Page 37 of Totally Off Limits

“You’re still lying to yourself, Sierra,” she said, turning up the music once more, but even The Pretty Reckless couldn’t keep her thoughts from swirling. Hoping it would help, she sang the lyrics she knew at the top of her lungs and kept her eyes focused on the road, because there were no streetlamps out here.

Fortunately, Mickey’s directions had been spot-on and she soon found herself pulling into a drive that led to a house that was possibly even bigger than her parents’—but there was no sure way to tell in the dark…or without exploring indoors. The wedding had been outside in the forest beyond, and cars had been everywhere, so she hadn’t paid much attention then. It was easy for her to find the path that led up to the front door, thanks to the lights on all around the front of the rustic-looking home.

Oh, God.What would she even say? It was too late to turn around now.

As she walked closer to the door, she sucked in a deep breath, slowly letting it out.Mickey’s a good friend—he won’t mind that I needed to see him.

At the door, she inhaled deeply one more time, glad she had the jacket on, because it was significantly cooler here, but the air smelled so fresh and clean that it felt like a signal from the universe that she’d made the right decision to come here.

But what if she hadn’t?

Again, she froze, her finger paused in front of the doorbell button as she questioned her decision—but the door opened, nonetheless.

Of course, it was Mickey who opened the door as if he had read her mind. And her thoughts instantly grew dirty. The way the white t-shirt clung to his frame reminded her of how he looked underneath—but she knew he was chiseled now, more filled out than he’d been back when they’d had that one encounter that had changed her life completely.

His face, though…it was like an angel. The brown facial hair trimmed close enough to give him a rugged bad boy look, the smile that emphasized his ivory teeth, the glimmer in his eyes that seemed to know more than he let on. No matter what the logical part of her brain told her, her body responded to simply being near him, and there was no denying thatthiswas the man she wanted.

Shit. This had been a bad idea.

Mickey started to say something but his eyes said more than words ever could. There was no way he couldn’t notice the dress, the hair, the jewelry, the makeup. But that allowed Sierra to find her words. “I shouldn’t have come.”

“Bullshit.” Mickey took her hand and led her inside before she could protest further. As she stepped inside, Sierra glanced around. This home felt less ostentatious than the one her parents owned and yet it was much larger—higher ceilings and a bigger great room. Still, it felt more cozy and lived in.

Mickey’s dark eyes nearly devoured her, and even though she had the jean jacket on, she felt like her entire body was on display in that dress.

Why the hell hadn’t she changed clothes first?

To get Mickey’s attention off her poor choice of attire, she practically blurted out, “Johnny and Katie are still on their honeymoon?”

“Yep. We’re all alone here.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. I don’t think you really know everybody else in the band,” he said, closing the door, “but Kiefer and Heather are in Mexico, I think. Me and Sage are the only ones housesitting.”

“Sage…he plays drums?”

“Yeah.” The way Mickey grinned communicated so much—mostly that he was happy to know she’d remembered something about his band. “And let’s just say he’s out having some fun.”

“So you were up here all by yourself?”

“Is that so bad?”

“No. I guess not.”

“Can I get you something to drink?”

“Um…maybe.”

Mickey smiled again, melting her on the inside as it lit up his whole face. “I’m trying to decide between a beer or a shot—‘cause I need a shot ofsomethingafter seeing you in that dress.”

That dress she’d bought for him years ago.

On impulse, Sierra said, “I’ll have a shot if you do.”

Raising one eyebrow, he said, “You’re on.” Then he walked across the room to a small but beautiful bar made of polished wood that blended in so well with the décor that it was easy to miss. The rest of the gigantic room was taken over by a large sectional and the biggest fireplace Sierra had possibly ever seen, in addition to a few chairs, a mammoth coffee table, and other pieces of furniture and artwork. Mickey pulled her attention back to him when he asked, “What’ll it be?”

As she placed the little purse on the bar, she said, “Whatever you’re having.”

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