Page 4 of Headed for Home

I pause my retreat. “You didn’t. I’m just tired of defending my books.”

“Did you think I was being a judgmental dick?”

“It’s fine. I’m used to it.”

He blanches. “I sure hope not, or I’ll be collecting their names.”

I wave off his concern. “The only romance I can manage is fictional. It’s why I’m perpetually single and prefer the company of horses.”

“Well, that answers that.” His comment doesn’t make sense until I notice where his attention has swerved.

I inwardly groan at the shirt I’m wearing, not having the courage to glance down. But my avoidance doesn’t erase the picture stamped across my chest. A cartoon kitten is meowing the wordsOne Whisker Short of Crazy Cat Lady. It’s comical, but slightly embarrassing in this instance.

“Give me a break. It’s laundry day. Had I known a man who puts book boyfriends to shame would be here, I would’ve dressed the part.”

A sly grin slants his lips. “And what part is that?”

“Uh…” Shit, I’m horribly out of practice. “Just something… more appropriate.”

“Such as?”

I pull in a deep breath. Might as well step into character and make it worth his while. “Thigh-high boots, fishnet stockings, and a lace garter belt for starters, big daddy.”

An obnoxious groan spills from him, paired with a full body shudder. His display snags the attention of several women sitting nearby. “Fuck, yeah. I’d love to see that.”

My lashes flutter at an exaggerated speed. “In your dreams.”

A dimple pops in his scruffy cheek. “Or you could let me lend a hand with your laundry.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“I’ll strip off your clothes and toss them in the washer before scrubbing you clean. Vigorously.”

My mind whirls in a flustered spin cycle. “Oh, boy. Are you… coming onto me for real?”

“Coming onto me,” he echoes like a breeze. “Um, yeah. I’d very much like to come all over you.”

A low tune whistles from me. “You’re really quick with the smutty banter, huh?”

His brows bounce. “Only with proper motivation.”

“Good grief. Does this usually work for you?” I motion at him and his attempt at getting in my pants.

“You tell me.”

“Yeah, no. We’re not on equal playing fields. I’m going to leave before I make a fool of myself.” My shoes squeak on the tiles as I begin a hasty backpedal.

Drake’s large hand returns to my arm, his skin toasty against mine. “Whoa, whoa, Cass. What’s the hurry?”

Other than him acting like we’re fuck buddies after being reacquainted for five minutes? I knew him as a flirtatious boy, but this man is something else entirely.It’s not entirely unexpected considering his career in the spotlight. That doesn’t mean he should assume I’ll become his latest conquest. Our previous connection is the only reason I’m still standing here.

A quick peek at my watch reveals that my precious free time has already dwindled to ten minutes. “I’m giving a lesson at one o’clock. My day is booked solid from there.”

“How do I make an appointment?”

I quirk a disbelieving brow. “You want to ride a horse?”

“Or a very sassy redhead. Allow me to slide into this tight schedule of yours.”

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