not this time. I have to see you behind the wheel first. It's a lot to handle."
I hooked my arm through his and turned us to the door. "You can give me driving lessons then," I conceded. I wasn't entirely sure what an R8 Panther was, but I had a feeling it was one of those cars that belonged on the track, not cruising through town.
"That's a deal," Nash agreed, his grin stretching even wider.
I opened the door and the voices below rose in volume. Ugh. As quietly as I could, I closed the door and slid the key in the lock. The ancient workings resisted the key before turning with grudging slowness, the bolt sliding home with an audible clank. Tugging on Nash's arm, I led him in the direction of the back stairs. I wasn't going anywhere near the shouting crowd in the front hall if I could help it.
We ran down the back stairs like two teenagers sneaking out, spilling out into the courtyard with a breathless laugh. Nash's car was before us in all its low slung, fierce glory. Deep black, with blood red accents, even at rest the car looked ready to devour the road. I was a little glad Nash wasn't going to let me drive. I was more than happy to be his passenger.
The engine roared to life, and I mean roared. I imagined the rough, aggressive sound stopping all conversation in the Manor as the arguing inhabitants realized we were making our escape. At the thought of their surprised faces, I laughed again. Nash put the car in gear and we took off.
We passed the gatehouse, and I remembered the shower I'd been cleaning in the cottage. I pulled out my phone to text the Billy half of Billy Bob and ask him to rinse off the tile. I wasn't sure if leaving the foam residue on too long would cause damage, but I didn't want to find out.
