Page 34 of Reckless (Adventures in Love 3)
“How did you get in here?” I look at the door, which I’m sure I locked, then glance around for Pebbles, who was with me earlier, and spot him in his bed next to the TV, still asleep. Obviously he’s the worst guard dog ever.
“Picked the lock when you didn’t answer.” He shrugs like it’s no big deal and it’s not breaking and entering.
“You broke into my house.”
“I didn’t break in; I just used a different method to gain entry.” He takes a seat next to me. “You weren’t here when I stopped by earlier.”
“I went to get something to eat,” I tell him because there is no way I’m telling him I was hiding even if that’s what I was doing. He watches me as I pull my legs up and wrap my arms around my shins, then smiles.
“I think we both know you were trying to avoid me.”
“Yeah, right,” I scoff. “Why would I need to avoid you?”
“Because you like kissing me as much as I like kissing you. And that scares the shit out of you.” He touches my fingers. “I get it,” he says quietly. “Why do you think I’ve been trying to keep my distance?”
“Is that why you’ve been showing up wherever I am?”
“I didn’t say I was good at staying away from you.” Oh God, it shouldn’t make me happy to hear him admit that he can’t stay away from me.
“How did you know where I was going to be tonight?” I fiddle with the edge of my blanket.
“Tanner mentioned it when I talked to him on the phone.”
“So you decided to ask Margret to meet you there.”
“Figured it would look a lot less odd if I was there with someone else.” His expression becomes serious. “I didn’t like the idea of you going out on a date.”
“You didn’t?”
“Not even a little.”
“Well, if it makes you feel better, I didn’t want to go out with Ken, and I didn’t like that you were there with Margret before I knew who she was,” I tell him, and we both get quiet and just stare at each other for a long moment before he asks: “So what do we do about this?”
“I don’t know.” I lift one shoulder ever so slightly. “Ignore it.”
“Ignore it.” His lips twitch. “I think you get that that’s not happening. I want you. Even now it’s taking all my control not to kiss you again,” he says, and my scalp tingles while my stomach dips.
“You’re best friends with Tanner and close to Cybil. I don’t want things to get weird.”
“Right,” he says, not looking happy. “We keep it between us for the time being.”
I lick my lips. Could I do that? I eye him, not sure that’s any smarter than being with him and people knowing. I would still know, and since I already like him, I can see myself falling for him quickly, probably too quickly. On the other hand, I have a feeling that even if I didn’t agree to this, it would still happen anyway. The attraction is just too strong to deny.
“Whatever happens, we remain friends or at least friendly.” I hold out my pinkie, and he drops his gaze to my hand and wraps his finger around mine.
“Do you work tomorrow?” he asks, keeping my finger trapped by his.
“Yeah, and Cybil and I are supposed to meet with Gene in the morning to sign the papers for the lease.”
“Do you have plans tomorrow evening?”
“No.” I shake my head.
“I’ll make us dinner at my place.”
“Okay.” Nervous anticipation causes my pulse to kick up a notch, and he leans into me. I expect him to kiss me; instead his lips brush across my forehead.
“I’ll text you my address.” He lets my finger go and stands.
“I’ll walk you out.” I get off the couch, trying not to be disappointed that I didn’t get another kiss. “Come on, Pebbles,” I call, figuring now is as good of a time as any to take him out for the last time tonight. “Do you need to go outside?” I pick him up when he hops up on my leg, then grab his new leash, a retractable one that allows him room to go out and potty and me to stay inside where it’s warm. I hook it to his collar as we head through Cybil’s shop.
“You need a robe,” Maverick says when he opens the door, and I look up to find his eyes on my chest, the cold air having caused my nipples to tighten.
“He’s quick, so I normally don’t have to stand here long.” I place Pebbles on the ground, and he runs out the door. I cross my arms over my chest and bounce on my toes, then let out a gasp when Maverick grabs my wrist and drags me against his warm chest, then folds his jacket around me.
