by Wendi Zwaduk
“I’m honored and humbled.” He squeezed her. “And horny.”
“You’re always horny.” Always trying to redirect her attention, too. She snuggled against him. Screw it. She was there with him and the sex was good. She wasn’t running away just yet. “But I like it.”
“Good.”
She hesitated. “I know you’re trying to be nice to me right now. You’re trying to build me up. I’m not sure if it’s because you feel indebted or what, but you don’t have to. Just don’t be like Linc or Aiden, okay? Let me keep my dignity.”
“Molly.” He tipped her gaze again. “I promise. I might not be the best man for you and this could all implode before we know it, but I will do my best not to break your heart. You’re smart, funny and adorable. Any man who doesn’t see any of that about you isn’t looking hard enough.”
Although every cell in her body screamed not to trust him, she believed him.
“Aiden was right—we always saw you as one of the guys. Why? Because you knew football stats better than any of us did, you weren’t afraid to speak your mind or to cut us down to size. Where he was wrong was him believing that’s all you were supposed to be. You’re so much more than you even know.”
The words you’re delirious teetered on the tip of her tongue, but she kept her mouth shut. She liked his praise.
“Sleep, babe. We’ve had a long night. I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered and closed his eyes. “I’m right here as long as you want me to be.”
She settled on her side and spooned against him. Sleep overcame her and she sighed. For the first time in what seemed like an eternity, she was happy.
* * * *
Molly wasn’t sure how many hours had passed when she flopped onto her back. She knew exactly where she was—in Austin’s apartment. She reached for him, only to touch a chilly spot. When she did, she sat up and peered around the space. She dragged the bedding around her body. The night before she hadn’t noticed her surroundings—she’d just existed.
His closet had been left open. Molly tugged the sheet with her as she left the bed. She covered herself and strolled over to the closet. He’d organized his suits and dress shirts according to color. Thank God he wasn’t a monochrome kind of guy. The godawful Hawaiian shirts were still there. He could’ve ditched them years ago but kept them around. She wondered why. He liked to hold on to a tiny piece of the past?
The scent of bacon wafted into the room. She paused. Was he cooking for her?
“Molly?”
When she whipped around, the sheet slipped from her hands. She grasped the door of the closet. Her skin burned from her hairline to her toes. “Austin.”
“I should’ve given you something to wear besides that awful shirt.” He strode past her, clad in nothing but his boxer briefs. “How about this?” He tugged one of the dark blue dress shirts from a hanger. “It’s your color.”
Austin held the piece of clothing open for her to slip her arms through the sleeves.
“Thanks,” she murmured.
He embraced her and breathed her in. “Made you breakfast.”
“I can smell it. Smells good.” She sagged against him. “You’ll spoil me.”
“That was the idea.”
Molly shrugged away from him and wandered down the short hallway to the kitchen. He’d plated eggs and bacon and poured juice. She looked back at him. “You’re seriously going to spoil me. I’m a milk and cereal girl.”
“So?” He pulled out the bar stool for her. “This isn’t my normal breakfast either, but we’re celebrating.” He grinned. “Eat.”
She watched him while she nibbled on the eggs. The food tasted good, but he looked better. Fresh from bed and with his hair disheveled, he could’ve been ready for another photo session. She could see him lounging in the clothes from Aura. If he decided to get into modeling, he could make a go of it. But she wanted him there with her. Damn, she’d become possessive of him.
Austin finished his breakfast first and carried his plate over to the sink. With his back to her, she noticed the mark across his shoulder. A tattoo? She dropped her fork and tried to regain her poise. He’d once told her he hated ink. How had she missed the tat? Because she hadn’t seen him without his shirt—not from the back anyway.
“When—when did you do that?” she blurted.
“Huh?” Austin glanced over his shoulder. “Do what?” He dunked the pans and his plate into the sink then faced her.
“Your back.” She folded her hands to keep from pointing at him. “You got a tattoo. How did I not know?”
