Chapter Twenty-Three #3
I’m not positive what she means, but I don’t think she’s talking about the tongue thing. I wait.
Seeing my lack of comprehension, she’s merciful. “Problems that feel so embarrassing in my head. You make them seem like they aren’t a big deal.” Thoughtfully, she fiddles with her phone. “Thought I’d be taking the Jeremy secret to the grave.”
“Does Claire know?”
Margot smiles. “She’s the only other person who does, and I told her under duress. Had to: she sat me down a few months ago for a heart-to-heart. Since I never brought Jeremy around, she was scared he was an asshole. I couldn’t let her worry.”
I chuckle. Very on-brand for both of them. “What did she say when you told her?”
“She understood.” The way her eyes cut away makes me think there’s more to that conversation than she’s letting on. Margot takes a sip of her iced coffee and extends the cup to me. “Try this. They’re testing out some new flavored syrups. It’s cherry chocolate.”
I do. “Shit. That’s good.” After a second sip, I pass it back to her.
“Right?” When she sips from the straw I just used, I almost fall out of my chair. Margot does not share drinks. Ever. Not with Claire. Not with anyone.
Standing, she stretches. Laptop, pen, notebook, phone—she tucks it all into her laptop bag.
I rise, following her lead. “Where are we headed, boss?”
“I’m going back to the house. You’re going wherever you usually go. Dog park to see your friends, maybe?” she deadpans, but the dent in her cheek gives away the smile she’s fighting to hide.
“If you’re at the house, I’m at the house.” I rise with her, picking up Gremlin’s bag. “Though I want to take you out tonight when you’re done with work.” Side-eyeing her, I can’t help but add, “Don’t even try to pretend you’re asleep for this one.”
“Pretend to be asleep? You must have me confused with someone else.”
“Mmm, nope, you’re the only gorgeous, great-assed blonde I know. Definitely you.”
Shaking her head, she waves her planner at me before putting it in her bag. “Can’t tonight. I have a thing.”
“What kind of thing?”
“I colead a computer class at Newbound University Library.” She air quotes class.
This is news to me. I’m going to need to start the Book of Margot II at this rate. “That’s cool. I didn’t know you were that techy.”
“I’m really not. It’s an entry-level type of thing, very informal.
There’s no curriculum, and it’s also free to attend.
Class probably isn’t the right word.” She slings her laptop case over her shoulder, I pick up Gremlin’s bag, and we head toward the parking lot.
“It’s basically an hour and a half every week where I hang out in one of the computer labs.
People who aren’t very comfortable using computers will come in, and I help them check their emails, fill out job applications, identify whether some electronic correspondence they received is a scam or not, that kind of thing. ” She sighs. “It’s always a scam.”
I scratch the stubble along my jaw. “Considering everything going on, I should probably take you to play it safe.”
Margot shakes her head. “It’ll be fine. It’s a public place with tons of people around. But if you don’t mind letting Gremlin hang out in your room while you work, I’d appreciate it. I don’t want to leave her alone right now.”
“Horror movie rules.” I give her a look. “No splitting up.”
“Oh, shit, that’s right, horror movie rules.” At first, I think she’s coming around, but then she gets that wide-eyed, innocent look. “If we’re following those, we better not fuck anymore. How could I forget?”
Arching an eyebrow, I pretend to consider the premise as we reach her car. “You may be right. We should probably abstain until this situation has been sorted out.”
Watching me buckle Gremlin’s carrier into the back seat, Margot snickers, the sound shooting straight to my cock. “Good luck with that.”
Smile trying to break through, I open her car door, unable to keep from admiring her ass as she gets in.
Margot notices. “Exhibit A, creeper.”
Dropping back into the drawl, I lean my forearm against the roof of her car.
“Just because I like looking at you doesn’t mean I can’t keep myself together.
” Slowly checking her out flusters her, and she fiddles pointlessly with her ponytail.
Maybe I’m riding the high from the drink sharing, or maybe I want to prove I’m not completely lacking in self-control, since I did just lose it on Jeremy.
“Five years.”
She tilts her head. “Five years what?”
Leaning down, I reach into the car. Her sharp little intake of breath as I buckle her in and make sure the seat belt is snug makes my own heart rate accelerate.
“Yesterday was the first time I’ve had sex in five years.
I’ve waited for you before, and I’ll do it again.
” Her eyes bug; I flash her a smile. “Drive safe, gorgeous.” Then I close her car door and head to my truck.
It’s Margot’s call whether or not she accepts my chauffeur services, but one way or another, I’m certain I can find some activity to occupy my time tonight.