Page 14 of Headed for Home

I’m saved from the interrogation by a buzz in my back pocket. A glance at the caller ID sours my mood faster than a bad case of hemorrhoids. I dodged them earlier thanks to mistaken identity. Twice is asking too much apparently. A huff spews from me while I chomp on a foul curse. My finger stabs at the ignore button in rapid succession.

“Hey, killer. Easy.” Drake circles my wrist to stop the attack on my screen. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” I spit.

“Let’s not start off this relationship with more lies.” His admonishing tone is too much.

Laughter bubbles from me, but the humor quickly fades into a sob. “It’s this awful construction company. They’re trying to buy a bunch of land around here for their stupid development plans. Freaking bullies.”

“Okay, just relax. Deep breath in.” He inhales and I mirror the action. “And now out.”

I release the hot air along with some of the upset. “Mother truckers are such a trigger.”

“They can’t force you, right?”

I nod. “It’s just nonstop pressure to sell. Their tactics are dirty.”

“They have no power over you. Fuck ‘em.”

“Yep, they’re not getting an inch from me. Ever.” I tuck my phone away, and then swipe at my cheek that feels wet.

“Better?”

“Getting there.” I take another slow breath in and out.

“Good girl.” Drake is still staring at me even after I’ve collected myself.

“I’m fine now,” I say to reassure him.

“You have a little something…” He points at his jaw.

I scrub at the area. “Gone?”

“It’s worse,” he laughs. “Allow me.”

His touch is gentle as he sweeps at what I assume is a smudge of dirt. After several brushes, his fingers linger on my skin. He tips my chin upward to check his work. Electricity seems to spark from the contact, but that must be my imagination. Until our eyes connect and hold. Heat consumes me, the kind that burns from deep inside and spreads.

“Oh,” I breathe.

Drake leans in. “Go on a date with me.”

“Okay.”

“So agreeable,” he murmurs. His exhale skates across my lips. “I’ll touch you more often if this is the reaction.”

“Holy shit.” I pull away from his hold. “You sucked me into your dicksand. That was… whew, mister. You’re dangerous.”

“Only to your panties. Never your heart.” He winks and both naughty dimples pop in his cheeks.

Another wave of warmth travels through me. “I find that hard to believe.”

Drake’s smirk tips higher. “How’s Saturday?”

“For what?”

“Our date.”

I’m already shaking my head. “No, no. We’re not going on a date.”

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