Page 34 of Rage's Heart

“Four words,” he countered, holding up four fingers. “Four fucking words, Mac.”

I bit my lip as my heart plummeted into my belly. I had done that and it was cowardly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what to say.”

“How about goodbye? See you around? Or maybe thanks for the orgasms, let’s do it again sometime?” His tone was teasing, but his eyes confirmed the irritation he was really feeling.

“I’m sorry,” I offered, really meaning it. “I just... I didn’t think you’d want me to stick around.”

That was sort of the truth. I didn’t figure he wanted his hook up to still be hanging out in his bed when he got home. He was a member of the Saints for crying out loud and it was pretty common knowledge how they operated.

Rage studied me, like he was trying to decide if I was telling the truth.

Finally, his expression softened. “You’re a shit liar, you know that?”

I couldn’t help the laugh that escaped. “So I’ve been told.”

His eyes traveled down my body again, this time with unmistakable heat. “As much as I’m enjoying the view, put some real clothes on.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Because I’m taking you somewhere, and as much as I enjoy seeing those long sexy legs, I don’t think that’s practical for where we’re going.”

My heart skipped. “Taking me where, exactly?”

His smile was slow and full of promise. “It’s a surprise. But I guarantee you’ll like it.”

“That’s not cryptic at all,“ I deadpanned, though butterflies were fluttering in my stomach. I loved surprises.

“Come on, Swiftie,” he teased. “Live a little. Unless you’ve got more dusting that can’t wait?”

I hesitated, glancing back at my half-cleaned apartment. I really did need to get the apartment clean, but I’d been thinking about the him for the last four days. There was no way in hell I was turning down his offer.

“Give me five minutes to change.”

His grin widened, revealing white teeth against the dark scruff of his beard. “I’ll be waiting.”

I let him in, trying not to feel self-conscious as I practically ran to my bedroom, aware of his eyes on me the entire way.

Once safely behind my closed door, I leaned against it, taking deep breaths.

We slept together once and I was acting like a teenager with her first crush.

Get it together, Mac.

One by one I slid the hangers in my closet across the rail. No.

No.

Nope.

Will make me look like I’m trying too hard.

No.

Yes!

I pulled the worn jeans with the perfectly ripped holes in the knees that made my ass look spectacular off the hanger and tossed them behind me on the bed. Then went back in for my green v-neck tee, and trusty leather jacket that hit right at my waist.

After dressing in record time I pulled a brush through my hair, swiped on a coat of mascara and tinted lip balm and dug out the only pair of shitkicker boots I owned.

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