Page 34 of Inflame

“Yup,” I chirp. “Not in the mood for that type of drama in my life. Too much paperwork and too many insurance companies involved.”

“Turn left when you get up the ramp. Follow the signs to the main strip and then make another left,” he directs.

“So what should I expect from Babystacks? Is this going to be an orgasmic experience or do I have to fake it?” It is too hard hiding my true self, so I don’t bother. My humor is usually sexual and borders on being inappropriate. However, it takes less energy to be me than it does to try to contain me.

He laughs and grabs the wheel from me, to keep me from going up over the curb—hismuffled words, not mine. “With me, you won’t ever need to fake anything.”

His words coat me like warm honey. Somehow, I know he is referring to more than just pancakes. While I was joking when I asked the question, there isn’t even a slight edge of humor in his tone. I shake my head to try to get the thoughts of what he would be like in bed out of my mind.

“Quit shaking your head,” he says, humor laced in his tone.

“Why?”

He grabs the steering wheel again. “Because every twitch of your body makes the car jostle side to side.”

“Oh, no it doesn’t. You exaggerate, just like the rest of them.”

“See, I’m not alone in my analysis then,” he says. “The speed limit is thirty-five on this stretch. Turn left at the next major intersection. We’ll follow that road for several miles.”

“Okay, Mr. Law Abiding Citizen.” I settle into my seat and turn onto the road running perpendicular to the strip. There is barely any traffic. “I really want to see how fast this girl can go.”

“Not here. How do you know she’s not a boy?”

I think about it for a second. “No stick.”

He laughs and then points out some of the places he has visited during his numerous trips here in the past.

Graham and Angie are behind us. I can see Angie’s smile from the mirror. She is deliriously happy. I want to feel like that too. Or maybe they are the outliers and striving to be that level of happy is unrealistic. The last thing I need right now is to channel my energy to aim for something unachievable.

I need to figure things out in Portland with work. If I can get a job that brings me joy, maybe things with Ethan won’t feel so intense. I am stressed and feeling down on myself. It doesn’t help that I am now in debt and my parents are splitting. Life can get so messy sometimes.

Nic’s phone buzzes and he grabs it from the cupholder, looking down at the caller ID. “Any updates?” I can hear his breathing change, and I look over with my side-eye to see if I can see any tells as to why his whole demeanor has changed.

During poker, I noticed that the direction in which he would turn his ring would change depending on his type of hand. I caught him in a few bluffs and was so excited to ultimately take him down in the end. It had been years since I played and most of the time it was online for fun—with no money involved. Last night was invigorating to dominate the table and come back with the huge win. It is refreshing not having to rely on Ethan for every little thing when it comes to finances. I value my independence, which makes not really working a huge struggle.

“Follow him. I need concrete proof. Hire more people if need be. Also, get the temp to look at my calendar and clear my schedule of meetings for when I return back to Portland. I need several days to look at the security at HH and the other properties to see what I’m dealing with before I accept Graham’s offer.” Nic pulls the phone from his ear and looks over at me. “It’s up there on the right,” Nic says softly, and then barks into the phone, “I have to go. Keep me informed.”

I take the turn a little too sharp, causing Nic to lean over into my side of the car.

“Hell, woman, you’re going to crash us.”

“Quit being dramatic.”

9

NIC

I never thought I would rejoice for being on solid ground again, after Claire nearly got us into an accident—numerous times—with her distracted driving. Or perhaps she wasn’t distracted at all and is just plain horrible at it. Worst part is, she is oblivious to just how bad she is at it. I would love to meet her driver’s education teacher. I make a mental note to convince her to let me drive on the way back. I may be a risk taker, but I definitely do not have a death wish.

Graham’s job offer of being his head of security keeps weighing on my mind. I know I would be the best man for the job, but I also know that I lack the ability to stay committed for long. If I accept the offer, I need to be sure I can stick with it for the long haul. I know people always say not to work with family, but Graham and I have never not worked together. We are two stubborn bastards who stop at nothing to get goals completed. It is probably why we can pride ourselves on being as successful as we are.

I hold the door open for Claire and she walks through first, looking around at the ambience and artwork featuring pancakes. The hostess comments on her shirt and helps us find a booth that fits four.

“You better drive on the way back,” Graham whispers to me. “You guys were making me super nervous. I thought I warned you.”

“You know she’s going to fight me on it,” I say, as if I already lost the battle.

“Oh, I’m aware. I have the most stubborn one right—”

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