Page 38 of Love Contract

“Don’t you live in a studio?” Angus asks Martinique. His eyes dart over to Sullivan then back to me. “Just stay at my place, Theo—I’ve got four spare rooms.”

I stare at Angus while Martinique stares at me.

I’ve never stayed the night at Angus’ house. And I don’t think he’d be inviting me right now except to get back at Sullivan in some sideways fashion.

As if summoned, Sullivan appears at my elbow.

“No need,” he says smoothly. “She’ll be staying with me.”

His face shows no anger, but his chin is lowered, his dark eyes flickering with firelight.

“You don’t have room…” I squeak.

I have no idea if that’s true, but the idea of me and Sullivan alone at his place is immediately horrifying. What ifIsnore? What if I fart in my sleep? What if he comes in while I’m wearing my mouthguard?

No, this can’t happen.

But Sullivan brushes me aside.

“Of course I have room, don’t be silly. Can’t have my girl staying at herboss’shouse…” His eyes narrow ever so slightly in Angus’ direction. “Or even with her best friend. Not when I could have you wrapped up in my arms all night long.”

Even though I know I’ll most likely be sleeping on the couch, the image that sneaks into my brain makes me flush all the way down to my toes.

What would it be like to sleep in Sullivan’s arms?

Fucking heavenly…

Like being rocked in a hammock made of muscles and the world’s most tantalizing cologne…

Honestly, even his couch is probably pretty nice if it’s anything like the cushy leather seats in his BMW.

At least Sullivanhasa couch. Martinique only has two rickety folding chairs.

“Okay,” I say hesitantly, “…thanks.”

Angus doesn’t look pleased.

“Where do you live?” he snaps at Sullivan. “I don’t want Theo coming into work late again.”

That makes me flush for a completely different reason. I’ve only been late twice the entire time I’ve worked for Angus, both times because my car broke down. In fact, if he would recall, I’m actuallyobnoxiously punctual…

Sullivan says, “I live on Mermaid Lane.”

“Mermaid Lane?” Angus snorts. “Where the hell is that?”

Sullivan refuses to take the bait. “Ten minutes from your office. And I’ll be driving Theo to work in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.”

I’m pretty sure he said that last part just to annoy Angus. After all, I have my own car and I’m perfectly capable of driving myself. On the days that it runs.

“Great,” Angus says through gritted teeth.

Martinique’s eyes pinball back and forth between the two men glaring at each other, with me in the middle in a shimmering haze of clam-scented steam.

“…Okay…,” she says slowly. “Then I guess it’s just me in my shoebox.”

“Don’t worry,” Sullivan winks at her. “You can come visit me and Theo.”

He does not extend the same invitation to Angus.

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