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The small nagging feeling engulfs my chest, wrapping around my lungs like a spring.
Ethan sighs softly. “But I did take the liberty of placing some cameras outside your house before I left.”
Of course he did. I’m honestly surprised he didn’t do that before when he decided to stalk me and set fire to my life. Unfortunately, for me, it means one more night without having his presence near. Something I begrudgingly admit I’ve come to enjoy.
“Oh. I see. How is everything going?” I run my finger along the blind’s edge.
“Is that disappointment in your voice?” He chuckles and lets out a light hum of amusement. “Do you miss me?”
The croon in his voice has me pursing my lips. It’s obvious, isn’t it? How much clearer do I have to be? Yes, you big goon. I miss you.
“No. I’m just annoyed that I’m standing in the window for your amusement.” Closing the blinds, I step back.
“Wait!” His voice causes me to stop in my tracks. “Come back…please…I just wanted to see you.”
A small smile tilts my lips as I make my way to the window. I feel like an absolute idiot standing here, looking out onto a dark street, but something in me warms knowing he’s still watching me. Oh good. We’re warming to invasions of privacy now. How nice. New milestone for me.
His low hum sounds over the call. His deep tone of approval has my thighs clenching together.
“This is ridiculous. I’m just standing here.”
“I just wanted to see you. Earlier, all I could see was the black wig. While it was very beautiful, it was distinctly not you.”
A wicked thought forms in my mind. Maybe he needs a little incentive to come back faster.
“Well, my date prefers long dark locks.”
He chuffs a laugh and clicks his tongue.
“I know you’re a better liar than that, darling. You were hunting. I presume from the way you stormed in that it did not go as planned.”
My shoulders drop. When I look up, I see my stupid reflection in the glass. Messy bun, sweatshirt, and shorts. Basically, a complete comfy mess.
“Flirting for business wears on you.”
Finally, I pad over to the bed. The moment I fall across the comforter, Gerald lifts his head. Rolling over to face me, he waddles his way up my chest. His claws prick against my skin, eliciting a string of giggles from me. When his body burrows in the valley of my breasts, it’s a relief.
“Sounds like you’re making the best of it.” Ethan chuckles.
“It’s Gerald, tickling me with his feet.” I flick his padded foot just enough to earn a sneeze from him.
“Good for him. You need to laugh more.”
“I laugh plenty!”
“I meant when you’re not speaking to severed heads.”
While I don’t appreciate the sarcastic comment, it’s true, and I have little ammunition to combat such statements.
“I’d better get going. I have to be at the lab tomorrow and need to use my best critical thinking skills.”
“All right. Try to get some sleep. Don’t stay up late watching TV.”
This man’s been watching me much too closely.
“Did you put up cameras in my room? You pervert.”
His deep chuckle reverberates through my core.