“Oh.” He shrugged and dried his hands. “That. Yeah.” Austin crossed the expanse to her and leaned on the counter. “I hadn’t planned on getting inked, but a year ago I changed my mind.”
“What was her name?” She nudged the empty plate away. “I’m sure it was because of a woman.” Everything he did was because of a female.
“No.” He shook his head and folded his arms. “Remember when I went to New York and got mugged on the subway? My life flashed before my eyes and I flipped out. I had a midlife crisis.”
“You’re only thirty-three.” He was way too young for a midlife crisis already. Maybe a not-quite-ready-to-be-thirty crisis… That was possible and understandable.
“I thought I was going to die and I was scared, if something happened, no one would know who I was.” His voice rose an octave. “No paper ID, and anything else crazy, I needed to know I could be identified. What if someone pulled out my teeth or cut off my head?”
“You’re getting a tad overdramatic, but I see your point. You’re planning ahead. It’s smart.” He could’ve told her or hadn’t he been planning on her knowing? “Who did you tell? I mean, so they could identify you—if something traumatic happened.”
“Yeah, about that. I didn’t. I got the thing done and it hurt like a bitch, so I didn’t say anything.”
“That month you complained about your shoulder? You said you messed it up at softball practice.”
“I lied.” He shrugged again. “You always give me shit about everything—and rightly so—so I kept my mouth shut. Being held up scared me, but coming clean to you was worse. Doesn’t feel that great right now.” The muscle in his jaw tightened. “Anyway, it’s script that says no regrets. I might not be the best man, but I don’t regret anything I’ve done.”
“Smart.” He was afraid to tell her stuff? She should’ve been upset, but a twinge of pride swirled around in her brain.
“And now you know.” He drummed his hands on the counter. “If you’re done, I’ll soak the plate and we can shower.”
“I’m done.” She scooted the plate across to him. “You didn’t have to worry about me giving you a hard time. I’m not that awful.”
“You can be, but I tend to deserve it.” He dunked the plate then headed out of the kitchen. “Doesn’t take long for the hot water.”
She followed him down the hallway to the bathroom. He switched on the water and closed the glass stall.
“I’ve got plenty of towels, shampoo, conditioner and stuff. No flat iron. I know you like using yours.” He tugged a couple of extra towels from the cabinet over the toilet.
“You’ve always been worried about your hair.” She unbuttoned the shirt and let the garment slide down her arms. He faced her and she closed the front of the shirt over her body. Being with him was freeing but did a number on her confidence.
“What’s wrong?” He shoved the boxer briefs down his hips until the underwear landed on the floor around his ankles. “Don’t tell me you’re going to hide from me now.”
“Maybe.” She held her breath as he strolled around her. The man was a specimen—all muscle and perfect skin, save for the tattoo. She felt so inadequate around him.
Austin removed the elastic from her hair and the crystal barrette Dylan had used. He eased his fingers through her tresses, massaging her scalp. “Water’s hot.” He nudged her into the shower stall. “I’m right behind you.”
She
kept to the back of the shower and damn near drooled as the water sluiced over his body. He had no idea—no, he knew his own attractiveness—but the moment he wasn’t trying to be someone else, that’s when he made her want him the most.
Austin stepped under the spray. His hair plastered to his head and the water droplets slid down his taut abs. His cock bounced with each movement. He turned his back on her, and she fought the urge to grab his toned ass. Being that handsome was criminal—had to be.
“Here.” Austin held a bottle of shampoo. “May I?”
“Sure.” She eased around him long enough to dampen her hair.
Austin tugged her to his chest and her knees buckled. Being with him was crazy and overwhelming.
“I’ve always wanted to do this.” He massaged her scalp again. “Wash my woman’s hair. It’s oddly soothing.”
Suds slid over her shoulders and his cock nestled between her ass cheeks. His woman? He needed to stop teasing her, but yeah, having someone take care of her was indeed soothing.
