Page 52 of Only Everything
“The door isn’t locked.”
Tauren didn’t jump or look surprised. She rose, grabbing an open beer from the countertop as she turned to face me. There was a hesitancy that gave me pause as she quietly swept her gaze over my face.
“It’s barely nine. You said eleven.”
“For the deadbolt.” I shut the door, stepping inside and sliding the thick lock in place. “You lock the door at all times. Deadbolt after eleven if I’m not home. Or fuck, lock that one at all times too. Just make sure this damn door is locked.”
Tauren took a big swig of beer, placing it down as she jumped to sit on the counter to let her legs dangle.
“You’re angry. How was the date? Didn’t go as you hoped?”
I walked to the fridge, taking out a beer. “It was a visit, not a date.”
“Right.”
Twisting the lid off, I tossed it into the trash, turning back to face her.
“You don’t believe me?”
She shrugged, picking back up her bottle but staying quiet. I moved in closer, not able to stop my stare from creeping up her legs to stop at the top of her thighs where my t-shirt rested.
“How was job hunting?”
“I wouldn’t know. I didn’t go.”
“Why not?”
A smile tugged at the corner of her lips, triggering the possessiveness that came with the obsession I felt for her. God, she was beautiful.
“I was speeding. I got pulled over.”
“Did he give you any trouble?”
“No.”
When she didn’t elaborate, I continued. “Did he write you a ticket?”
Tauren paused, placing down the bottle. Again, her cheek ticked with the beginnings of what I knew was a hidden smile.
“Nope. No ticket, just his number.”
My head cocked to the side, and I placed my beer on the countertop next to hers.
“His number?”
“He knew Emmett. We met once. He used to be a rookie when he worked in Asheville. That was a few years back. I guess he works for the Sheriff’s department now. He heard about what Emmett did. He left me his number in case I neededsomeone to talk to.”
I couldn’t help the step I took forward.
“Did you tell him you’d call?”
Silence. She cleared her throat, narrowing her lids but keeping her tone soft.
“What was that that I believe you said to me…would you give a shit if I did?”
I was pulling Tauren forward on the counter, more into my arms before she could process that I’d moved.
“Answer. Did you tell him?”
