Page 55
His strong frame remains planted in place. My eyes narrow in response at the lack of gratification. Shaking his head, he pockets the phone. He turns to the table nearest to us, his brows furrowing for a split second. Taking a step toward the table, he sighs.
“Yes…I’ve seen how you handle things. It’s more likely I’ll end up having to save you from your own tireless efforts.” His fingers run over the cloth on the table before snagging it on the corner.
“The only reason I have had any difficulty is because of you.” I roll my eyes at his obnoxious facts, while he continues to meddle with the folds in the cloth. “Also, you had all the added advantages.”
One of his brows lifts, but he remains silent. His fingers begin folding the edge of the tablecloth. I continue to wait for a response. He lets out a little hum as he tries to fold the corner for the tenth time.
“Oh, for fuck’s sake.” I slap his hand away from the cloth. “It’s not your fucking sheets…let it be free.” I bring my fingers up, imitating a fluttering butterfly.
He turns with wide eyes, almost affronted by the action.
“About that,” he says, shaking his head, “I figured it was you. Couldn’t see how you got by my security, especially since your technical abilities don’t venture beyond the capacity of changing a battery…”
My mouth opens, preparing every fact to debate that point, regardless of its accuracy. He stops whatever words nearly form as he pulls me into an alcove off the main room by my shoulder.
“Was it necessary to lay waste to my entire home?”
His gaze pins me in place with its ferocity. A guilty feeling wraps my chest. I knew before moving anything that he had his own battles – I pushed him anyway. His sapphire blue eyes burn with new intensity. The melding of lust, anger and something else combine to form little flecks along the outer circle. Hypnotizing.
“I’m not upset that you went through my house. Fair is fair. I’m more upset with the idea of you chasing this shadow in the dark.”
He lets out a sigh.
“Did you forget I’ve seen him? I got closer than you have,” I say, pointing to my chest, then to his. The pad of my finger hits his muscular chest.
How is it so hard?
He brushes my finger away, then slips his finger under my chin.
“You saw a silhouette. Of a man. In the dark. Using only the rear lights of the vehicle. That’s not much to go on, is it?”
No, it’s fucking not. Thank you for reminding me. Asshole.
“It’s more than what you got, buddy.”
His arms rise to each side of my head, trapping me against the wall. I scan the room to see if anyone has noticed the intensely intimate situation I’ve found myself in. His finger grazes the side of my cheek, forcing me to face forward.
“Would you please work with me on this?”
As much as I want to throw caution to the wind and tell him to go fuck himself, I know he’s right. His normally lethal stare looks sad, almost pleading—holding all the innocence of a puppy or a child.
“All right.”
The tension visibly drains from his muscles.
“Thank you.” He gives me a small nod. His hand rises toward my face. His fingers curl into his palm before touching my skin. His eyes close on a sigh as his hand begins to withdraw.
Leaning forward, I press my cheek into his hand. The gentle contact sends heat straight to my center. His thumb feathers lightly across my skin. My eyes drift shut, and I let myself drown in the feel of him. His finger traces the curve of my ear, and heat pools between my thighs.
“You are breathtakingly beautiful. I haven’t had the opportunity to tell you that.”
My cheeks heat as I smile.
“Have I made you blush? I’ll have to remember how I did that.” He smirks.
His hand falls, and my skin cools—a sad reminder of the absence of his warmth.
“You probably should. It would make it easier to tolerate you.”