“The longer I have you in my apartment, the more I realize it’s been lonely around here.” He eased her under the spray. “Close your eyes while I rinse this out.”
She did as she’d been told. “How can you be lonely? You’ve always got a date.”
“Easy.” He turned her around to face him and worked the rest of the suds from her hair then picked up the bottle of conditioner. “I don’t invite them over.”
“No?” She doubted that. He had too many girlfriends not to have one or more of them inhabiting his space for at least a few nights.
“Nope. We meet at her place or a hotel.” He added the conditioner to her hair and sighed. “But I haven’t even done that in a while. I swear, I’m becoming a hermit.”
“You can’t. You go to work. A hermit doesn’t leave the house.” She picked up the washcloth and poured shower gel onto it. The suds formed quickly when she squished the cloth. She kept one hand on his hip and smoothed the lather over his upper body. She’d touched him during sex, but this was different. She met his gaze and her cheeks burned.
“Did I mention, besides looking like you belong in my apartment, you look better in my clothes than I do?” Austin turned her around again and rinsed her hair. “Damn sexy if you ask me.”
“I doubt that.” She wiped her face then handed over the cloth. She’d smeared soap and makeup into her eyes. “Shit.”
“Hold still.” Austin cleaned her face, slowly wiping away the makeup and soap. “I hate when that happens. Stings.”
“It does.” She blinked as the soap dissipated. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” Austin gathered her in his arms. “I’m sorry I overlooked you and made you feel less than desirable. I’m sorry I’ve been a dick.”
“You’re fine.” Not really, but she wasn’t sure what else to say. “Can—can I shave you?”
“I’m that prickly?” His eyebrows rose.
“Nah, I’ve just always wanted to shave someone.”
“The shaving cream’s behind you. Go for it.” He kept his hands on her hips. “Be careful, but I’m warning you, I only trust you to do this.” He notched his chin in the air while she spread the cream over his cheeks and neck. “I’m rather fond of my face.”
“Think I’m going to slash you?” She ran the razor under the water. Shaving him wasn’t just an act of trust, but intimacy. He’d never let anyone do this for him before? She sucked in a ragged breath and moved the razor over his skin. She slicked away the tiny whiskers and foam. He swallowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed.
“You’re about the only person I know who won’t slice me open.” He swallowed again. “When I’m with you, I feel like me again. Our arguments in the office, disagreeing on football teams and scores, falling asleep together after too many hours spent on one campaign and all those conversations over takeout, those are the moments I live for.” He trailed his fingers over her spine. “That and last night. You’re… I’m in awe.”
“Please.” She sucked in her stomach and wished she hadn’t eaten all of her breakfast. Being raw with him exposed everything and she wasn’t thrilled. She cared about her appearance but she knew her limits. “You’re all muscle and hotness. I’m not.” She was all hips and ass. “Now hold still. I’m almost done.”
She worried she’d cut him because he kept talking and wriggling. Shaving him was harder than it looked or seemed.
“You’re beautiful.” He grinned and water dripped down his forehead. “Nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Uh-huh.” She swiped the last of the shaving cream from his throat. “You’re perfect. I’m just the sidekick. Rinse.”
“Don’t you start the embarrassment stuff. You’re sexy, beautiful and you make me laugh. I had the time of my life last night and things only got better once we came back to my apartment.” He feathered a kiss over her lips. “The only reason I liked the gala was because I got to see you all dressed up. The rest could’ve taken place right here and I would’ve been happy.”
“You really had fun?”
“I did.” Austin turned the water off and shook his head. Water droplets flew around the shower stall. “Now, we’ve got today off and I’m not ready for you to go home. Do you trust me?”
She eased out of the stall ahead of him. “If I didn’t trust you, I wouldn’t have worked with you all this time.” She yanked the towel off the hook. “What did you have in mind?”
