Page 59 of Tangled In Tinsel & Knots
He laughs. “I was never allowed to have it as a kid. My parents were strict. So the first time I had my own money, my own place, I went to the store and bought six different flavors. Ate myself sick. Best decision I ever made.”
“Very rebellious.”
“I’m full of surprises.”
“Clearly. Frozen dairy as an act of defiance.”
“You mock now, but wait until you try this stuff. It’s going to change your life.”
I find myself staring at those powerful forearms covered in tattoos, dark ink swirling across muscle and tendon. The way his hands grip the wheel. There’s something about men’s forearms that makes my brain short-circuit. The visible strength, the way they flex with every small movement.
“What are you thinking about?” he asks, catching me staring.
“Your arms,” I admit.
“Yeah?”
“They’re very distracting.”
His grin goes wicked. “Should I cover them? Don’t want to be a hazard.”
“Too late. Already distracted.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You should.” I’m blushing now, but I don’t look away. “Very effective arms.”
“Effective for what?”
“Things.”
“Very specific,” he teases. “Care to elaborate?”
“Nope. Remaining mysterious.”
“You’re being adorable.”
“That’s the goal.”
We’re approaching the mansion now, and he pulls out his phone, taps something into it. The massive metal gates swing open smoothly, and we drive through onto the long driveway.
“Very high-tech,” I observe.
“Necessary when you make enemies for a living.” He pockets his phone as we navigate the curve through trees. The house comes into view through the trees, stone and timber lit from within, warm and inviting instead of intimidating.
My brain should be screaming warnings. Should be second-guessing this entire decision.
But all I can think about is the kiss earlier. The way having him in my mouth felt almost calming, like my body recognized something it needed. I feel drawn to him in ways that terrify me because I don’t know how to trust this pull.
But maybe I can be professional. Keep boundaries. Enjoy ice cream and conversation and nothing more. Sure. That’s definitely going to work.
We park in front of the house, and I follow him inside. I kick off my heels at the door, and the relief is immediate. My feet are screaming gratitude.
“It’s almost ten,” Noel says, glancing around the quiet house. “Chris and Kane are probably in their rooms if they’re back from the night’s job.”
The house is peaceful, most lights off except in the kitchen. The stone fireplace in the great room is blazing, flames dancing and crackling, casting moving shadows across the leather furniture. Makes me wonder if the other two guys are home if their fireplace is on.
Though, I would kill to have a home like this.
