Chapter 9
Garrett
Ali remains quiet as I drive, her eyes cast downward.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from her reunion with Irene, but I knew it had to be done. They were too close for too long not to see each other during Ali’s stay. Maybe part of me was being selfish, hoping that Ali would motivate Irene in some way to pull herself out of her funk, but at this point, I’m beginning to think it’s a lost cause.
It’s a struggle to keep my attention on the road with Ali next to me. My eyes keep wanting to drink up her long, tanned legs. She stretches lightly, elongating her supple body as her shirt rides slightly up her stomach. Before I can stop myself, I let out a low groan.
“Good visit?” I say quickly, trying to cover my blunder.
“It was like ripping off a bandaid,” she says. “Little bit of pain, followed by relief. I can’t believe she has herself a little girl.”
“Little Lori turns four soon. Shy as hell. Still manages to get her way.”
“You seemed to have taken well to being an uncle.”
“The thing about Lori is, she’s consistent. I know what makes her happy, and what makes her unhappy, which makes my niece easier to deal with than any woman I’ve ever met. Bring her ice cream, fixes all problems.”
She chuckles, which is like music to my ears.
That’s Hank Carter’s girl, and no one you should be thinking about.
I must have brought her home dozens of times throughout high school, and I never once had the problems I’m having now. Back then, Ali was all gangly and awkward, with shy smiles and bright, innocent eyes.
Now, her skin is sun-kissed and vibrant, her awkward body filling out into sumptuous curves and firm, luscious breasts. What I wouldn’t give to touch that silky-smooth skin of hers.
You better stop this folly before it goes too far.
I sneak another glance at her long legs and wonder what it would be like to bury my tongue between them, tasting the sweet nectar nestled between her thighs. It’s been months since I’ve been with a woman, which makes being in such close proximity to Ali all the more unbearable.
Baseballs. Cement trucks. Yarn. The American flag.Dental work—shit! There was that one hygienist. Playing cards. Ceiling fans.
I try like hell to get my dick under control, but it’s a tough battle against those curves. If only she had a prairie skirt on to hide those long legs, not that I’m actually stupid enough to believe that would do much good. I’d only want to rip it off to see what she was hiding.
You fool! Ali Kat Carter is one of America’s most desirable women. Would you even know what to do with her?
Damn right, I would. I’d spend every moment I’m with her worshipping every inch of her tawny flesh. I’d kiss, lick, and suck my way into heaven, making her scream my name to God himself.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Ali’s head turn towards me.
“Pull over,” she says.
Oh my God—she knows!
Did I say something out loud? I don’t think so. Maybe she caught me looking. Oh, lord, what if I’m giving off some kind of creepy vibe? This is terrible.
“Is something wrong?” I finally choke out.
“Pull over,” she says firmly.
“Hold your horses, I’m pulling over.”
“Good.”
I swallow, unsure of what I’ve done to piss her off and worried about what the repercussions might be. As disgruntled as Jake is with her, he’d never tolerate any mistreatment or disrespect of his sisters.
“If I’ve offended you, you can just take my car. I’m not gonna have you out on this long stretch of road by yourself.”
