Page 119 of Addicted

I didn’t look up from my phone. Didn’t acknowledge him at all.

I heard his footsteps getting closer, then felt his presence behind me.

“Morning, baby,” he said, his voice low and smooth.

I didn’t respond. Just kept scrolling through Instagram like he wasn’t even there. He moved around the island until he was standing in front of me.

Lord.

He was too much.

Dark denim hung low on his hips, paired with a fitted tee that stretched just enough across his chest, his tattoos fully on display down his arms. The chain at his neck sat heavy against him, subtle but impossible to ignore. His waves were fresh, his beard was lined up perfectly, and he smelled like that expensive cologne that always made me weak.

I hated that I noticed. Hated that even when I was mad at him, I still wanted to climb him like a tree.

Stone stepped closer, reaching for me. I leaned back, avoiding his touch.

His jaw tightened.

“Indie—”

“We need to leave soon,” I said, cutting him off. “The appointment’s at ten.”

I slid off the stool and walked past him, heading toward the front door. Stone followed me, his footsteps heavy behind me.

When I reached the door, he grabbed my wrist gently, turning me around.

“Hold up,” he said. “You not gon’ give me a kiss?”

I stared at him, my face blank. “No.”

His eyes narrowed. “No?”

“That’s what I said.”

He stepped closer, his hand moving to my waist. I stepped back, crossing my arms over my chest. Stone stared at me for a long moment, his jaw working.

“Why you mad at me?” he asked, his voice calm but edged with frustration.

“I’m not mad.”

“You’re lying.”

“I’m not.”

“Indie.” His tone was a warning now. “Talk to me. What’s the problem?”

I glared at him. “You stayed in LA last night.”

He blinked. “Yeah. I told you I was too tired to drive back. I texted you.”

“I don’t care.”

“You don’t care?” He let out a humorless laugh. “So, what, you wanted me to drive back exhausted and risk crashing the car?”

“You could’ve made it work.”

“Indie, I didn’t miss the appointment. I’m here, ain’t I?”