Page 38 of Roughing
“I need to know one way or another, like maybe follow him around.”
“That sounds dangerous.” My gaze dropped to her mouth, only inches from mine. Once again, resisting the urge to kiss the hell out of those invitingly plump red lips.
“It was just a thought.” Michella shrugged. She grasped my arm, her expression earnest. “Briggs, I’d like to know for my own peace of mind. Is the guy I dated off and on for a few years a killer? On the other hand, I’m not sure what he’s capable of, and I’m worried about getting too close.” She gave me a playful punch. “I see the look on your face. Don’t worry. I’m not TSTL.”
“TSTL?”
“Too stupid to live. I won’t stalk my stalker by myself.”
“We don’t have another game for two nights. I’ll go with you. He doesn’t know what I drive.”
“If he was the guy in the alley, he probably does know what you drive.”
“I’ll still take you.”
“You will?”
“Yeah, I will.”
She threw her arms around me and kissed my cheek. I hugged her close, enjoying the softness of her body against my hard muscles. I closed my eyes briefly and lived in the moment. I would gladly stay right here in Michella’s arms for a lifetime.
I drew back first, shocked by my admission, even if it’d only been to myself. Those weren’t the thoughts of a man only interested in sex.
ChapterFourteen
HARD BARGAIN
~~Michella~~
Iwas on a real stakeout and bounced one foot up and down until Briggs cast an unreadable glance my way. I hadn’t realized I’d been so loud.
“Sorry,” I whispered. Briggs nodded briefly before his gaze refocused on Gordon’s front door.
Gordon had moved to a house on the shores of Lake Washington after we’d broken up for the final time. His parents most likely footed the bill, as Gordon didn’t have a real job. He dabbled in his family’s businesses but never stayed at one thing for long. We’d had that in common unfortunately.
I felt guilty for dragging Briggs out this late at night, but I hadn’t wanted to start my surveillance until after dark. We’d selected a parking spot down the street where we’d be able to see Gordon coming and going and wouldn’t attract much attention from the neighbors.
“I feel bad. Shouldn’t you be resting for your next game?”
“I have tomorrow morning off. I’ll catch up on sleep then.”
“Thank you for keeping me company.” Our eyes met in the darkness, illuminated only by a streetlight halfway down the block. My heart kicked into a sexy salsa, though I’m pretty sure it would’ve preferred a lap dance. I briefly imagined straddling Briggs and gyrating my crotch against his. I dragged my eyes away, inhaled and exhaled quickly, working to curb my desire to get this man naked.
“My pleasure. So what do we do?” If he’d noticed the heat in my eyes, he didn’t let on.
“We wait for Gordon to come out and then we follow him.”
“Okay, boss. I should’ve brushed up on my car pursuit skills.”
I snorted and Briggs actually chuckled, which was music to my ears and contagious enough that I broke into a grin. My eyes locked on his face. “You have a wonderful smile, Briggs. You should use it more often. You could charm any woman out of her panties with that smile.” I shouldn’t have made a suggestive remark, but the words were out of my mouth, and I couldn’t put them back.
“Even you?” That twinkle of amusement faded and his gaze became feral. He was the hunter, and I was the prey. I’d been there before; I didn’t need to go there again. Did I?
“No, but it’s worked before on me.”
“And now you’re immune?”
“I am.” I spoke with a confidence I didn’t feel. I wasn’t immune to this man by a long shot. My body craved his touch, and I’d made a mistake. I’d known doing surveillance with him would be a temptation, so why had I done it?
