Page 21 of Taming Drew

“He has been.”

“Are you going to tell me about what happened between you when we go to happy hour?”

“What?”

“About high school?”

“Oh. Yeah. Sure. We’ll talk about it some other time. Bye.” I wait for her to respond and end the call.

Drew’s hand stops. “You thought she knew about us, huh?”

“Yeah.” I chuckle. “For a minute, I did.”

He pulls me back against his front. “Want to talk about what we did?”

I swallow.Do I?“Um. Didn’t you say something about teaching me how to play Mario Kart?”

He jumps up on his bed and bounds over me. “Let’s go.”

“I need to get dressed.”

“Who needs clothes?” He reads my face. “Hey, you’re beautiful. I love your body.”

I take a breath. “You didn’t in high school.”

“I was a fool who didn’t appreciate how special you were. I understand that now.” He reaches into his drawer and pulls out an enormous shirt and hands it to me. “It should cover you, so you’ll be more comfortable.” He extends his hand to help me up, and I put on the shirt.

“Thanks.”

“No problemo. Let’s get to gaming.”

CHAPTEREIGHT

DREW

Istep off the elevator with a bouquet of daisies in my hand.I don’t think I’ve ever given a woman flowers, except for my mom.My heart clenches at the memory of my mother.It’s been three years since she died, and I still haven’t gotten over the loss. I shake off the sadness. The lack of security in this building makes me snort.The apartment complex isn’t nice enough for Chloe and her daughter to be living here.Nerves churn in my stomach thinking about the prior weekend. Chloe stayed until Sunday, and we spent the whole time touching. I’ve never spent the night with a woman before and have to admit it was stellar.Waking to have her in the middle of the night was mind blowing.By the time she met Kylie to get Freya, she had figured out how to beat me at Mario Kart. Not an easy feat. We talked every day this week, but didn’t get to meet because she was busy with work. I met with the team doctor about my injuries, and I helped to set stuff up for Travis to bring his mom. I take a huge breath and blow it out as I knock on the door with my special ‘shave and a haircut’ knock.

The door opens, and Chloe beams at me before she sees the flowers. The bright white and yellow blooms catch her attention. “Flowers?”

The corner of my mouth raises. “I remembered you like daisies and figured if you’re making dinner, I could bring you flowers.”

She raises up on her toes and kisses my cheek. “Thanks.”

“De nada.” I step into her apartment, glancing around. The living room is spotless, with every little thing in its place.She is so much neater than me.A bookcase in the corner of the room has an eclectic selection of books. I notice various children’s books, like the ones I’ve seen at Cameron’s place, and thick romance novels filling the shelves. The furniture isn’t expensive, but it’s clean and weirdly matches much better than my professionally decorated bedroom.I’d rather live here. It reminds me of what my home was like before my mom died.I turn my head into Chloe’s soft, concerned eyes.It feels like she knows what I’m thinking.

“Are you okay?”

I shrug as I move farther into the room. “Do you need any help with dinner?”

“Ha. We’ve already discussed the fact that you don’t cook.”

I chuckle as I run my fingers down her cheek. “I can follow directions, and I grill. Don’t forget I made you breakfast.” We walk into the kitchen. “What time does Freya get home?”

“She’s staying at the ranch with Lily and Phoebe. Lily wants to make up for Phoebe missing the sleepover last week. I expect to hear all about the horses.”

I grab her and pull her body into mine. “Does that mean I can sleep over, too?”

“That can be arranged. Have you heard anything about the bar fight?”