Page 61 of Unleashed

I took in his outfit, noting the sockless topsiders. “You look... casual.”

His smile widened as he slipped his phone into his pocket. “And you look gorgeous. I don’t always wear suits, you know.”

I raised an eyebrow, teasing. “But that’s all I’ve seen you in, aside from yesterday.”

“True,” he admitted, his tone playful. “I like to relax when I’m not working. You’ll see that if you get to know me.”

He moved to open the passenger door, his hand grazing the small of my back for just a second before stepping aside. I slid into the seat, the leather cool against my skin as I buckled up. Michael settled in beside me, starting the car and tapping the GPS screen to life.

“Address, please,” he said, his fingers poised over the touchscreen.

I rattled it off, watching him type it in, then glanced over as the directions popped up.

“Thank you for doing this,” I said, my voice softer now.

“My time is yours,” he replied, his gaze flicking to mine with that familiar intensity.

“Why?” I asked, curious. My heart beat a little faster at the simplicity of his statement.

He shook his head, smiling. “Stop asking why. I want to get to know you.”

I felt my lips twitch into a smile. “Good enough.”

The car pulled out into traffic, and the warm breeze blew my hair back as we sped through the city streets. The hum of theengine and the wind in my face felt freeing, almost too easy, considering everything on my mind.

“Would you like to grab lunch after you're finished with your parents?” Michael asked, glancing at me as the sun flickered through the trees lining the road.

I shrugged. “I might be there a few hours. They usually like me to join them for lunch in the cafeteria. You’re welcome to join us.”

“I don’t want to impose.”

“It’s no imposition,” I said, my tone light. “I’m sure my parents would love to meet another friend of mine.”

He smirked. “Is that what I am? Your friend?”

I matched his smirk, enjoying the verbal sparring. “What else should I call you?”

“Potential lover.”

I let out a snort of laughter. “I hardly think my parents would appreciate hearing about my preparations for sex with you.”

“Are you preparing to have sex with me?” His voice was smooth, teasing, but there was a glint of something more in his eyes.

“I don’t know what I’m doing,” I replied, shaking my head with a smile. “We’re friends.”

“Friends with benefits?”

I shot him a sharp look. “Christ, Michael, give it a rest. If you just want to fuck me, then say so.”

His expression softened, and his voice dropped, more sincere than I expected. “I don’t want to just fuck you. I want to know you, Morgan. I know a little, and I very much like what I see.”

I glanced away, feeling the weight of his gaze. “You might not like the rest.”

“Why do you say that?” His tone was gentle, probing.

“Because I’m headstrong and independent.”

He smiled, his hand resting on the gearshift. “And I prefer women that way.”

---