Page 21 of The Red-Hot Stakes

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The door opened, startling me from my hyper focus.

Liam blinked in surprise. “You’re still here.”

“Gee, thanks.” Always nice to be forgotten. I ignored the pang of hurt that nicked me, not wanting to examine it too closely.

He sighed. “That’s not what I meant.”

I glanced at the clock, shocked to see it was midnight. Crap, I have class first thing tomorrow. “Wow, I didn’t realize it was this late. I need to get to bed. Is everyone else gone?” I hoped the answer was yes, or I didn’t have a chance at sleeping.

His nod was cut off by a yawn.

Quickly I packed my things. “Thanks again, Liam. Night.”

He mumbled, “Night.”

I hurried to the apartment, changing into a T-shirt and athletic shorts, my usual form of pajamas. As I brushed my teeth, a noise made me pause, then groan. I knew it would happen eventually, and was surprised it hadn’t happened yet.

But I could have gone my whole life without hearing my BFF and her fiancé having sex. No matter how hard I tried, I’d never been able to sleep with a fan or music on. I needed silence, and they were anything but quiet.

Nor did they show signs of stopping.

It was nearly one a.m. when I pulled myself out of bed, grabbed my phone and slid my feet into some slippers. Trudging downstairs, I stood in front of Liam’s door, pushing send on the text.

A few seconds later, the door opened, Liam hastily tugging a shirt over his rippled abdomen. “Gina?” His green plaid boxers were the only other thing he wore.

“Did their team win or something?” I realized how incoherent my question was when I saw the confusion written all over Liam’s tired face. “Avery and Derek. ’Cause they’ve been going at it like rabbits since I got back. And they’re not exactly low-key.” I winced. “If I have to hear them moaning their stupid nicknames one more time, I might just throw myself out the nearest window.”

His blank stare had me sighing. “You’re going to make me say it, aren’t you?” More blankness, so I steeled myself and spelled it out for him. “Can I sleep here? I have an early class tomorrow, and I’m no good without sleep.”

Comprehension dawned, and he immediately stepped back, opening the door wider.

But I hesitated. “You’re alone, right? And you’re not planning some three-hour-long jerk off where you holler at the top of your lungs?”

One meaty hand wiped over his face. “Really, Red? I’m doing you a favor, and that’s what you want to ask me? About my masturbation habits?”

Great, now I’m actually picturing… I shifted uncomfortably, trying to keep my focus off his boxers. “Just keep the roaring to a minimum, all right?”

“I’ll try,” he said dryly, “but I’m not making any promises.” When I still hesitated, he sighed. “Would you just get in here?”

It was harder than I thought it’d be, crossing that threshold, but I did it. Then I stood awkwardly to one side of the entryway as Liam locked up. I trailed after him to his spare bedroom which was all made up and hovered near the bed, waiting for Liam to leave.

“All set?”

I nodded.

His stare lingered on me as he reached over to flick on the bedside lamp. “Night, Red.”

“Night.” I dragged my lower lip between my teeth as he started toward the door, knowing I needed to say more. “Liam?”

He paused, turning back to me.

“I never said thanks.” I shrugged then crossed my arm over my midsection. “For making me ride home with you the other night. For beating the crap out of the other guys. For pissing me off so I’d fight.” When he still didn’t move, I realized I technically still hadn’t said it. “Thank you.”

One side of his mouth tipped up. “You’re welcome.” He turned off the light, leaving me in the dimness of the bedside lamp.

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