Page 76 of The Sweetest Chirp

So why has Thatcher gone radio silent on me?

I chance a glance over at him in the car, and his whole upper body is taut. His knuckles are white as he shifts and holds the steering wheel. His shoulders are back, the fabric straining against his large muscles, leaving me not only a bit hot at the sight but also completely confused.

What in the world changed?

“Did something happen with the call? Was that Olive?” I mention, speaking of the GM of the IceCats. I cross my legs so that the slit of the dress parts. I know he likes the peek of mythigh. He’s been staring at it every chance he gets. I’m pretty sure that’s why he bought me the dress.

I watch as he drags his eyes up my legs and then how he squirms in his seat, adjusting himself. I want to smile to myself, but I’m worried he’s second-guessing us. But why would he? That has to be in my head. But my brain is an idiot; she never caught on to the fact that he was in love with me for years.

He clears his throat. “Yeah, but no big deal. I’m being fined for the time off I took.”

My brows furrow deeply. “It doesn’t fall under FMLA?”

“It might. I have Eli on it.”

“Good. I’m sure he’ll know how to handle it.”

“If not, I’ll pay it. I don’t care,” he says, and then he slides his hand along my thigh, squeezing my warm flesh. “You two are worth it.”

See, brain? You’re dumb.

A satisfied smile pulls at my lips as I say, “Still, I’m sorry that everything got in the way of your career.”

“It’s a career, Audrina,” he says gruffly. “You and Arwen are my life.”

I press my lips together, my heart skipping a few beats before she steadies herself for the next swoon-worthy comment I’m sure he’ll throw my way. “I guess you don’t regret everything, then.”

He flashes me a dark look. “Why the hell would you say that?”

“You’ve gone quiet,” I point out, and he takes a deep breath, his fingers biting into my thigh as he pulls up in front of the house.

He puts the Spider in park and then exhales hard and long. I watch as his throat works, and he looks up at the house before he says, “I’m in my head.”

“About?”

“If I should take you upstairs to show you in more than one way how entirely I own your pussy,” he says, sending heat straight to said pussy. “Or if I should just walk you to your room and kiss you goodnight.”

I blink. “Why is the latter even an option?”

He looks at me, and why is he stressing over this? I can see it in his eyes, the downturn of his sweet mouth. I can’t help but smirk at him, but he doesn’t return it. “I don’t want you to think I expect sex after all the dazzling I just did.”

I snort. “You think mighty highly of yourself.”

He eyes me, knowing damn well he did dazzle me. “So, that wasn’t the best date of your life?”

We lock gazes. “The only one that matters.” He shoots me a wide grin, and I’m breathless at the possessiveness in his eyes. Needing him to continue looking at me like that, I ask, “Do you want to have sex with me?”

He groans, shifting in his seat once again. He drops his head to the steering wheel and grinds out, “More than I want to take my next breath.”

I nod, and then I throw the door open. He snaps his head up at that, gaping after me as I shut the door. I almost laugh at his shocked expression as I saunter toward the front door. I have way too much sway in my ass, but I want there to be no doubt what my intentions are. Just as I reach the front door, I hear the car door slam before he hauls ass up the steps. I don’t slow my ascent. If anything, I speed up, and I’m already climbing the staircase when I hear the front door close.

“Taking off on me again?”

I look over my shoulder as I hit the landing, finding him at the bottom of the stairs with an unholy smirk on his face. “Maybe.”

I start for my room as he makes his way up the stairs, undoing his coat and then his cuff links. “Remember what happened last time?”

I smirk as I call out, “Sure, but it took you three years to find me.”

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