Page 33 of Work It Out
He slapped a hand over his cheek. “Nuh-uh. Too late. You can’t have it back.”
She giggled, another of those tinkling sounds that made him feel ten feet tall, then settled back against his shoulder. “You’re going to drive me nuts, aren’t you?”
“I should tell you no. Alas, I’m an actor, not a liar.” Well, mostly. “I’ll drive you completely bonkers. Though, to be fair, that’s half your fault.” She popped up to glare at him. He pointed a finger at her face. “See, that right there. Both your resting bitch face and your active bitch face are admirably intimidating, provided a person doesn’t look too closely. Unfortunately for you, I’ve decided to start paying attention to other people again. Pierce is my best friend. He’s told me tons of stories about you, and you took care of me when I felt like death, then I saw you with your students.” He shook his head in mock sadness. “I’m afraid your bitchy looks of all flavors are no longer good here. But you’re welcome to kiss me anytime.”
She tried to maintain her frown, but it didn’t last. Her head went back as a deep belly laugh burst free. “‘Bitchy looks of all flavors?’”
He shrugged. “Sorry, sweetheart. Anyone who knows you even a little should know your middle name might as well be sunshine.”
She froze and red stained her cheeks bright enough that he could see the difference in the dim light.
“What?” he demanded. “Listen, if it was the commentary on your bitch faces, I was mostly teasing, though the glare you’re torching me with right now kind of proves my point.”
She poked him in the chest with her index finger. “I don’t know how you found out, but if you tell anyone, I’ll let Blaine do the whole choking you with your innards thing.”
“Why would I tell anyone? They’ve all seen it.” He batted her hand away. “Quit poking me!”
“Not that!” she shouted with another hearty jab.
He grabbed hold of her current weapon of choice and held tight. “What on earth are you talking about, woman?”
Her eyes narrowed to slits. “You really don’t know?”
“Why you’re attempting to dismember me with that finger? No, I really don’t. I knew you had a violent streak, but—”
“Okay,” she said quickly. Too quickly. “Never mind.” She wiggled, shifting to climb off his lap, no doubt so she could bolt.
“Nice try.” He released her finger but wrapped his arms around her hips, anchoring her to him. “We’re not even close to finished here. If I’m doomed to a bruise-riddled demise, I have the right to know my crime.”
“You’re not doomed. I said never mind.” The towel slipped an inch around her breasts when she managed to slide her feet to the floor. She gripped the knot with one hand and swatted at him with the other, but she was laughing. “For the love of God, I said you get to keep all your body parts where they are. Now, let me up. I need to get dressed.” The laughter died as her eyes strayed to his bare chest. She swallowed hard. “And so do you.”
Those four husky words went straight to his dick. Buff, flirty guys surrounded her all day every day, a couple of whom looked like they should be working for Abercrombie or some shit. Not once had he seen her look at any of them the way she looked at him now, like she could eat him up—if she let herself. Which was a mighty big if.
He’d watched her for days. Every time she went toe-to-toe with a problem, he had the ridiculous urge to prod at her until she turned all that intensity on him. Even when it meant winding up at Blaine’s tender mercies. Rayah Summers had more self-control than anyone he’d ever met. No way would she—
Wait.
Rayah Summers.
No. He shook his head at the thought. It couldn’t be. He bit his lip to keep from asking. In the end, the possibility was so funny he had to know. “It is, isn’t it?”
She stopped struggling, her entire body stilling.
Holy shit. “Sunshine. That’s your middle name. Rayah Sunshine Summers.”
Quick as a blink, she shifted around on his lap and slapped one hand over his mouth. “If you even think about laughing, I swear I’ll make good on the death threat. I won’t even call Blaine. I’ll do it myself.”
There it was, that intensity that made him itch to burn. Whatever had sent her on a crying jag now had her teetering on an emotional ledge, and some twisted part of him was dying to hold on to her and toss them both into the abyss.
But Rayah was genuine and kind, not to mention the hottest thing he’d seen in a long time. She was also sitting on his lap in nothing but a towel that seemed determined to hit the floor. Laughing was the last thing on his mind.
Wrapping his fingers around her wrist, he lifted her hand away from his mouth, then deliberately placed a lingering kiss on her palm as he stared into her eyes. “I’m not laughing at you, Rayah. It’s adorable as hell, but it obviously bothers you. I promise not to tell anyone.” She started to say something, but he cut her off. “Especially Pierce. I love the guy, but he couldn’t keep a secret like that if you glued his lips shut.” He hooked his pinky with hers. “Pinky promise? We both know what a sacred vow that is.” Her finger tightened around his, and he pressed, “Now, are your parents hippies or just fans of wordplay?”
She stared at him as if trying to divine if he was making fun of her or being sincere. He hugged her pinky with his, another promise.
“One of each.” She pulled her hand from his, and her shoulders descended from around her ears. The rest of her body slowly followed until her sweet, round ass pressed against his upper thighs.
Mary, Mother of God. If she scooted any closer, she really would kill him. The erection her tears had banished had returned more determined than ever to say hello, like it knew how little separated it from heaven. But he had more pressing concerns.
