Page 42 of Sizzling

His grin spread as he looked at me through his lashes. I was sure this worked with most women. He knew what he was doing clearly. But he was dealing with a pro, and I wasn’t biting.

“With you. I’ll take you to dinner.”

I placed a hand on my hip. “Do I need to remind you of all my faults?”

“Not necessary. They’re all up here,” he said, tapping his temple with his pointer finger.

I needed my tire changed, and if it meant dinner with the man, then so be it. “Well, if you’re willing to chance it.”

He did a quick scan of my body. “Definitely willing to take that chance.”

One meal wouldn’t kill me.

I waved a hand at the car. “Then, please work your magic.”

“That won’t be necessary,” a familiar deep voice came from my left.

I jerked my gaze from the car to see Storm walking toward us. I tensed immediately. The fact that the sight of him in a pair of faded jeans and another snug-fitting T-shirt—this one was blue—made my body tingle annoyed me to no end. I should accept that he made all female bodies tingle. It was something that was a given. But I could ignore it. I was stronger than that.

“Excuse me,” Ajani replied.

Storm cut his eyes to the other man. “I’m certain I spoke clearly.”

Ajani turned to me. “Briar? Is this a friend of yours?”

I was about to say no, but I stopped myself. Ajani did not need to die today, and he had no idea who he was dealing with.

I forced a smile. “You could call him that.”

Ajani frowned and looked back at Storm. “We’ve got things covered.”

Oh sweet Jesus. Ajani was gonna get himself killed over a stupid dinner date.

I stepped between the two of them before Storm decided to do something illegal. “Really, Ajani. Storm is here to help. I wasn’t expecting him so soon. But thank you for offering to help me. I really do appreciate it.”

Ajani looked over my shoulder, his jaw clenched, then back to me. “If you’re sure.”

I nodded. “Yes. Very.” So sure.

For real, dude, you need to run for your life. No joke.

He stood there, not leaving, like he needed to be doing. Why couldn’t he read my mind?

Look into my eyes, Ajani, and see that you are walking a line you do not want to walk for a woman who has no interest in you.

“You’re not wealthy enough for her,” Storm told him. “Wasting your time. She requires deeper pockets.”

I pressed my lips together and inhaled, trying to keep from turning around and slapping his stupid, handsome face. If it wasn’t for my fear of what he’d do if Ajani said or did the wrong thing, I’d shove him and tell him to go to hell or wherever he had come from.

“She mentioned that already,” Ajani replied. “But I think she’d find that I have more than enough to keep her attention.”

Stunned by my neighbor’s quick response, I stared at him. He was making this a situation, and we did not need a situation. Not today and not because of me.

“You don’t. Now, go,” Storm replied, sounding bored by the conversation.

Ajani looked back at me and took a step back toward Storm.

“Thanks again, but Storm will handle it now.”

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