“No, you aren’t. I’ve never brought anyone here. This is my grandfather’s home.”
I frowned. “What happened to the party house on Octavia?”
His eyes narrowed fractionally. “I gave that up a year ago. And since you’re so interested, and you should be, I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. Except for you.”
He hadn’t? My tummy dipped, and my heart pounded—damn foolish organ. “Wait, what do you mean,except for me? Nothing happened. I still have on my underwear.”
“Ray.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Have you not learned anything yet? Lots can occur even with clothing in place.” And with that wonderful news that had my mind working overtime, he took the tray and set it on the nightstand.
What the heck did he mean…nooo! Did I do something?
Did he?
He shook his head at the dismay probably etched on my face.
“Relax, Ray. WhenIhave you in my bed, you will be very aware of everythingIdo.” There wasn’t a hint of teasing in his expression or tone. “Now, I have to get ready for work.”
I frowned at the way he’d stressed theIas he headed for the bathroom. Was it me, then? Did I do something? Apparently, I had since he wouldn’t say anything. With the way he looked, and if I were delirious last night, I’d probably thrown caution to the wind, climbed him like a sloth, and then taken a nap. On him.
Jack reached the bathroom door, then pivoted. “I’ll let my grandfather know I have a guest. And don’t try to leave, Ray, not unless you want me to call your sister and tell her what happened.”
My embarrassment forgotten, I jerked upright again and winced. “You can’t do that—”
“Try me.”
“But you and I, we can’t stand each other.”
“Keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. Right now, I just want to make sure you stay put and heal, not cause that wound to open. But know this, Ray, you and I have unfinished business.”
Oh, my God! He didn’t just say that. “I’m going home to Millbrae today.” I sulked. “It’s the summer festival.”
He stilled.
Man, how could anyone be that good-looking and so darn hot first thing in the morning? Especially while I looked like something Wilbur dragged home from the dumpster. He wore only sweat shorts that hung low on his lean hips, revealing miles of tan skin and those sexy, muscled shoulders I wanted to explore, slowly with my hands, my mouth—
“How can you do anything while injured?” he demanded.
“I help my dad with charity events. I’m not sittingthisone out,” I muttered, still distracted by the play of muscles rippling beneath his skin. My gaze latched on to a five-inch scar low on the left side of his abs, and I frowned.
“It’s a festival like any other, Ray. It will still run without you.” Exhaling roughly, he shook his head. “Judging from your mulish expression, you’re not going to let this go. Get someone else to take over for you.”
I blinked, hurt seeping into me. This fundraiser was much more than just that for me—and for my family. It was something close to our hearts. I knew he wouldn’t understand, but a part of me wished he’d found out on his own. It showed how little he knew about the real me.
“No.” I pressed my mouth into a tight, determined line. “I’m not getting anyone else to replace me.”
After several grating seconds of silence, a low growl emitted from him. “Very well, I’ll take you. And if you don’t want me telling Max and your sister about your condition and what happened, you will wait for me.”
“That’s blackmail.”
“Don’t care.”
I slumped onto my pillow, frustrated to my eyeballs at Jack’s hard-headed stance. “Fine. I want to leave at noon. If you aren’t here, then I will.”
“I’ll be here.” A cold snap. He disappeared into the bathroom.
No matter my threat, I couldn’t call my sister and tell her from where to pick me up. If I did, they would know I’d spent the night here. And I didn’t want that.
I glowered at the ceiling. How did everything get this complicated?
