Page 199 of Positively Pricked
"Uh-huh." And yet, he didn't sound convinced. "So, where'd you go?"
"What do you mean?"
"An hour ago, you left. But the alarm wasn't engaged."
I stifled a curse. He was right. In all the confusion, I'd totally forgot. "Oh, jeez. Sorry about that. I dashed out for a minute."
"You were gone thirty."
"Was I? How do you know?"
"I got a report from the guard."
"Wait, so you're spying on me?"
"No," he said in a tone of infinite patience. "I'm making sure the house is secure."
"Oh, because you're worried about the stuff?"
"Fuck the stuff," he said. "There's only one thing in that house thatI'mworried about."
Something about his tone made me feel just a little bit breathless. "Really?"
"Yeah, and I'm talking to her."
My heart fluttered, and I felt myself smile. I wanted to say something, but I had no idea what.
I was still searching for a decent response when he said, "Listen, I told myself I'd stay away, because you looked like you needed some space. But…" His words trailed off into silence.
I was dying to know what he'd say next. "But…?"
"But fuck that. You know what you need?"
"What?"
"Me."
That single word sent my world spinning.
Yes. Him.
Holy hell.He was right. I heard myself murmur, "I know."
With a smile in his voice, he replied, "Yeah?"
I was still smiling, too. "Definitely." And to my surprise, I realized that I meant it with all my heart. Maybe hewasa prick, but now, I could totally see why.
On the phone, Zane said, "The hell with this. I’m coming over."
I practically gulped, "Now?"
"Is that a problem?"
Was it?Suddenly, I was desperate to see him. We hadn't resolved anything, and I had no idea what he had in mind. And yet, the longing was so strong that I could hardly control myself.
Still, I forced myself to say, "How about I'll come to your place?" On instinct, I reached out turned on the faucet. "I need to get cleaned up, maybe take a shower or something."
"Or," he said in a voice that was way too compelling, "you could come over and shower with me."
