Page 20 of Best Kept Secret
I close out of Dad’s message and check my inbox, but when I see that Millie has left me on read, it only pisses me off even more than my father already has.
Tossing my phone onto the passenger seat, I throw my head back on a groan as I grip the steering wheel tight, considering myself yet again. And I know I should go home. Maybe get in a quick Peloton workout to clear my head. But I’ve always been a stubborn son of a bitch; it’s probably why Millie and I get along so well.
I am officially a creep. Parked across the street, huddled down low in the driver’s seat of my car, staring out at the converted warehouse building like I’m on a fucking stakeout, I watch the big arched windows for any movement inside. I know she’s in there; I can tell by the way light from the television flickers across the ceiling.
I’m not entirely sure what I’m doing here, aside from probably breaking at least a few state and federal laws. Should I be here? Absolutely not. Am I leaving? Absolutely the fuck not.
My phone shudders from the center console, and I check it quickly.
Hap: He’s just started another game of pool with Rusty. It’s like the fucking playoffs. Best of 7. They’ll probably go all night. You know how competitive they are.
Pinching my bottom lip between my thumb and forefinger, I contemplate my next move, my gaze flitting up to the apartment again. Scrolling out of my message thread with Hap, I click on the thread with Millie, my thumb hovering a moment. What the hell? I’m here now.
Me: I’m outside.
When thedeliveredreceipt changes toread, I look across the street in time to see a silhouette in one of the big windows that quickly ducks down.Stealth, babe.
Going back to my phone, I can’t help but snort a laugh.
Me: I see you, Red.
Read.
Me: Come down here. Or let me up. Either way, I’m not leaving. Not until we talk.
Red: I’m calling the police.
I bite back my smirk, not doubting that for a second.
Me: Tell them I say hi.
Red: You do realize Dallas is on his way home. He’ll literally be here any minute.
Me: Nice try babe. But your brother is currently playing pool back at Ned’s.
Red: OMG you’re so annoying.
Me: You call it annoying. I call it persistent.
When the message is left on readagain, I watch the apartment, waiting with bated breath. For a long moment there’s no movement, and my stomach knots with panic, thinking she’s turned off her phone and gone to bed. I briefly consider a way to get into the building, because what’s a littlebreak and enteringon top of straight-up stalking? But then, suddenly, the metal door to the building flies open, and Millie storms out into the street like a goddamn bat out of hell.
My victorious grin falls the second I see what’s she’s wearing. As if the white cowboy boots aren’t bad enough, she wears a coat I assume is her brothers, one that hangs off one shoulder and flaps open with the breeze, showing off possibly the world’s skimpiest fucking pajamas. Not even pajamas. Literally panties and a tank top. With what appears to be goddamn cherries printed all over them. What in the ever-loving fuck?
With a low growl, I hop out of my car like my ass in on fire, eyeing the group of New York City sanitation workers collectingthe trash bags from the sidewalk down on the corner, one of them pointing in Millie’s direction, another letting out an ear-slipping wolf whistle.
I point a warning finger down at the men who quickly turn away, and when she’s within arms’ reach, I grab the lapels of her coat and tug her flush to me. With a gasp, she gapes up at me, mouth hanging open as I turn us so she’s pinned against my car, my body pressing up against her, shielding her as best as I can.
“You trying to get me into a fuckin’ fight, Red?”
Her brows draw together as she looks down at herself, her resolve slipping somewhat as if she’s just realized. Shoving me off her, she buttons the coat, covering herself, and the tension in my shoulders eases some, but I remain close, ensnared by the scent wafting up from her hair.
“What are you doing here?” she asks, her words spoken with a lot less confidence than she had storming out here.
When I look into her big eyes, I’m at a loss for words because fuck she’s beautiful. Even when she’s pissed off, she takes my breath away. I push my hair back from my face, my eyes bouncing between hers when I realize she’s rendered me fucking speechless.
Millie arches one brow slightly higher. “Hurry up. I’m cold.”
I bite down on the inside of my cheek, trying not to laugh. Since when did she get so goddamn bratty. It’s both hot as hell and adorable, and right now, it’s taking everything I have not to press her hard against my car and claim her smart fucking mouth with mine.
