Page 28 of Perfect Pitch

She executes a little curtsey and says, “For my next act, I can attempt to set the fire alarm off by burning toast.”

I shove aside the pillow. “Let my brother sleep. I’ll handle the toast.”

Austyn nods but doesn’t move. Her eyes are glued to my exposed chest as I make my way into the kitchen. I can’t prevent the smirk that crosses my face as I saunter in her direction. I finger the almost fully open dress shirt I’ve been wearing since last night. “Want me to take it off?”

But if I thought to embarrass her for staring at me, I failed. Her magnificent blues flicker up at me before zeroing in on my shirt as if she can see through it. “You could or you could just tell me what your tattoo says.”

I smirk. “I’ll make you a deal.”

“What’s that?”

“Let me get you naked and you can find out for yourself.”

If I expected to shock her, I’m the one in for a surprise. The little minx’s lips curve appealingly before lowering her eyes back to the counter. Even without makeup, her long lashes lay like fans against her cheeks.

“So, is that a maybe.”

“It’s an I’ll let you know.”

“That’s better than nothing,” I cede begrudgingly.

“I’m not some sweet innocent who has no business being in New York.” Austyn lets out a delicious laugh. “If that’s what you hoped for, let me fix your misconceptions. I’m not certain New York is ready for me.”

Recalling everything Trevor meandered on about Austyn and her talent until the wee hours of the morning, I admit, “That might be a possibility.”

She makes a humming sound but doesn’t stick to her line of questioning, much to my cock’s dismay. It liked where this little firecracker was going. Instead, she veers into more dangerous waters. “Trevor said you’re extraordinary in your line of work.”

“So,” I jut my chin out pugnaciously.

“Oscar Wilde said to ‘Always expect the unexpected.’ I would think to be exceptional in your line of work, you shouldn’t make assumptions.” She bends down to pull the toaster from the lower cabinet.

That’s when I make my move.

As she stands, I cage her between my body and the counter. “Do you know what it is I do, Austyn?”

“Just that you’re a bodyguard, it takes you out of town for long stretches of time, and your brother misses you.”

My head drops forward until it’s almost resting against hers. “Yeah. I miss him too.”

Her hands squeeze the life out of the toaster. “Is he why you... have a problem with me?”

“Who said I have an issue with you?” My only issue at the moment is I want to peel the ridiculous excuse for sleepwear off her body and rip open the clasp of my slacks before my cock sinks into her heat.

Austyn scoffs, unaware of my body’s torment by her nearness. “Please. Let’s not start out with lies.”

Grudgingly, I admit, “All right.”

“You don’t like me?” I detect a note of gloom.

“Why don’t we say I was tired when we were first introduced.”

“That’s a cop-out.”

I don’t say a word because she’s not wrong.

“Is it because I’m your brother’s roommate?” Confusion laces her voice.

No, I didn’t like you because despite every insinuating question I asked, he never confirmed whether you two are a thing. But I somehow manage to hold that in. “Let’s just put that down to my being irritable due to a lack of sleep and we’ll start fresh. Sound good?”

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