Page 34
“Yes, I’m so sure that you can see me from whatever hole you’re in.” My words carry a bite, but I obey his request. My ears hone in on the sounds of rustling on the line, before his feet hit pavement.
“Open your eyes.”
Opening my eyes, I find his silhouette breaking the reflection of the streetlight across the pavement. A smile tugs at my mouth. Warm light illuminates the cut of his jaw—but little else—as the details of his face remain hidden beneath shadow of the cap.
“Who the fuck wears a baseball cap at night?”
“Are you ever satisfied?”
Leaning closer to the window, my eyes strain trying to discern his features.
“I just don’t get why it’s necessary. You stick out like a sore thumb. You’re literally dressed in a black suit with a black baseball cap. Who does that? It’s like some Men in Black, Field of Dreams crossover?”
A sigh crackles through the phone. Ethan reaches up and flips the hat around. It’s hard to see the sharp outlines of his features through the glass, but I’m able to make out the chiseled line of his jaw under his perfectly shaped beard. Heat coils between my thighs.
Fuck, Patience. Get it together.
“Is that to your liking, or am I going to hear more about the damn hat?”
Even though he’s at a distance, dressed in black, I can make out the shape of his shoulders, confined under layers of very crisp lines. Every taut muscle of his upper body yearns to break free. Tyrant.
“Did you mean what you said earlier about me looking radiant?” My breath clings to the glass, temporarily obscuring him from view. I run my hand through the condensation, and my stomach flutters, waiting for his response. Warmth rises to my cheeks, and for once, I’m thankful he isn’t standing close enough to see it.
“As much as it pains me to say it, you’re as radiant as you are ill-tempered.”
The heat in my cheeks turns molten, before creeping down my neck. I stare at him for a moment, weighing my response. I’m not that mean, am I? Fuck it. I reach behind me, stretching my fingers. The champagne has numbed them, but I’m still able to pinch the zipper and pull it down to my hips. I unclasp the halter strap which is the final anchor holding the dress to my skin. It falls to the floor, leaving me standing in a pool of gold fabric. My chest rises and falls with anticipation and exhilaration.
“What are you doing?” His strained voice rasps.
If we’re going to play games, I might as well enjoy it.
“Still radiant?” I ask, turning slowly for full effect.
He takes a quick step forward in the street, clouds of breath blooming faster around him.
“Close the blinds.” His voice carries an edge to it that sounds like he’s holding back a bellow.
“I don’t like orders.” I do another little twirl as a low growl sounds in my ear. “What makes you think I’ll listen to them now?”
My hand finds the hooks of the bra. With a pinch, it releases, and the fabric slides down my arms before falling to the floor. Hissing on the other end of the line sends a thrill through me as the cool air rolls across my bare breasts. My nipples harden as I run my hands over the swells of my breasts.
“People can see you.”
The humor vanishes from his voice. The smile on my face hurts but feels so incredibly good. I’ve been playing this whole thing wrong.
“Good night.” Leaning forward, I blow a mocking kiss, then hold up my middle finger. He shouts through the phone, but I hang up before he has a chance to finish. I laugh so hard even Gerald wakes and skitters to the end of the bed. For once, I’m not the one on the back foot.
A sudden chill runs down my spine. The feeling draws my attention to the tree line to the left of the house. Unease wraps around me like a vise, snapping me into action. I lower the blinds, but the chill lingers for another moment.
Foolish.
I hope no one saw my breasts. Not that I’m a prude by any means. Glancing down at them, still tight from the wash of cool air, I huff a laugh.
These are top-tier, VIP breasts. Not for general admission. On a chuckle fall into the mattress, pulling the comforter around my shoulders. My eyes drift close to the image of the man still standing outside.
14
The blinds fall, and I’m left standing in the street looking up at her window like an idiot. A crack from beyond the tree line catches my attention. Red taillights veil the woods for a minute before vanishing. My eyes track back to her window.
