Page 29 of Digit's Deflection
“Yeah, it can’t be easy, especially knowing the man’s a psychopath,” Treven replies.
Someone’s phone chimes, and I see Gator pat his pockets down. Taking the phone out of one, he checks out what I can only assume is a text.
“Dutch and Sage are on their way,” he says, tucking the little device back in his pocket.
“Then we should probably be on our way too,” Gator replies.
“You guys joining or sitting this one out?” Scooter asks Treven.
“Yeah, we’re in. Liora says she’ll tolerate you two for the evening,” he replies.
“Treven.” I want to kick him in the shin for embarrassing me.
“What?” The innocent look he gives me doesn’t fool anyone.
“Douche nozzle,” Scooter says, punching him in the arm as he heads for the door, Gator hot on his heels. “See you there then.”
Laughing and rubbing his arm, Treven nods. He checks for keys, wallet, and phone, then steps back for me to exit the condoahead of him. The hallway is empty, and I’m left wondering how the hell the other two moved so quickly.
Treven takes my hand as we head for the elevators, and my heart sighs with happiness. I don’t know where any of this will lead but, for now, I’m happy to soak it all in. That is, until we reach Aces and I’m faced with all but one of his teammates and their significant others.
It’s clear to see everyone knows everyone else, and I’m the odd one out. As we stop beside the table, all eyes turn to us, and I can see the questions in their eyes. Treven makes the introductions, and it’s a little overwhelming to keep all the names straight.
The ones that stick the easiest are Eloise and Fancy. The former because she’s got that tough, eagle-eyed air of a cop, and the latter because she’s the polar opposite of the other. Fancy’s energy is soft and inviting, like a pillowy-soft marshmallow. She gives me the sweetest smile. Her greeting is soft-spoken and warm, inviting me to come sit beside her. There’s just something so incredibly soothing about being in her presence that I’m immediately drawn to her and don’t hesitate to accept her kind offer.
Conversation is lively around the table and clear to see the close relationship these people share. It would have been easy to feel left out if it weren’t for them taking the time to make me feel like part of their inner circle.
The genuine love and affection for each other is heartwarming to see, and I hate to admit it makes me a little jealous. The very things I craved as a child, but only ever found with Treven. And, of course, Sheri’s friendship. Until I ruined it all by running away.
After hours of good food, good company, and what feels like a million laughs, we finally part company. Heading back to Treven’s place, I hug the memories of the evening close, thankfulto have met such wonderful people. But especially Fancy. It feels like the two of us could be really close if I allow myself to let her in.
Yeah, that’s the snag, right there. I don’t open myself up to people easily. If my own parents couldn’t love me, why would a stranger be willing to do so? I miss the entire trip home, caught up in my thoughts, and am surprised to realize he’s pulling into his parking spot.
“Um … considering the time, I’d have thought you’d want to take me home. Don’t you have work in the morning?”
“I considered it for a nanosecond, but then decided, sinceyoudon’t have work tomorrow, that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet. But I can take you home if you prefer.”
I take in the hopeful glint in his eyes and can’t find it in me to ask him to take me home, despite knowing he’ll have to be up early. The need to spend more time with him is more like a craving – the kind an addict suffers. I just don’t know how to ask for it, so I’m grateful he’s suggested it. Well, more like decided it.
He comes around to my side of the car and helps me out, keeping a hold on my hand as we walk over to his building. The revolving door at the entrance forces him to let go, and I mourn the loss of contact. But I should have known better. Once we’re inside, he reaches for my hand as we head for the elevators.
On the ride up to his floor, he studies me intently with a look I can’t quite fathom. But it certainly gets me a little hot and bothered. It’s a little possessive, mysterious, and a lot hot. The strong, dominant man he’s grown into definitely appeals to me.
Sex has never been a big deal in my life – it’s something I can take or leave. Someone once told me it’s because I’ve never had good sex. I suspect she’s probably right. But looking at the man still holding my hand, I can imagine he would know how to do it right.
Lord knows, I’d love the opportunity to find out. Because suddenly it’s all I can think about. His hand touching me all over, his mouth gliding all over my naked skin …
“You all right? You’re looking a little flushed.”
“Yeah, mmhmm. I’m good. Just dandy.”
His eyes roaming over my face is almost like a physical touch I feel all the way down to my soul. Then he gives me a grin I’m not sure how to read, but my body reacts to. Licking my suddenly dry lips, I look everywhere but at him.
The meaning of the grin becomes clear once the door of his condo closes behind us, because suddenly, I find myself backed against the solid wooden panel, Treven’s lips on mine. Holy wowza. His kiss consumes me, leaving me breathless and weak-kneed by the end of it.
Backing up, ever so slightly, he braces an arm above my head, leaning his forehead against mine.
“I’m rethinking my choices now,” he murmurs. Everything in me tightens at his words. Not exactly the words a girl wants to hear right after a man has kissed her senseless. “It probably would have been wiser to take you home, because now all I want to do is lay you down on my bed and love on you all night.”
