Page 2 of Lead Me A Stray

And then shunning me for being a ladies’ man and a playboy out of high school until now. It’s not my fault she’s dated loser after loser since I turned eighteen. I tried but she acted like the four years between us actually mattered back then and shestilldoes.

At twenty-five, I’m more than established and able to take care of her—not that she needs it, but damn if I don’t want to. Right now, “work hard, play hard” is my motto because if she’s gonna put me in a box then I might as well have the fun that goes with the reputation.

Or at least that was the idea.

Until last week when she finally broke up with the latest loser to be granted theboyfrienddesignation. The guy was an absolute douchebag which makes me want to rage becausewhat in the actual fuck did she see in him?

And what the hell do I have to do to get her to seeme?

“I meant to text you but…”

“Raccoon versus trash bag,” she mumbles with a slight nod as if it makes perfect sense. “You only got three hours of sleep.”Concerned soft mint-green eyes meet mine and I shrug one shoulder. “If you promise to keep your boxers on, you can sleep in my bed for a while longer.” Popping a hip, she adds, “Seein’ as how you have a key and all.”

Damn, that’s tempting.

Reallytempting.

“If you want me in your bed, Honey Girl, all you have to do is ask.”

Lips twisting in disgust, she huffs and spins on her heels toward the kitchen. “Forget I said anything.”

When her back is turned, I adjust my dick and button my jeans before snagging my shirt from the floor, my feet moving across the hardwood as I pull it over my head.

I close the distance between us, and she gasps when she turns around, the glass of water in her hand sloshing over the rim and onto my shirt.

But I barely feel it.

Because there’s never been a moment more pivotal in the little game we play than this.

“Shit, Mack, you?—”

“You can be damn sure, Honey Girl, that the first time I’m in your bed,”—wide eyes lock on mine, her pupils dilated as her mouth forms a sexy little O—“itwon’tbe for sleeping.”

2

PIPER

“So are you gonna tell me my brother slept at your house last night, or are you gonna keep staring at that invoice all morning instead of the fifty-seven other things we need to do?” Rory says with a smug curve of her lips that has my mouth falling open.

“Seriously?” I sulk but she just laughs.

“What? You can bang my brother, but just realize he’s run through most of this town so…” She shrugs her shoulders and lifts her eyebrows. “Just don’t expect him to settle down.”

“Please stop pimping out your brother.” This time I groan because I haven’t had enough caffeine this morning to think about sex with Mack. I indulged in a little self-care in the shower, but I’d be taking that to the grave.

He just looked so hot shirtless in my living room.

And the way he was staring at me had my panties soaked in an instant.

Ugh.

Why do I have the worst taste in men?

Technically, Mack isn’t the worst and I’ve neverhad him—specifically because he’s Rory’s younger brother, but alsobecause the playboy rumors aren’trumors. Mack has a reputation, and I know it would feel soout of this world good in the moment but then what? The sheets wouldn’t even be cold before he’d be making his escape, and my stupid heart would break and I would have no one to blame but myself.

I’m a sucker for the promise of a happily ever after.

And Mack is, and has always been, emotionally unavailable, and I won’t risk our fun and flirty rapport for a couple of orgasms and possibly the best night of my life.