Chapter 6 #2
I remind myself she was crystal clear about not wanting a relationship. That, in theory, I have nothing to worry about.
So we had sex. It’s not a big deal.
It was a one-night stand—nothing more, nothing less.
But…I don’t know. It feels like a big deal.
I down the rest of my beer in hopes of washing away the memory of how she tastes.
It doesn’t work.
I should be on my way.
I need to recalibrate my life now that she’s going to be in it all the fucking time.
I put the bottle on the table and move to stand.
She slides onto the stool next to me. “I’m back.”
Her perfume—a mix of citrus and musk—wafts over, and I immediately settle back down.
I’m hit with a vivid flashback of my mouth on her neck, telling her how delicious she smelled as I licked over her skin. The sounds of her throaty moans vibrating against my lips.
Do not look at her. Whatever happens, don’t look.
Darcy tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and pins her attention on me. “So tell us the story from your point of view.”
All eyes fall on me, and I shrug, like this is not a big deal. Jessica’s strategy might have caused more questions than it needed to, but the setup leaves me free to play it as though I’m ignorant to her motives.
Best of all, I don’t have to lie to Ryder.
Our relationship is built on trust, and now, I’m jeopardizing that because I had the misfortune of sleeping with his sister.
When he finds out, lying will only make it worse.
No, he’ll never find out. Once this mess is sorted, I’ll properly categorize her into an off-limits coworker.
I pick my words very carefully. “As I’ve already explained, I spotted the tail, called Ryder so we could get a plate. She got out of the car to confront me, introducing herself as Ryder’s sister. But before we had the opportunity to discuss anything further, he pulled up. And here we are.”
The man in question scrubs a hand over his jaw and looks at me with narrowed eyes. He’s not buying any of this. His instincts sense trouble.
Given who his sister is, he can’t be surprised.
What he’s stuck on is my involvement.
He meets my gaze. “Here’s what I don’t understand. Why aren’t you questioning her?”
I work to keep the tension from my body, “Why would I question her when you’re doing the job for me?”
“You don’t seem curious.” He presses, like the good cop he is.
Sophie darts a glance between Jessica and me. “He’s right.”
I struggle to figure out how I’d act if I hadn’t fucked her six ways till Sunday, and I find I have no idea. My only option is to ride this out as cool and unconcerned as I can. “Your public grilling doesn’t seem to be having an effect on her, so I’m not sure what you’d like me to add.”
Darcy smiles at me. “You’re being very understanding about this.”
“We’re going to be colleagues. It doesn’t hurt to give her the benefit of the doubt.” The heat of Jessica’s body is distracting me.
“And you’re not curious why she wanted to talk to you?” Sophie asks.
“She’s a lawyer who isn’t inclined to discuss the matter with any of you.” That seems plausible and vague enough, but I go on the offensive in hopes of putting the matter to bed. I raise a brow at Ryder. “Would you like me to take her somewhere private and interrogate her?”
Jessica shifts next to me, her legs crossing and uncrossing with all her restless energy. I silently beg her not to add anything, and thankfully, she appears content to stay quiet for once.
Ryder’s strong jaw sets in a hard line.
We engage in a staring contest that goes on for a long time before Sophie pulls his arm. “All right, let’s take the testosterone down a few notches.”
We mutually concede to each other with a nod.
I play with my empty bottle and contemplate the exit.
I equally want to get the hell out of here and talk to her. After the last few days, I’m tired enough to be dull-witted, so I have no idea how to make that conversation happen under the watchful eye of my friend group.
I decide it’s time to cut my losses. I stand. “Well, this seems like a family thing, so I’m going to take off.”
And then, because she cannot help herself, she launches off the stool. “Me too.”
I’m going to throttle her. I turn, looking down into her face. She’s so beautiful and infuriating. “Are you fucking kidding me right now?”
“What? If you’re going, I’m not going to sit here—” her white-blue eyes flash as she jerks a hand in their direction “—with them all by myself.”
“Have you reconsidered your move?” She’s exasperating. I want to shut her up so badly. “Because I’m not looking forward to your constant chaos.”
She taps the toe of her shoe. “Yeah, right, like I’m going to design my whole life around your feelings.”
I open my mouth to say god only knows what, but I catch Sam watching me from across the bar, wearing a smirk I want to wipe off his face. I clamp my jaw shut.
Now is not the time to engage her.
“Well, I can’t say it’s been a great time, but I am going to be on my way.” I glance down at Jessica and force the word from my throat. “Alone.”
She glares at me like I’m her reprimanding father. “Believe me, this is nothing personal.”
Ryder shakes his head at me. “Why don’t we all head out together?”
Fantastic.
I’m so lucky to have this infuriating woman in my life.
Every. Fucking. Day.