Page 100 of Outcast
“I wasn’t trying to disrespect tattoo art,” I said, glancing sidelong at the ink decorating Gray’s arms. “Obviously, it inspires me.”
“In more ways than one,” Gray said as he slipped one hand onto my thigh. “Sometimes I think you lusted after my ink more than me.”
“Not even close,” I said with a smile. “But itisvery hot.”
He grinned and leaned in to whisper in my ear, “Drive faster. I need to get you in my bed.”
I sucked in a breath, pressing the gas pedal and edging a few miles over the speed limit. Not enough to get pulled over, just enough to hurry the fuck up.
The Forrester Auto turn came up on the left. I flipped on my blinker and took it.
Gray went back to perusing the sketchbook.
“Hm. This one is different.” My heart lurched. Had he found— “Still beautiful, but kind of sad?”
Gray stared down at the tree, barren branches reaching in all directions, one small figure among them, as the sky cried teardrops.
The image I’d done in memory of my brother.
My hands tightened on the steering wheel. I’d never shown anyone that image before, even though I’d drawn and painted dozens of versions of it.
Not even Allison.
“Emory?” Gray prompted. “You okay?”
I realized I’d stopped the car halfway down the drive and sat staring at the sketchbook page. With a start, I pressed the gas pedal and drove over the rutted tracks to the house.
Gray didn’t push for answers, remaining quiet until I’d parked and killed the engine.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “Did you not want me to see this?”
I pulled the sketchbook from his hands and closed it. “It’s fine. We’ve just got other priorities tonight.”
He raised an eyebrow. Before he could ask me more questions, I wrapped a hand around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss.
Bless Gray, because the man knew how to take a hint. He met my urgent mouth, letting my tongue in to slide along his. He still tasted like malty beer, and I drank him down faster than my pint back at Ball Breakers.
When my hands delved under his shirt, he pulled back. “Let’s take this upstairs.”
I nodded, relieved.
He stopped me before I could get out the door. “I just need to say one thing.”
Shit, I knew that was too easy. I braced myself for questions that would open that ugly pit in my stomach and kill any hopes of a sexy night ahead.
He cupped my face, meeting my eyes. “Whatever you don’t want to talk about, I’m not going to make you. Just know that I’m here if you ever do want to talk about it. I’d like to know the real you, Emory.”
“Thank you,” I murmured, casting my gaze down, unable to take the warmth in his dark eyes. “Not right now, okay?”
“Not until you’re ready,” he said.
He released me to get out of the car. I followed him into the house and up the stairs to his room. When we got there, Gray pulled out his phone and sent a text message.
“Making sure my brothers stay out late tonight.” He tossed his phone on the bedside table and pulled me against him. “I want to take my time with you.”
I leaned in, expecting a kiss, but he bypassed my mouth and traced his tongue over the shell of my ear.
“I’ll give you anything you want tonight, Em. My mouth. My ass. My dick.”
