Page 16 of Ruthless Rose

Chapter 12

What are the odds Micah is going to show his face today? I’m one part terrified, one part curiously excited to see him after the way he’d toyed with me, more suggestive comments ripe on his masculine lips. And I bet he has every intention of testing me with them—he knows I’m into him. At least I think that’s what this achy feeling deep in my belly is.

Of course, I haven’t admitted it yet to anyone else, but there’s something about Micah and his big dick energy that calls out to me. I’m not certain yet what I think of it—or of him—and am slightly concerned about the lengths I’ll go to figure out if it’s something I can handle.

The bell above the door to the coffee shop jingles as it opens at ten minutes to six. My brows draw together as I glance up. I’m surprised as hell to see that it’s Micah. And he’s early.

I take the few moments before he spots me to look him over. He’s wearing dark wash jeans that hang loosely on his hips and a black T-shirt with a gray imprint of the Death Star on it. My brows raise a fraction. Do we actually have something in common? I love all things Star Wars.

The thin material of the shirt stretches across his broad chest, and I swear I can make out the outline of his pecs underneath. My gaze slides to his biceps, which stretch the confines of the sleeves to their limit. All that muscle. Mmm. I know he spends quite a lot of time in the weight room, as do Xander and Beau and the rest of the football team, but he’s just really very … impressive. His hair is still a little damp from his post-practice shower, too. How can someone be so fear-inducing and yet so completely drool-worthy at the same time? Because Micah? He definitely scares me, but he also turns me on. I must be one sick puppy.

My brain takes a detour into one of my many fantasies, wondering what he’d look like standing naked in the shower, water sluicing down over his powerful body. If I were there with him, I’d soap up my hands and run them over each and every delicious ridge and dip of smooth skin, and his muscles would flex and bunch under my touch. Maybe he’d gather me tightly in his arms, trap me between his massive body and the shower wall, his cock would get hard against my belly, and I’d let myself be completely his for the taking. It’s a fantasy, after all. Maybe he’d reach between my legs and touch me— Oh jeez, Daphne. Snap out of it. I draw in a breath and let it go, my mind still fully in the throes of my little daydream.

I tune into what’s really happening in front of me, which doesn’t seem good, judging by the growly tone of his voice.

Micah is agitated as he talks into his phone, his head down with his eyes trained on the floor, his jaw twitching. I really don’t mean to overhear what he’s saying, but I do.

“You said you’d be there.” He stops to listen to whatever the person on the other end says. “Fine, whatever. Not sure why I thought you’d show. You never do.” Micah jams his thumb against the phone screen, ending the call.

I plaster a smile on my face. Whoever he was talking to has upset him, and that makes me feel … kind of terrible. The stony look on his face doesn’t bode well for our study session either, but we’ll have to make the best of it. I consider it a win that he’s actually shown up. “Hi.”

He’s clearly still distracted when he glances up at me. “Oh. Hey.” He sneaks a look at his phone. “I’m early. Does that make up for last time?” He shoots me a half-smile that’s a little irresistible, if I’m being honest.

“Um, I don’t think that’s how it works, but I appreciate you being here and not leaving me hanging again.” I clear my throat and gesture at the seat across from me.

He nods, setting his bag down. “I’m just going to get coffee or something. I’m only half awake.” He grunts. “Rough practice today.”

My stomach rumbles, and I wince.

“Do you need something to eat?”

I glance down at my hands. “No, I’m fine. I’ll have dinner when I get home.”

“I can get you something if you’re hungry now.”

I shake my head. “Really. I’m fine.”

“Suit yourself.” He shrugs.

I watch his athletic form as he strides up to the counter. I wonder what it would be like to walk around with that kind of confidence. Sure, sometimes it comes across as cockiness, but I’m certain this guy has never had a moment’s worry about most things. He makes small talk with Kendra without a trace of uncertainty or insecurity in his deep voice—never stumbling over his words, always knowing exactly what to say. He’s fearless, when I’d prefer to hang out at home and not have to worry about talking to anyone else ever again. We’re very different people, that’s for sure, even if he is a Star Wars fan.

The whole time he’s talking to her as she gets his drink, my eyeballs are glued to his ass. Holy shit, this guy is just big all over. I wonder what it’d be like to grab a couple of handfuls, spread my legs, and hang on tight while he drives his big—

“Daph?” He frowns as he towers over me, coffee in hand. “What the fuck are you thinking about right now?”

I blink, realizing what my face probably looks like—pink cheeks, lips parted, eyes staring off into space. “Oh. Uh, nothing. Just wondering if I should get another cup of tea.”

He scoots his chair around so he can sit right next to me. “Liar,” he grits out under his breath.

My gaze snaps to his. “What did you say?”

“You’re lying to me.” The tone of his voice is chilling, like ice-cold steel.

I look into his dark eyes and just barely stop the shiver from rolling through me. “How do you figure?”

Micah drops into the chair, tilting his head to the side in the same way my grandma’s cat does when he’s about to attack for no reason whatsoever. “Well, I’ve been noticing a lot about you lately.”

My brows go up and my throat becomes very dry.

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