Page 31 of Brody
CHAPTER8
ROZI
The next morning, I sat at the edge of the bed, putting on my tobacco-colored boots, when my phone buzzed at 7:20 a.m.
BRODY (TEXT): I’ll be there in 10 minutes.Be outside.
The message glowed on my screen like a challenge.Ten minutes—as if I lived my life according to his schedule.My jaw clenched as I typed back the digital equivalent of whatever.
ME (TEXT):
What an asshole.All the years since we parted, and he was acting like I was his subordinate.Standing up, I checked inside my backpack for my essentials—laptop, tablet, medical kit, notebook—then shoved my cell inside my front pocket.This morning, I’d dressed in dark wash jeans that hugged my curves, a fitted black T-shirt, and boots that could handle whatever terrain this day might bring.
My cheetah paced beneath my skin, restless and wanting.She’d tasted what she’d craved for years and wasn’t interested in my human rationalizations about why we couldn’t have more.
Too bad, I told her firmly.We’re not doing this again.
Slinging my backpack over my shoulder, I headed downstairs.
“Good morning,” Ximena said, standing behind the front desk.
I returned her greeting before heading out of the B&B.
He was already waiting, leaning against his SUV with a casual grace that belied the predator within.My heart slammed against my ribs at the sight of him.
He ran a hand through his short hair, a gesture that made his biceps flex beneath the sleeve of his Henley.My mouth went desert dry as the scent of sandalwood and citrus drifted toward me on the morning breeze.My cheetah stirred beneath my skin, purring in recognition, a traitor to my resolve.I swallowed hard, forcing controlled detachment where animal instinct threatened to take over.
Last night I’d dreamed of his lips trailing kisses along my naked body.The vibration of his growl against my skin.I’d woken tangled in the sheets, body aching for completion, furious at myself for wanting what I couldn’t have.Not again.Not ever.
Every instinct urged me to turn around and walk right back inside.But that would be running.And I didn’t run from uncomfortable situations.I’d faced down pharmaceutical boards and government committees.I could handle one arrogant shifter with boundary issues.
I walked over to him, and he gestured for me to get in.
“Good morning,” he said.
I walked around the vehicle and opened the passenger door, sliding in, determined to maintain my independence even in this small gesture.
He got inside the driver’s seat and stared at me with his lips curled up into a sexy smile.
“You’ve decided to sit up front today, Doctor?”His voice held a note of teasing surprise.“Should I check for fever?Body snatchers?Alternate dimensions where Dr.Rozi Dhahabu actually tolerates my company?”
I slipped on my sunglasses, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing the reluctant smile tugging at my lips.“Don’t get used to it.The air conditioning vents in the back are broken, and I refuse to arrive at our destination looking like I just ran a marathon in the Sahara.”
“Well, okay then,” he replied, starting the engine with exaggerated caution.“I’ll have Emmett take a look at those vents.Pack brother perks.He owns the only auto shop in town.Just so you know, I sanitized your seat after the last drunk and naked shifter I transported home when he’d downed too many shots of Home-Brew.Customer service is my priority.”
Despite myself, a snort of laughter escaped before I could catch it.I disguised it with a cough.
“Are you hungry?”he asked, his voice suspiciously innocent.“There’s a great place up ahead.They only had three health code violations this month.A record low.”
“You’re not as funny as you think you are,” I said, fighting to keep my expression neutral.
His grin was quick and devastating.“And yet you’re almost smiling.”
Damn him.He was right.
“No,” I replied.My stomach growled.
“Okay, that’s a yes,” he said.“We’ll park by town hall and walk over to Bessie’s Coffee Shop.”
