night we met."
I sat, stunned. I couldn't believe this was actually happening.
"Ally! Your order's ready!" The woman announced over the PA.
I gathered my purse and slid out of the booth breaking my longing gaze from Brody. He slid to the edge of the booth and grabbed my arm. He pulled me around so I was forced to face him; so close in fact, I could smell his manly scent and my body tingled. The dull ache between my legs grew and I shifted uncomfortably in an attempt to stop it.
God! This man had the most amazing effect on my body.
"I meant it, Allyson. And I know you want it too— So, either we can play this 'game' all day long— Or you can let me help you." His beautiful green eyes turned a shade of hazel and grew darker as he spoke.
"I'm sorry Brody, but I can't do this," I said softly, regretting the words as they fell out of my mouth, like some foreign creature had taken over my body.
He released my arm, I quickly turned and walked toward the counter to retrieve my order as Brody followed. It took everything I had not to turn around to face him since I could sense his gaze was burning a hole in the back of my head.
I grabbed the paper bags from the woman behind the counter, thanked her and made my way to the door. To my surprise, Brody didn't follow. I unlocked my car door and slid across the sweltering seat; checking my rear view for any lingering vehicles behind me. Once I felt the coast was clear, I reversed out of my parking space, but was startled by a loud bang on my back window. I slammed the brakes and the SUV shuttered in response.
Oh shit! Please be nothing. Please be nothing.
I launched my door open and practically fell to the ground as I hurried to see what I'd hit.
Shit!
My heart hammered in my chest and I glanced up to find Brody, straddling a cherry red, custom Harley Fat Boy.
"Are you trying to get killed?!" I shouted at him.
He threw his head back and proceeded to laugh hysterically. This was one joke, I didn't find funny. I marched over to him and punched his arm as hard as I could.
"Fuck," he said as he rubbed his bicep and stopped laughing. "You pack quite the punch, for a chick ."
I cringed at the word, "chick".
"What the hell are you doing?" I asked as I perched my hands on my hips waiting for his explanation.
He furrowed his brow and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the motorcycle's handle bars. "I want to help you, Allyson. I thought I made that pretty clear. But it seems, you...my little fox, are quite the firecracker, so I was forced to resort to this. And now here we are," he said clasping his hands together.
"I get that, but I could've killed you, plus you almost gave me a heart attack. What the hell is your problem? I already told you I don't want your help, so please just leave me alone," I said forcefully, hoping he'd get the point.
"I'm not letting you go until..." He paused and a sly, dimpled, smirk crept across his masculine face. "Fine. I'll make you a deal. I'll help you with your interview stuff and I promise I won't touch you."
"You seem pretty satisfied with that compromise, but I call BS. I'm serious, Brody— I don't like you and I'm pretty sure..." I said, motioning back and forth between us, "whatever scheme you have going on in that head of yours— I'll tell you right now, I'm not the least bit interested."
"Fuck, woman! I just want to help. But now you're just being a pain in my ass," he said as he threw his arms up.
Damn it! Where was my voice of reason when I needed it most?
"God, I hope I don't regret this," I whispered.
"Fine. Follow me," I said and turned to walk back to my car. I glanced over my shoulder and saw his gorgeous green eyes light up.
"You're not gonna lead me out in the middle of the desert, tie me up and torture me are you?" He joked.
"You wish," I huffed as I swung my door open and slid across the seat.
He followed me back to my townhouse. I pulled into my parking space and turned the car off. Brody stood at
Heidi Cullinan
Dean Burnett
Sena Jeter Naslund
Anne Gracíe
MC Beaton
Christine D'Abo
Soren Petrek
Kate Bridges
Samantha Clarke
Michael R. Underwood