Page 32 of Seven Days

Thomas: If you don’t text or call me back within the next day I’m transferring the deed in your name

“He’s in love with you.”She looks up at me with hearts in her eyes.

“It’s lust.”

“He’s almost fifty years old; he knows what love feels like.”

“Whatever.” She rolls her eyes and grabs her own phone which is buzzing again. She slams her thumb down on decline and shuts her phone off. “The rest of the time you’re here, no phones for either of us. At least until I go back to work on Monday.”

“Deal.”

* * *

It’sTuesday evening and I’m seeing Sara for the first time since she left for work Monday morning when I hear a knock at the door. She’s in the shower so I pop my head in to let her know.

“Hey, someone’s at the door. Are you expecting a delivery?”

“No, but answer it, just in case it’s a messenger or something.”

I bend down and scoop Jack, her cat, into my arms so he doesn’t dart out of the door. She told me her peep hole has been fogged over since she moved in so I don’t bother checking before I pull the door open.

The last thing I expect to see is Thomas standing there. He’s a disheveled mess, a salt and pepper beard has started growing in, and for once, he looks his age. I stare at him, startled and confused by how he found me. Dad doesn’t even have Sara’s address.

He pushes the door all the way open and walks past me into the apartment. With one hand he closes the door and with the other he pushes me against the wall. I set Jack down right as Thomas slams his body and mouth against mine.

He groans as I open for him, his tongue plunging angrily past my lips and dueling with his own. His fingers dig into my hips in a punishing grip that will leave bruises. I slide my fingers into his hair and tug. The violence in our embrace pulls every bit of savagery out of me and pouring it into our kiss.

Fuck, I missed him.

His hand snakes under my shirt and palms my bare breast. He pinches and twists my nipple painfully, swallowing the noise that comes from my throat at the sensation. It’s part moan, part whimper, and all desire.

“Where are you sleeping?” he asks against my mouth.

“Sharing the bed with Sara.”

He groans in disappointment as we keep kissing.

“Bestie, this isn’t how you tip a messenger,” Sara jokes as she runs from the bathroom into her bedroom.

The door closes quietly behind her and it’s enough to break the spell between us. His green eyes search mine like he’s trying to solve life’s greatest mystery.

He rests his forehead against mine and takes a deep breath. “I’ll get us a hotel room. We can talk there. Grab your things.”

I knock on Sara’s door to make sure she’s dressed before I walk in. I enter and close it behind me when she tells me to come in. Her eyes are huge and excited.

“He is hot,” she whisper-exclaims.

“I know,” I whisper-yell back at her. “How did he find me?”

“You’ll have to ask him.”

“He’s taking me to a hotel.”

“Good. Go.” She shoos me out as she hands me my purse. Then she grabs me back and pulls me in for a tight hug. “I’m definitely going to need details.”

Thomas is staring a hole into the bedroom door when I open it.

“I’m ready.” I stand there awkwardly as his gaze lingers on my forehead. “I haven’t touched the bandage, I wasn’t sure what to do.”

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