A nervous laugh released from my throat. “You’re saying this was deliberate? That’s highly unlikely. I have no reason to be singled out.”
“Well, we can’t say for sure,” Evan stated as he finished chewing his salad. “It’s just a little suspicious. Regardless, you should call the cops about it.”
“I said I would. And I’ll tell my boss,” I confirmed yet again, and tried to get back to my meal. I wanted to ease my mind with another glass of wine, but I held back so I could get myself home. My pajamas and bed sounded like a very welcoming thought, and I need the type of rest that lasted more than eight hours.
“You should take some self-defense classes,” Grace said as she served herself another helping of chicken. I had to admit she cooked the dish well, albeit my appetite tonight was suppressed.
Evan followed suit and piled another serving on his plate. “You should too, doll. I don’t like the idea of you being on your own when I’m out.”
“I have a license to carry. My gun goes where I go.”
“Damn, that’s hot.” He pointed toward Grace with a proud and surprised expression. I didn’t think the way Grace did. The idea of a handgun freaked me out, or any weapon for that matter.
“I can teach you some self-defense techniques, Marla. It wouldn’t take much time,” Josh offered softly as he kept his eyes on his plate.
“No way. Hell no.” The rejection to his idea quickly poured out of my mouth. I didn’t need to spend time around Mr. Macho Man.
“Why not?” Grace cried out as she lifted a piece of bread to her mouth and ripped a chunk of it. “You should do it. Especially if you’re going to be leaving the office again this late.”
Evan pried his eyes away from his girl to agree with her. “Marla, you really do need to be careful. At least learn a few maneuvers. Josh’s skills are pretty intense and useful. I think all women should know that stuff. He’s not all CrossFit and protein powder, you know.”
“No, thanks. I think if something is going to happen, well, it’s going to happen.”
As soon as the words left my mouth, I heard a growl ripped through Josh’s. “Are you fucking insane? You’re saying you’d be fine with this guy possibly raping you and leaving you dead on the street because that was meant to happen?”
His whole body was tense. He looked like a wild animal caged up, waiting for the kill. He wanted blood, he wanted justice…and he wanted me safe. I was beginning to believe his sincerity, and the flash of fear across his expression was once again hidden behind an earnest exterior. “I fought him off. I would say I know how to defend myself.”
Grace’s quiet voice was haunting, and when I glanced up at her eyes, they were too. “Marla, please. Please, do this for me.”
Crap. How could I resist when my best friend looked at me that way? Grace had been estranged from her family for years after her brother had died. My friend Jaime and I were her only family up until Evan had entered her life. He then pushed their family to make amends, but it was still in beginning stages. That meant I was one of the most important people in her life. Which meant I had to do this, not only for myself, but for her. I nodded my head slightly and took the last long gulp of my wine. “Alright. Fine. But I’m not drinking protein shakes.”
The tension disappeared from Josh’s shoulders and he picked up his fork, eating with more gusto than I had seen all night. It seemed to have lifted his spirits, the idea of training me for self-defense. The reason for it, however, went much deeper than just taking a liking to me, if that’s what it was. I was still hesitant of his intentions or what type of man he was, other than a complete alpha. But I was definitely not a beta female, and submitting was far from my style. This would be interesting. Very interesting.
After another long day at the office, I was ready to relax. I needed something to get my mind off of the events of the week. Work was getting extremely overwhelming, and Cameron had been in the worst mood all week, making life in the office a living hell for everyone, but most of all for me.
In our meeting with Blencher, Cameron blatantly put me on the spot, asking me a question he very well knew I didn’t have the answer to. I pulled him aside after to ask what that was about, and he told me he had honestly forgotten. I had a feeling he was getting me back for not agreeing to go to that Dale Harrison concert with him.
I texted Grace and Jaime earlier about plans. Game nights were getting rare, and tonight was another no-go. Unlucky for me, they were both out with their significant others. It was bad enough I hardly saw them, but they were planning a couples’ weekend getaway to Fredericksburg together sometime soon. Of course, they always invited me, but who wanted to be the awkward single girl who tagged along? I declined the invitation and trudged my way up the driveway.
