Once I walk in the door, I take Sassy out the back, then jump in the shower. My eyes are so heavy that when I lie down on the couch, I end up falling asleep.
It’s not until a few hours later when Everleigh comes in that I wake up.
I hear a clicking noise and see Everleigh has her Polaroid camera in one hand and a photo in the other. I glance down and see Sassy snuggled in beside me. We’re two peas in a pod.
“Sorry, couldn’t help myself. That was a cute moment to capture.”
I sit up, and Sassy repositions herself. We must’ve slept hard because I feel so disoriented.
“Did you just get home?”
“Yeah. We were busy as hell today.”
“It’s been crazy all week.” I run my fingers through my hair, then stand and stretch before making some coffee.
Everleigh takes Sassy out and returns. She watches me and leans against the counter. “What’re your plans tonight? Considering you’re making coffee after six, I’d say you’re stayin’ up?”
Her gaze slides up my body and lingers on my abs before meeting my eyes. I give her a look, letting her know I just caught her eye-fucking me. She does it when she can, and I can’t say I’m not guilty of the same thing.
It’s hard to ignore when the attraction between us runs so damn deep.
“Come out with me tonight,” she blurts out, just as I’m pouring my mug full.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” I admit, even if it pains me to do so. The defeat I saw the other night when I locked her out isn’t present. Everleigh shrugs like she’s not bothered by my response.
“Okay, then. Suit yourself. But I was thinkin’ that since all my other friends are home with their kiddos, you and I could go out of town. Maybe have a little fun at one of my favorite places, then crash at a hotel, but if you want to stay here and snuggle with Sassy all night, that’s fine too. I’m sure I can find someone else to accompany me.” Everleigh unlocks her phone that was sitting on the counter. The thought of her going anywhere with another man frustrates the fuck out of me, not including the jealousy that follows closely behind.
“I could text Brian. He’s a baseball player. Or maybe Jesse. He’s a drummer, really good with his sticks too. Oh, I bet Daryl and Zach would be game. They’re twins, by the way, who are really into role-playing. Hmm...which one would show me the best time?” she contemplates, tapping her nails.
She’s waiting for a reaction, but I wouldn’t put it past her to really text someone. Any man would be an idiot to tell her no.
I shrug, then clear my throat to grab her attention. “Why not text them all? Have a big ole orgy?”
“Oh, come on, that should’ve worked!” Everleigh pushes out her bottom lip. “What if I promised to keep my hands above your waist at all times?”
A bark of laughter escapes me, but I can’t deny her. Hell, I can’t deny myself the chance to spend more time with her, especially away from Lawton Ridge.
“Okay, okay.I’ll go with you.”
She yelps and wraps her arms around my neck. “Yes! We’re gonna have so much fun!”
“Why do I have a feeling I’ll be eating my words later?”
“Ha-ha,” she muses. “Give me an hour to get ready, please. Then we’ll head out. Bring a change of clothes ’cause we’re staying out all night.”
“Sounds like a plan. I should probably change too.”
“Nah. Go like that,” she tells me, memorizing my abs before looking at the waistband of my joggers. “I’ll be ready soon.”
“Looking forward to it.” I take a sip of my coffee when she goes into her room. After I’ve finished my coffee, I put on some of the clothes Everleigh gave me for Christmas.
When I return to the living room, she walks out and looks me up and down. “Nice choice. You’ve got style.”
“You mean, astylist.”
“Same difference.” Everleigh lets Sassy out one last time before grabbing her purse that’s just big enough to fit her phone, debit card, and ID. She’s wearing tight dark jeans with little rips in the knees that hug her perfect ass. Her blouse shows off just enough cleavage to make you want more. Right now, in those high heels, she looks good enough to eat. And she knows it.
“You look beautiful,” I say after she catches me gawking.