I look up from my tablet and lean back against her couch. “What?”
“The tall blond GU football captain is here to see you. My security guy wants to know whether he’s allowed to pass.”
“Oh, God.” Despite my groan, my heart thumps indecently hard.
Climbing from the couch, I stalk over to the window to look out. Sure enough, Erik Sorensen is standing on the walkway right by the stairs. And despite being casually dressed in his uniform of jeans and bulky coat, he looks way more imposing than the armed man-in-black security guy.
“Yeah, let him in,” I say impulsively.
I’ll have to face him eventually. This is as good a place as any. My main thing is I don’t want to be alone with him at his loft because then I might fall into bed with him. My attraction to him is wrong but strong.
A couple of moments later, Eden opens the door and Erik enters.
He checks out the Van Gogh Starry Night motif on the walls. “When you pick a theme, you really lean in.”
“Yes.” Eden smiles and then glances in my direction. “Arya, was I going out to grab something from the grocery store? Or did I already do that?”
I roll my eyes. “Subtle as a wrecking ball, babe.”
Unabashed, she grins.
“Yes, you should go,” Erik says, his expression dark. “Arya and I need to have a private conversation.”
Eden’s smile fades, and she looks over. “Arya?”
I narrow my eyes. “Go, I guess. But leave one of your guys outside in case I need him, okay?”
“Sure.” Eden’s gaze rakes over the Viking, sizing him up. “Not that she would need it, right, Erik? Because you’re going to behave like a gentleman.”
His icy blue eyes study Eden for a beat. “I didn’t come to fight. I came for her.”
That line totally curls my toes, but I try not to show it.
Looking at Erik, Eden’s brows rise.
“Go,” he says. “So Arya and I can talk.” His stern tone makes my insides twist into sexy knots.
Do not go there. Be strong.
Eden shifts her weight. “You’re welcome to visit. As long as you behave like a good guest.”
Sorensen walks to the couch and towers over me. “Do you want to start? Or should I?”
“Go, Edes,” I say quickly.
I don’t trust Erik to remain silent until she’s gone. And if he starts talking about spanking me, I will lose it. That part of things is private.
“The store’s right down the street,” Eden says, pulling on her coat. “I’ll be back soon.”
When Eden is gone, Erik folds his arms across his massive chest and treats me to a forbidding look that sends a shiver through my lady parts.
His voice is a low rumble. “Not even a kiss goodbye?”
“Is this you being heartbroken? If so, it needs work.” The tartness in my voice would make a lemon jealous.
“You had no business leaving. Your friend Octavia hypothesized that I scared you off. You don’t look scared.”
At the thought of why I fled, my heartbeat quickens. I shouldn’t challenge him when I know he’s dangerous, but I can never seem to stop myself.
