Page 85 of The Blame Game

“Ugh, fine. If you can’t manage that, we’ll throw a pair of Shea’s sunglasses on you and I’ll do all of the work.”

“That’s probably for the best.”

“That way, if you get photographed leaving the building, it’ll look like your walk of shame was with me instead of Shea.”

“Yeah, good idea,” he said gratefully.

Dom had a sudden, sneaking suspicion that Kate and Audra would get along famously. The thought terrified him.

He wanted no part of it.

And yet, they were both working hard to cover his dumb ass, so he should show his appreciation.

“And thank you,” he said sincerely. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have come here last night. But I did it because …” He licked his lips. “Because Shea was my lifeline the other night and I wanted him to know that I appreciate everything he’s done for me lately.”

“Oh. Well, in that case …”

“Hey, cut it out, Aud,” Shea said, his voice oddly rough. “Not now, okay?”

They seemed to share some silent communication before Audra threw up her hands. “Fine! Whatever. How soon do you have to leave, Dom?”

He glanced at the clock on the microwave. “Twenty minutes, max? I’d like to stop at my place and drop off my suitcase before I go to the arena.”

“Fine. I’ll go get beautiful then.”

When she was gone, Shea stepped closer. “Sorry about Audra. I love her to death but she can be a lot. Especially at this hour of the morning.”

Dom huffed out a laugh. “It’s fine. I mean, she’s … definitely something but she’s willing to help us out so I’m grateful.”

“Us?” Shea said.

“Yeah?” Dom tilted his head. He wasn’t sure what Shea meant by that but despite all evidence to the contrary, Dom was actually trying to protect both of them from further scrutiny.

Shea smiled. “Well, thanks for breakfast.”

“Thanks for the underwear.”

Shea arched an eyebrow, then stuck his finger in Dom’s waistband, tugging the sweats away from his body so he could peer at them. “You’re welcome.”

“So,” Dom said, swallowing hard because he wasn’t sure what happened now. “I’ve gotta get to the arena pretty soon.”

“And I have to get to work.”

Dom licked his lips. They’d moved so far out of their usual Sunday night appointments he didn’t know what to do anymore. “Maybe you could come over to my place this weekend,” he suggested. “I’d have to smuggle you in but …”

“Yeah?” Shea smirked. “What’d you have in mind?”

“Well, I’m probably not going to be able to get quite as athletic as I’d like,” Dom admitted. “But I’m sure we can come up with something.”

“Sure.” Something in Shea’s expression tightened. “Yeah. Of course.”

“Hey,” Dom said. He reached out and grabbed Shea’s hip. “We still have a few minutes before we have to go now though, right?”

“Yeah.” Shea settled a hand on his chest. “We do.”

Despite the fact that both their mouths tasted like green onion and coffee, the kiss was good. Better than good.

Easy and effortless. And then hot.