Page 103 of The Troublemaker
ChapterThirty-Eight
Hadley
“Oh… Easton, your parents spent way too much money on us.”
The suite is gorgeous with a view of the Chicago River, the downtown skyline, and a sunset that’s just starting.
“I’ll find a way to reimburse them.”He wheels our bags to the wall with the couch and comes to the window.
We stand shoulder to shoulder, not one part of our bodies touching, but still the tension that’s been with us since we both walked out of his condo, leaving Tanner with his grandparents, is like a live wire between us.
I’m not sure either of us even knew how much Tanner’s presence keeps that tension under the surface, where we don’t have to address it.Or maybe it’s just been brewing so long that it’s about to bubble over.Now we have nothing to hide behind.
“I love this city.”Easton’s voice is soft, full of longing.
“I do too.I haven’t appreciated it enough, though.”I watch the tour boats go down the river, remembering how much I loved downtown when I was younger, always finding an excuse to come down here.And because of my family, I’ve said goodbye more than I’ve ever shown it love.“Now, I’m married to a Chicago Colt.”
I walk away from the window, the view a little too romantic.As are the bottle of champagne and the strawberries that his parents must have ordered for us.If I concentrate on any of those things, I’m bound to overthink tonight.
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”Easton follows me into the bedroom.“I’ll have you know that you’re married to the most popular Colts player.”
I stop at the sight of the king-size bed.
Even Easton pauses.He doesn’t make a joke or jump on the bed and invite me.
We both stare at it.
“What are you thinking?”I turn to face him.
He stuffs his hands in his pockets.“I’m thinking it’s no different than where we’ve slept the last three nights.”
“Really?”
“Fuck no, I’m thinking it’s a Tempur-Pedic Temptation.”
I laugh and knock his shoulder with mine.“It is.”
He laughs too, and the mood lightens.
“Hey.”He sits on the edge of the bed and pats the spot next to him.“Baby steps.We sit, get used to it.”
“Easton, it’s a bed, not a dog.”
“It was worth a try.I’m in uncharted territory these last few days.You need to cut me some slack.”
I sit next to him.“Slack given.”
“I’m still thinking about this morning when you woke up with your leg over my dick.”
I bolt up.“No talking body parts on the Tempur-Pedic Temptation.”I point at the mattress.“And you started it.Your hand on my ass the morning before.”
“Yeah, that was a good morning.”He smirks, that arrogant one that gets me all hot and achy between the thighs.
“And no smirking.”I shift my pointer finger from the mattress to him.
“I can’t smile now?”
“Nope.”I walk over to the mini bar and peer inside since I’m not a champagne drinker.The wine and beer look appetizing, but I slam it shut.“Alcohol is a bad idea.”
