KRAY
She’s got a lot of sass for someone who’s five foot nothing. In all the pictures I saw of Cleo, she had a thick layer of makeup on.
I like her style, the darkness and tough look she’s going for. But seeing Cleo makeup free in sweatpants and an old hoodie—she’s fucking beautiful. The sweatpants hang off her hips, showing me the outline of her curves, and my mouth waters as I follow her to the living room.
The place looks as plush as I remember, all soft carpet and tasteful furniture. It’s been a few years since I’ve been up to see Ethan and the man likes to live well.
I dump my bag next to a two-seater couch, and Cleo eyes it suspiciously.
“What’s that for?”
“I’m staying a few days.”
She narrows her eyes at me. “No, you’re not.”
Her hands go to her hips and she looks indignant, which makes her look adorable, although I get the feeling she’d hate me if I tried to tell her that. Instead, I shrug casually.
“I can’t go back. There’s a storm brewing. Not good riding conditions.”
I pull off my road boots and sink my feet into the plush carpet. The softness feels good after the chill of the road.
“And my bike needs some work.” Which isn’t true, but I have no qualms about telling a little white lie if it buys me time with Cleo.
“You can go find a hotel then,” she splutters. “I’m staying here. Ethan asked me to house sit. He never mentioned you were turning up.”
I lie back on the couch and put my feet up on the edge.
“You don’t need to house sit. I’m here now.”
If looks could kill, she’d pierce me right through the heart. I lace my hands across the back of my head and lean back.
“I’m not leaving,” she says.
Which is exactly what I thought would happen. I counted on Cleo being stubborn when I made the crazy-ass journey here.
“I guess we’re both staying then.”
Her jaw clenches. “There’s only one bedroom.”
I look around the spacious living room. I’m spread out on the two-seater, but there’s a bigger couch adjacent.
“I’ll sleep out here.”
She taps her foot irritably and looks out the window. I’m amused by the reaction, but I don’t want her to hate me.
I sit up and open my hands magnanimously.
“Look. I know this isn’t what you were expecting. It’s not what I was expecting either.” Which is bullshit. I knew exactly what I was walking into, but Cleo doesn’t need to know that.
“I came to surprise my brother, and I didn’t know he wasn’t going to be around. I’ll stay a few days until the roads and my bike are safe, then I’ll be out of your hair.”
Cleo eyes me suspiciously, as she should. I know how I must look with my riding leathers and my patch. But the MC strip on my jacket doesn’t seem to worry her.
“You’re not going to throw me out in the cold over Christmas, are you?”
I give her my most genuine smile, but she only narrows her eyes further. It makes me chuckle. She’s a suspicious one all right.
“I can’t go back to my place. A friend needed a place to stay for a few days and I can’t kick her out.”