Austin dried himself off and stood before her. “We go down to the lakeside, the little amusement park. All day, just you and me—commando.” His eyes widened and a wicked smile curled on his lips. “Yeah?”
Commando? She’d done that last night, but this was—well, not really any different. But last night she’d worn a dress. Right now she didn’t have clothes of her own at the apartment.
“Well?” He dropped his towel. His cock thickened and his nipples beaded. “What do you think?”
She allowed her towel to slide to the floor. Two could play his game. She wanted to hide her imperfections, but fuck it. “I’m game—but I need to stop at my apartment. I’ll go commando all day long, but I’d like to wear my own clothes and shoes.” She liked the dare and she liked him—win-win.
He narrowed his eyes and grinned. “I knew your secret adventurous side wasn’t a one-time thing. You might not want anyone to know you’re not always tightly laced, but I like seeing the different sides of you.”
“The same goes for you.” She followed him back into the bedroom. “Mind if I steal your shirt and those sleep pants until we get to my place?”
“I said you looked better in my clothes than I do.”
She sighed and dressed. Her hair needed brushing and she wasn’t even wearing her own clothes, but the adventure he wanted to go on sounded fun and exciting. How could she tell him no when she wanted to cut loose with him? Easy—she’d go along for the ride and accept whatever fate had in store.
Chapter Seven
Austin replaced the towels then dressed. As he buttoned his jeans, Molly strolled into the bedroom.
“You got ready fast.” He unballed his socks and sat on the edge of the bed. “I should take lessons from you.”
“It’s not hard when you don’t have much to wear.” She handed over his phone. “This rang twice while I was in the living room. I didn’t answer it, but that number has called a dozen times since yesterday.”
He swiped his thumb across the screen. Sure enough, he had sixteen missed calls—most of them from one number. He recognized another number from the list. “Remy’s been looking for you. Why don’t you call him and let him know you’re not dead?”
“He worries too much.” She accepted the phone. “But then so do I.”
“It’s endearing.” He put his socks on and stepped into his running shoes. “Ready?”
She nodded and pressed the phone to her ear. Molly padded barefoot across the apartment. She looked down at her high-heeled shoes then put them on.
He’d get her
back to her place so she could wear something more comfortable. He scooped up his wallet and keys then eased his arm around her as they left the apartment. He paid little attention to her phone call. Remy was a nice guy and a good friend for her. After the work he’d done to get her dolled up, maybe he’d even possibly won Remy over again. He doubted it, but he could hope.
Austin held Molly’s hand and headed into the parking garage below the building. He opened the car door for her and once she settled on the passenger seat, he rounded the hood. He eased behind the wheel.
“Here you go.” She rested the phone on the middle console. “I forgot you had this car.”
“Remember my hatchback?” He engaged the engine and navigated his way out of the garage. “That thing was ugly but reliable.”
“Well, you’ve certainly gone all-out since. This is a nice car.” She trailed her fingertips over the stereo system. “Really nice.”
“I like ‘all-out’. It’s fun.” He glanced at her. “You don’t. You’re happy to be in check. That wasn’t you when we were in college.”
“Things changed since then.” She scooted down in the seat. “After Linc, I had to—I had to ensure I was in control.”
“Just because one guy was a douche, doesn’t mean we all are.” He blended into traffic. “I’m not saying I’ve always been the best example, but still.”
“You’re honest. That’s hard to come by.”
“I’m with you. I want to be honest—it’s easier to be me than it is to be that image everyone seems to have of me.” He slid her hand into his. “You’re one of the very few people who can cut me down to size and build me up at the same time. How do you do that?”
“I don’t know.” She shifted in the seat and faced him. “But I’m glad I can do it.”
“Me too.”
“I guess it’s because I’ve seen the real you.” She rubbed the top of his hand with her thumb. “You’re only really happy when we’re in the middle of a project or when you smell blood in the water. If there’s a deal to be made, you’re there.”
