Sexy as fuck.
I had absolutely zero defense against him… as evidenced by that mind-combusting kiss that tasted like cherries and sunlight and… I dunno. Poetry and shit.
Jesus, Micah.
Constantine had asked me the other night if I was insane for offering him a job. I could only conclude thatyes I fucking was, because my priorities had gotten all screwed up.
I started the engine and looked at the clock. Three forty-four, and the alley was empty.
This was good, I told myself, taking a last glance at my phone. This was an opportunity to restore my equilibrium. To get my priorities back in check. If I drove out of the alley right now—
“Morning,boss.”
Startled, I found Constantine inches away, watching me through the open van window, a cup of coffee in each hand. His lightweight jacket was molded to his body and his hair was adorably mussed.
I inhaled sharply at his nearness.
Had I thought hewasn’tthe hottest guy in the bar Saturday night? Yeah, okay, that was a lie. He was hot as hell.
And fucking young.
And ridiculous.
And your employee, Micah, you genius.
Right. Yes. Employee. Of mybusiness.
Fuck me.
“Good morning,” I said belatedly. “You’re late.”
By exactly one minute, according to my clock.
“I was working at the station until eleven, stopped home for a cat nap, and came here.” Con shrugged. “But I brought coffee.” That mischievous little smile danced around his mouth. “Figured that would grant me immunity.”
He handed over a to-go cup—an actual metal cup he’d brought from home, since God knew there was nothing in O’Leary open at this hour—and gave me a winning smile.
It wasthoughtful. Really thoughtful. Another glimpse of the real Constantine, when I most needed to steel myself against him.
I made a disapproving noise and shook my head, even as I took the drink from his hand. “I know you were working last night, but that’s really not an excuse. Employees should be on time. You’re supposed to come when I tell you to come, not when you feel like it.”
Constantine blinked and leaned toward me. “Just so I understand… are you saying you get off on people coming when you tell them to?”
I felt myself blushing as all my blood rushed to my cheeks…
And other places.
“Get in the fucking van, Constantine.”
Constantine shrugged cheerfully and strolled around the hood like he had all the time in the world. He pulled open the door and dropped himself heavily into the passenger’s seat. “So, is this what working for you is gonna be like? No consideration for the fact that I singlehandedly saved O’Leary from a werewolf attack last night? I mean, yes, it turned out that Mrs. Quinn’s werewolf was actually a stray dog in her garage, but it all could have ended intragedy, Micah. And now I’m a minute late and you’re all up in my business?”
I forced myself not to think about beingall up in his business. I also forced myself not to laugh at his story.
“It’s a life lesson,” I told him, all superior and condescending.Honestly. The shit that spewed out of my mouth around this guy. Mason wouldn’t stop laughing for a week if he could hear me right now. “There’s a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things.”
Con’s eyes sparkled. “You’re too tall to have a Napoleon complex,” he mused. “Where does all this shit come from?”
I put my cup in the cupholder. “Fasten your seatbelt.”
