Page 17 of Lead Me A Stray

“I’m just trying to head off all the self-doubt andthis was a mistake and can’t happen againthoughts because it sure as fuck wasn’t a mistake.”

The conviction in his tone has me inhaling sharply, my belly dipping at all that ferocity aimed at me.

“I wasn’t going to say it was a mistake,” I defend as he arches a challenging eyebrow. “It shouldn’t happen again though.”

“Give me one good reason.”

“Because your sister is my best friend, and even though I’m still pissed about her little tirade the other day, I don’t want to sneak around behind her back.”

“Who said anything about sneakin’ around? I wanna date you right out in the open.”

“What?”

“You’re so oblivious sometimes,” he grumbles, making my heart start racing becausewhat is he talking about?

Oblivious about what?

“I’m sorry, I—” He shuts me up with a hard kiss that shouldn’t be as distracting as it is, but now that Iknowwhat his mouth is capable of, I might be ruined for any other man.

“Get up before we make a real mess.” He softens the words with an affectionate pat to my ass, helping me climb off his lap and then steadying me when my knees almost buckle.

Awesome.

With his hands on the arms of the chair, Mack stands, slow and deliberate, his eyes never leaving mine. It’s captivating, and instead of rushing to put on clothes—which is what Ishouldbe doing—I remain rooted to the carpet, my lips parted as I watch his muscles bunch and flex.

“Careful, Honey Girl, or I won’t think twice about bending you over your desk and then we’llreallyhave to get rid of it.”

Twin reactions are warring inside me—the giddiness of being the center of his lustful attention and the absolute disgust that I’m thinking about giving in to the butterflies swooping around my belly.

“Dammit, Mack,” I huff, spinning around as he ties off the condom and drops it in the trash can while I snatch the sweats off the ground, forgoing a bra and panties. Mack’s lips curve up into a wolfish smirk that I want to both kiss and smack right off his gorgeous face.

His skin is tanned from working outside, his dark hair disheveled in the best way, and his dark brown eyes look almost black except for the flecks of gold that seem to sparkle when he’s amused.

Like he is now.

“Run all you want; I wasn’t kidding. You’re mine tonight and I plan to make the most of it.”

“Why? We had sex. You got your bragging rights andtwoorgasms out of me. What else do you need?” I’m going for nonchalance because I cannot let myself get caught up in Mack—he’s not justsome guy.He’s Rory’s brother and if that’s not the definition of complicated, I don’t know what is.

Then why did I have sex with him?

Also, why am I being a bitch?

“Are you trying to piss me off?” He glares at me, crossing his arms over his chest, wearing only a tight pair of boxer briefs that are incredibly distracting.

“No,” I snap but it only makes his jaw clench and his eyes narrow. “I just don’t understand what you think is gonna happen in the morning.”

“I figured I’d make you coffee and kiss you goodbye before I have to head to work.”

“We’re not dating.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re you and you don’t settle down.”

“Just because I haven’t doesn’t mean I’m not capable.”

“I know, I’m sorry. It’s just…this is a lot.”