I opened the door to my place, and breathed in the smell of familiarity and comfort. It had been over five years since I purchased my home, and it was easily my favorite location in the world. I worked hard to save up, put a decent down payment on it so that my mortgage wasn’t too high. Sacrificing my time and energy, I worked two jobs while earning my master’s degree, and it was worth it. Gladly, I’d do it all over again. Perhaps I’ll get the opportunity to take a nice vacation someday.
I was ready to cook that shrimp pasta tonight, have a glass of wine, and catch up on my favorite shows Homeland and The Affair. The fact I had to record them to focus on work pissed me off. So did the idea of someone trying to mug me. I hadn’t gotten a decent night’s sleep since.
I walked through my living room, reaching the kitchen and setting my Kate Spade bag on the stool in front of the bar. Before I changed into my comfortable lounge clothes, I heard merlot calling my name.
The sound of it pouring into a crystal wine glass was music to my ears. The dishes in the sink and the morning coffee left in the coffeepot could wait until later to be washed. I gulped on the delicious velvety plum flavor of my wine and sighed as I let myself lean against the counter. I forgot about the damn laundry, too. Some days I wanted to be a kid again. Not that I truly had a full childhood. I cared for my sister most of the time. Ally was the baby, the one who couldn’t take care of herself. Some of our nannies were not only horrible cooks, but they often neglected us, plopping us in front of the television all day in hopes we didn’t bother them. Sometimes they had their boyfriends over and paid more attention to their own fun than our welfare.
The wine glass got set aside as I began to unbutton the cuffs of my cream blouse. Last thing I wanted was a stain I couldn’t get out. I unfastened each pearl button softly and headed toward the utility room. This blouse was a definite delicate wash. I opened the door and noticed I had left the light on. “God, how long ago did I do that?”
Yes, I talked to myself on occasion. I thought of getting a dog at one point, so I wouldn’t seem too crazy, but I wouldn’t have time to take care of it, and then I’d be the neglectful one. And I’m not a cat person. But I never forget something like leaving a light on. Then again, I could’ve forgotten. I mean, I left coffee in the carafe. I usually don’t leave leftover coffee. Ever.
The knock on the door stirred me out of my thoughts and my mind reeled over who could be keeping me from my dinner. The doorbell then chimed. Not once, not twice, but three annoying times in a row, followed by a series of fervent knocks.
I quietly tiptoed toward the door, careful to not give myself away, in case it was someone selling me a subscription to the newspaper or converting me to their religion. I peered into the peephole and scrunched my face in aversion as my mouth emitted an aggravated sigh. I swiftly opened the door as his hand stopped midair.
My hip jutted out as my irritation level climbed. “What are you doing here?”
Josh’s cool exterior, the tight forest green shirt, the peekaboo tattoos, his dark jeans were all too much to take in. Good God, this man was delicious. It was enough to make me go nuts, but instead I kept myself calm. “Did you forget? Lessons.”
“Are you serious?” He nodded as his
blazing eyes trailed down to my chest. I followed, remembering I had opened my blouse. I shrugged, closing the satin around my body. “What? You haven’t seen a great pair of breasts before?”
“Not those,” he smirked. “At least not yet.”
“Want me to shut this door in your face?” I flung it and walked away, but heard as his hand caught it from closing completely. I could feel his presence as he walked in and shut the door, locking it behind him.
“Thanks for inviting me in,” he said softly, as I glanced back, buttoning my blouse up. His eyes scanned my living room, and I ignored the idea of him seeing my untidy home. My shoes were set in an accumulating pile near the corner of the entrance, my sweaters and jackets hung over one another on hooks near the door, and magazines were scatted across my coffee table.
I turned and glared at him as he set his hands in his pockets, his eyes on my pretty heaps of high heels. “What?”
The grin playing over his lips stayed small, as if he knew to be careful with me. At the same time there was a hint of mischief behind those glassy light blue eyes. “Nothing,” he said, shaking his head slightly. “Nice shoes.”
