Page 13 of No Place Like Home
“You did ask me, so why the hell would I say no? I’ve never turned down a beautiful lady.” He brushed my hair over my shoulder and wiggled his brows.
I chuckled as I took a bite of the cookie. “That, I believe.”
“Saying I’m a ho?” he asked, feigning shock. “If so, I’ve got to say, I’m offended.”
I rolled my eyes and focused once again on finding something to watch. “I doubt that offended you, but you’ve never hurt for a lady’s attention.”
“Well, there’s one lady whose attention I’ve never had in that way.”
I froze as my heart did a slight stutter, and I stared at the screen without registering what was on. I turned slowly toward him, my eyebrows raised. “Excuse me?” I asked. If I gave off my typical air of not giving a shit, maybe he wouldn’t realize how that statement affected me. How my heart picked up speed and my stomach did that churning thing again.
Our eyes locked for a brief second before one corner of his mouth turned up. “You seem a little shocked. You should know I’ve always thought you were beautiful.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yeah, and you look good too. Stating the obvious means nothing. That’s how we could be friends all these years.” I turned my attention back to whatever the hell was on and took a bite of the cookie.
Damn him. If he thought I was going to give in to that sexy grin and his come-fuck-me eyes, he wassowrong. Now to get my body to climb on board.
Chapter 7
Rowan
Summer froze and if I wasn’t mistaken, her breathing halted for a brief second. I held her gaze and was almost swallowed up by her large hazel eyes. They were so unique—light brown with a hint of gold around the pupil. When she was pissed, though, they turned darker, almost black, like she was burning from the inside out. Luckily, I didn’t get that gaze just now. Maybe that was a sign.
She turned from me and put her attention back on the screen, but I couldn’t tear my eyes from her and took in her profile. Her nose still had a soft graceful curve that I use to trace with my finger to make her smile. Her cheek was just rounded enough, though right this minute it held an indentation in the center—a tell-tale sign she was biting the inside, deep in thought. Maybe I shouldn’t have told her I thought she was beautiful, though I do and have since we were teenagers.
God, I’ve loved her for decades, and I’ve often wondered if she could sense it. The times I’d stare a bit too long when she wasn’t looking, or recently, how I’d talk shit about the latest guy she was dating, or even the times I delayed hanging up when we FaceTimed.
Damn, this was not a time to go there. I wiggled my way under the comforter and sheet. “Summer, find something you want to watch, and don’t mind me.”
“Wait, you say that and then get comfortable in my bed?”
“What did I say?” I asked.
“That you’ve always thought I was beautiful.”
I should have realized she wouldn’t let that comment go. I was sure her guys-are-shit-and-aren’t-to-be-trusted senses were tingling. Hell, with her this close, I had to admit my senses were also tingling, and not in a this is my best friend kind of way. “Good night, Summertime. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just joshing you like usual.”
She rolled her eyes and smiled. “So, I’m not beautiful?”
I shrugged. “Not if it puts me back on the couch.”
“You’re a dick.”
I chuckled. Things were back to normal. “Damn, this bed is comfy. So much better than the couch.”
“I’m glad you approve,” Summer said. “Keep on your side, and don’t steal the covers.”
“Well, you make sure to keep your hands to yourself and don’t take advantage of me. It’s been a long day and I’m exhausted. I have no energy to fight you off.” I rolled away from her. I didn’t need to feel her body or heat at all. I was already having issues keeping my dick under control.
I closed my eyes, and a vision of her from earlier came to me. As I lay on the couch, having rejected her offer of the bed, I’d watched her ass as she walked away. It had always been a perfect ass, but it looked even better now with years of maturity behind her. I sighed deeply.
“You good?” she asked.
“Yep,” I answered. “Though sleeping in lounge pants is something new for me. I usually sleep in boxers—or better yet, let it all hang out.”
“Not tonight, you don’t. If you want to stay in here, you’ll keep your pants on.”
“Gotcha. Good night.”
