Page 116 of Viper

“Thanks, man.” Troy stopped to swipe a hot dog on their way out, earning a look of disgust from Emmy and laughs from his friends.

“You’re lucky you don’t weigh three hundred pounds,” Wraith said.

“Ha ha. I’d still be better-lookin’ than you.”

Paige tsked. “You both are outrageous.”

“Aye, but it’s fun, lass.”

“I like it better when you tone down your accent,” Troy said. “Faker.”

Wraith twisted his lips in mockery then got in the driver’s seat.

Once again, Troy opened the passenger door and motioned for her to sit. He got in the back and Wraith rolled out of the driveway and maneuvered through the subdivision.

With her body wrapped in the warm leather and her belly full, fatigue settled in. She yawned, covering her mouth. As nice as it’d been to spend time with everyone, she was completely wrung out now.

Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to Troy’s apartment building. If it hadn’t been for Troy carrying her luggage, she’d have surely dropped on the walk inside.

The scent of lemon wood cleaner reached her nostrils as he opened the door to his unit. “It smells good in here,” she said.

“I wish I could take the credit. My cleaning lady was here yesterday.” He wheeled their bags out of the way and slipped off his shoes.

“It looks great. How do you like it here?” She did the same, then strode further into the room and flopped on the leather couch.

He came and sat next to her, pulling her legs onto his lap. “It’s good for now. The building is quiet.”

She tilted her head to rest it against the cushion of the couch. “What about your place in West Virginia?”

He blew a breath through his lips.

Her heart stopped and started. She swallowed over the lump in her throat. If he decided to stay in West Virginia, she’d have to accept his decision. Make the best of it. After all, his family was there. She could change jobs . . . but her family was in Pittsburgh.

“That depends.” He gave her a slow, reassuring smile. “Where do you want to live?”

She fought a grin. Any uncertainty that’d plagued her ebbed away. “With you. Preferably here, but I can move if you want to be near your parents.”

He shrugged, picking up her foot. “It makes sense for me to be in Pittsburgh,” he said, gently massaging it. “My team’s here.”

He dragged his thumb down the sole of her foot and she moaned.

“And you’re here,” he added.

“How long is your lease on this place?”

“Month to month.”

She rolled her lips together. Her nerves bunched, but she knew there was no need. This was Troy. The man she’d secretly loved for five years. The man who would do anything for her. Who’d protected and taken care of her.

Who’d killed for her.

There was nothing she wanted more than Troy.

“Well, you could always move in with me. If that’s something you’d consider,” she quickly added, just in case she was out to lunch and moving too fast.

His eyes brightened. “You serious?”

She wrinkled her nose. “No, I’m kidding. Of course I’m serious.” She laughed. “Give your notice.”