“Fine. You can borrow a pair, but only if you promise to return them.”
A very rare smile spread over his lips. It was one that made his eyes twinkle, his teeth show, and a laugh emit from his throat. I shockingly found myself grinning back, a twirl in my stomach reminding me of what it felt like being on a rollercoaster right at the drop. Satisfaction built inside me knowing I had earned that moment of sincerity from him. It was one he hardly let others see. Wait. Why should I care that he smiled? Pull yourself together, Sullivan. “What are you doing here, Josh?”
“I told you. Lessons. I’m going to teach you self-defense.”
“You were serious about that? I thought that was all bullshit. I said it to appease Grace and shut you guys up.” I walked over to the kitchen only to have him follow me. I picked up my glass of wine and took a sip, not in the mood to spend my evening in a sweaty gym learning how to punch some dude in the nuts. Even if it was his.
I picked up the bottle of merlot and refreshed my glass, then tipped it toward him in offer. He declined, of course, because Mr. Muscles would never drink anything other than green juice or water. I rolled my eyes and set the bottle on the counter.
“You agreed, Marla. At least one lesson.”
“I don’t need it. I handled it.” I put my glass down and turned away from him, adamant to keep my gaze off of his chiseled face. The sensations were beginning to creep up on me with a vengeance ever since I felt his rough, warm hands on my face the other day. I really wanted them over the rest of my body, and had thought about him way too many times since. He was affecting me. “Anyway, I’m going to make dinner and relax. Last thing I feel like doing is learning something completely useless.”
I began to walk away from him toward my bedroom. Comfortable lounge wear was mandatory for me when I cooked, and right now I craved to be out of my tight skirt and blouse that he accidentally caught unbuttoned.
It happened in an instant. I gasped as two giant arms clenched around me. One forearm braced my neck, the other circled across my waist, holding my arms down tight. I could feel his chest flush against my back, and the soft but prickly feel of the scruff from his face on my neck. His warm breath grazed my ear as I struggled against him.
“Try getting away from me, love.”
I grunted as I endeavored to free my arms and push my head back to hit his, but it was to no avail. His body was overpowering, strong. It consumed me, and instead of feeling fear the way I should, I felt nothing but pure heat and lust. That wasn’t good. I set my hormones aside and once again tried to lift my arms, but they were still pinned. “Don’t call me love.”
“Okay, then, Red. Do your magic. Handle it. See if you can get away.” He gripped me tighter, the intake of my breath making my heart speed up. My legs had no way to push back. I was completely trapped by his long, big, hard body. I took advantage of it and pushed my ass up and back, letting it rub against his crotch. My hands gripped the sides of his legs, and my nails dug in as I attempted to pinch at his denim-covered thighs.
I let a sexy sigh release from my mouth as he stilled, his grip constricting as I felt him turn hard against me. I rubbed at him again with my ass, and I moaned and he shifted just a fraction of an inch, his voice a harsh whisper. “What are you doing?”
“You’re so hot, I can’t help it.” I dug my fingers into his thighs again, and when his forearm around my neck loosened, his voice gave a confused grunt. That was my cue. I lowered my chin, let my teeth hit his arm, and bit. Hard.
“What the fuck?” He instantly released me and I moved forward from his grasp. I turned and rested my hands on my hips as he rubbed near his wrist where I had chomped on him. “You almost drew blood, woman.”
My eyebrow lifted as I smirked at him. “I’m not that defenseless, Muscle Man. I have my ways.”
His eyes zoomed in on me as he lowered his arms to his sides. “If I had a knife in my hand you wouldn’t have lasted long. You’d be too frightened to seduce some cunt attacking you.”
“Do you have to use that word?”
“What? Seduce?” He smiled as I rolled my eyes. “I won’t use it again if you take the lessons.”
I groaned. “Fine. Lessons. But I need to eat something first, so I’m making dinner. Then we can train. Deal?”
