Page 16 of Torqued

“I think I like this version of you.”

I side-eye him. “What do you mean?”

“You’re completely out of your comfort zone, and utterly you.”

“I wasn’t expecting to run into him. I’ll regroup.” I cross my arms, grappling with myself to gain some peace of mind. I unfold the piece of paper to find that it’s a flyer from the fence, the tape stuck to my pants.

That’s it. I need to walk away now. There’s no way in hell I can work with him, especially when he can make me feel this way just by his touch. My belly tightens, low and deep.

“Damn, I’m in trouble.”

5

Rush

Who the hell was that blonde? I’ve never needed to get away from someone so fast in my life, especially a woman. I had to fight the urge of running my thumb across her lips. They were so full and wet.

Her scent invaded me, and I lost all control. The blue in her eyes glistened, casting a spell on me. I couldn’t let her go. I had to force myself to release her. I wanted to hold her body against mine. I needed to.

My hand pulses from touching her, making my whole body tingle. I have to shake this off. I don’t have time for this or her. I keep things simple and unattached. That woman came with a ball and chain.

“Hey, are you alright?” Margo runs up next to me. I’m still dazed and confused by what just happened, so I’d prefer not to answer. Besides, this is a need to know kind of situation, and she doesn’t need to know.

I take her hand, pulling her into my side. “Yeah, she ran into me, and I kept her from falling. It’s all good.”

“Please tell me you didn’t hit on the Prince-ass?”

“You’re not right, you know that? No, I didn’t hit on her.” I jab her side, stepping away from her. I get it, I have nothing to offer a woman like that, but damn, even my best friend reminds me of it.

She slaps at my hand. “Did you offend the Prince-ass by touching her with your greasy hands?”

“Uh-no, and you probably shouldn’t call her Prince-ass.”

Her brows pull low. “Why not? She looked like one.”

“We knew them, and yes, they were one, but we know nothing about this one.” I cut my eyes at her, hoping she’ll buy it.

She rears her head back, studying me. “Did she affect you in the wrong head?”

“What? Hell no! What is wrong with you?” I push her shoulder, playing the whole thing off. Yeah, she’s onto me, and I have to get her off my scent. She knows me too well, and this isn’t going to be the last time I hear about it.

She points at me, narrowing her eyes. “Stay away from her. She’s no good for you.”

“How would you know?” I cut my eyes at her, feeling a little pissed and a lot hurt.

“She wore a white, sexy-as-sin suit with those red bottom heels to a racetrack. She’s never going to take you seriously. You’ll end up being her boy-toy so she can tick her dad off.”

I clutch my chest, feigning to be offended. “You don’t hear the way I do. She’s a very nice girl and finds me to be interesting. Her father and I golf on Sunday’s, thank you very much.”

“You need help. Like hired,” she taps her temple. “head issues help.”

I wrap my arm around her shoulder. “And now we know what people must think of you, being my best friend and all.”

“Oh, they already know I’m the smart one.”

“Smart-ass, yes.” She elbows me when I pinch her.

“Who was she anyway?”