Understanding hit me like a freight train. I blew out a breath, rubbing my forehead. At first, a little thrill zipped up my spine. Then I felt exposed and ridiculous, wearing nothing but Trooper’s T-shirt. I wished I had panties for this conversation at least.
“That’s not really your style, is it?” I pointed out, mimicking his earlier response.
“I’d be willing to give it a shot.”
Shaking my head, I closed the pizza box and shoved it back in the fridge. I was flattered that he would make an exception for me. But at the same time, a knot tightened in my chest. What if it didn’t work out? What if we broke up and things were weird between us? What if I lost my friend because he left me just like every other man in my life ever did?
Trooper looped an arm around my waist, pulling me back against him.
“This came out of left field for me, too,” he said gently. “We don’t have to make a decision right now. We can think about it for a while.”
Was that better or worse? To have this hanging over our heads, lingering, undecided.
My cell phone rang—a distant echo from the region of my bedroom. Relief flooded through me, grateful for an excuse to change the subject.
“I should get that,” I said, pulling out of Trooper’s arms.
He sighed as I fled the room. And I couldn’t help noticing the irony of the situation.
This time, Trooper was the one who wanted to stay. While I was running away as fast as I could.
Raine called to let me know that the two employees who were supposed to man the shop called in sick. So, I could either close up for the day, or cover their shift myself. After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I was more than ready to get back to work.
Trooper leaned against my bedroom door frame, fully clothed this time, with a frown while I sat on the foot of my bed to lace up my boots.
“I thought you were going to lay low for a few days,” he said.
“Yeah, but if I close the shop, I lose money,” I countered. “And I need to pay rent.”
“There are plenty of people who would help you with that, Shea.”
I shot him a look as I rose to my feet. He should know better—I wouldn’t take charity. And besides, I couldn’t bear to be in this house with him after…
I’m not talking about hooking up. I’m talking about something serious.
Working would give me something to do. Something to take my mind off…all of this. Trooper pressed his lips together like he wanted to protest further, but he stopped himself from doing so. He glanced at his phone, tapping out a text.
“Viper will be on watch today,” he said. “After that, it will be Ironside or Bruiser, depending on their availability.”
“Is there a reason you haven’t given Psycho any watch duty yet?” I prodded. “Are you still holding a grudge against him for hitting on me that one time?”
Trooper grunted and stowed his phone in his back pocket.
“You’re a smart woman. I’m sure you can figure out that answer yourself.”
I blew out a breath and shook my head.
“Wow. You really are jealous.”
Trooper stepped into my bedroom. My heart rose into my throat. This was the only room in the house that he had never entered—my intimate personal sanctuary. He curved a hand over my hip, brushing his lips to the corner of my mouth. Goosebumps shivered along my skin at his touch. It took every ounce of willpower to resist the urge to sink into his embrace all over again.
Before I could stop myself, I draped my arms around Trooper’s neck, bringing our bodies flush together.
“I meant what I said,” he replied softly. “You’re worth staying for.”
I wanted to believe him. I wanted to picture a future together—raising a family, growing old, building a life and a home that was all ours.
But it would be like the blind leading the blind. Neither of us knew what the fuck we were doing, and it had a greater probability of falling apart than succeeding.