He nodded and leaned against the counter, crossing his arms and legs as he watched me intently. I turned away from him and entered my bedroom, searching for my yoga pants, sports bra, and tank top. One night of sparring with the hunky man wasn’t going to kill me, although feeling his body, and the way he twitched against me as I teased him with my ass, just might be my undoing.
That woman was the devil. I studied the sexy, ultra-feminine redhead saunter that beautiful arse over to her room and grinned to myself as I replayed how she had rubbed herself against me and had given me a straight hard-on. Fuck, it had been way too long since I’d had sex, and she was testing my patience. I wanted to kiss her senseless, growl into her ear, lick, nip, and bite her neck until she cried out and clenched her body over mine.
I could hear sounds of rustling in her room, and visions of her near a bed weren’t safe for me at the moment. I turned my attention to the spacious kitchen. Dishes riddled the sink, coffee sat in what was the rattiest, dirtiest, ugliest coffee machine I’d ever seen. I might as well make myself useful.
What was supposed to be a few minutes ended up being around twenty before she walked in and stopped in her tracks staring at me with those wide, whiskey-colored eyes. She wore workout gear sexier than I’d seen on a woman in a very long time. The black tank top sat smoothly like a second skin, and those tight pants accentuated every single curve of her body.
Her head tilted and she squinted at me as I wiped my hands on the kitchen towel that rested on a hook. Thick tendrils of hair from her ponytail swayed as she glanced over the area. “You cleaned up my kitchen?”
I shrugged, turning my body toward her and leaning my hip against the counter. “How else would I pass the time?”
“There are magazines on the table in the living room.” Attention toward the pantry, she began to take out a container of pasta as well as some herbs and other ingredients.
“I’m not really an In Style reader.”
“Well, I also have Allure and Make-Up Today. You need a good moisturizer for that prickly jaw.” Her eyebrow raised as she reached into the oven where pots were hidden inside.
“I’ll take that into consideration.”
She filled a pan with water and set it over the gas stove. “You’re welcome to join me for dinner, but I’m making pasta. I think that goes against your code of workout ethics or something.”
“There are many things I allow myself the pleasure of eating, darling.” The hunger in my gaze didn’t pass her and neither did my innuendo. To my surprise, she didn’t scoff at me nor roll her eye
s, she stared intently at me and nodded.
“Noted.”
There was something sensual as we worked together to create a meal. We stood near each other, she asked me to fetch certain things from the fridge, and I complied. I said the word fetch because she had me entranced. Her certainty in the kitchen, the way she held herself as she moved confidently was a wonder to watch. She was graceful, elegant, and strong. I’d do anything for her at that point. It didn’t pass me how organized everything in her cupboards were. She was almost as obsessive with arranging things as I was. Perhaps the dirty dishes were just from a tired week. God knew I had those.
I chopped a red onion as she instructed and blinked repeatedly, my eyes stinging. Her laugh rang out as she approached, her cinnamon roll scent taking over my senses. “Open.”
Perhaps I looked as confused as I felt when she moved forward and set a piece of bread against my lips. The sensation of her fingertips brushing my mouth made me irrational. Her gaze stayed on me, but her breath picked up as she moved closer. I was about ready to drop the knife and forget the fucking onion, as well as the pasta on the stove and ravish her immediately on the kitchen floor.
I took the bread easily and chewed as she moved away with a small smirk before I could finish the dirty thoughts that were consuming me. “You’re not supposed to eat it.”
Once again, I was perplexed as she held a larger piece of the dreaded carbohydrates in front of me that tasted so damn delicious. The only thing that would taste better than that would be her. “What are you on about, Red?”
She giggled, and the sound had a magical effect that hung in the air. “You let it hang between your lips as you chop the onion so your eyes don’t water. It always helps me.”
I gave a small smile, let her set the damn bread on my mouth, and focused on the onion while she worked on the sauce. She seemed to be letting her guard down. This hobby was soothing for her. I could sense it as she took a small taste and sighed. As I finished chopping, she took the cutting board, and I pulled the bread away from my lips.
A Promise Made (Promise #2) Page 5
