That’s code forI want to ensure she knows who runs this place and the consequences of any disruptions.
Twisting the key, I’m greeted byDangerous Nightby Thirty Seconds to Mars.Okay… I take two steps inside the living area with William hot on my heels, and my body freezes as I try to take in the chaos exploding across my living room. The music is simply a backdrop to the scene.
“I do not negotiate with terrorists,” Eleanor snaps, standing on my couch.
Charlie bounces on the floor, something white clamped between his teeth. He side-eyes me and William, then refocuses on Eleanor.
My gaze slides up her bare legs, the backs of her thighs cut off by one of my white shirts. My cock jumps, and I’m thankful William is behind me. I’ve never understood the appeal of a woman wearing my clothes, but now I have the irrational urge to shred everything she owns to ensure she only has that option.
“I do not condone this behavior, Charlie. Stealing my panties, just like your daddy did, won’t end well for you.”
Charlie huffs but doesn’t relinquish his prize, his tail wagging lazily behind him. He’s normally a sock thief, but then again, he doesn’t get many opportunities to steal ladies underwear, so I guess he’s branching out. I’m a proud dog dad.
Eleanor puts her hands on her hips, making the shirt ride up even higher and gifting me a peek of a scrolling watercolor tattoo inching down from her hip and looping around her thigh. Who knew the nerd had a penchant for ink? She is a colliding conundrum of contradicting elements, making me equal parts confused and curious. The chorus reaches a crescendo, nearly shaking the glass. I agree with Jared Leto… dangerous.
William snorts at my dog and Eleanor, and her head snaps over her shoulder, leveling a glare I’m positive would burn lesser men to the ground my way. She spares a quick glance at William,recognition flitting across her features. Interesting. She knows what he looks like, which means she’s at least done a basic search on my life.Oh, Eleanor, you are giving so much away right now.
“Your dog is out of control,” she snaps as she points to Charlie.
She fiddles with something before spinning to face me and jumping off the couch. Only the bottom two buttons on my shirt are fastened, leaving it almost open. The valley between her breasts is damp from her hair, and I realize she smells like me. Jesus fucking Christ.
She stalks over to where I’m standing with my mouth hanging open. Her hands clasp my hips as she pulls her body tight against mine. There’s a double scrape of metal against my abdomen. Fuck.
“Eleanor,” I choke. “What…”
Her hand slides into my pockets, and her lips tilt up in a wicked smirk that would be sultry if we were alone. In company, though, it’s indecent. And heartbreaking. Where was this vixen thirty minutes ago?
She pulls away and waves a scrap of black lace in my face. “My last clean pair that hasn’t been commandeered by your dog.” She bends and slides them up and over her legs in front of me… and my boss, I remember belatedly. Even though I know William is happily married, it doesn’t stop the hot burn of possession from spilling in my veins.
“Hi,” she finally greets William. “Sorry. It seemed rude to greet you while I was sans underwear.”
She gives him a finger wave and walks off down the hallway and into the guest room, closing the door behind her. She jerks it open, my shirt falling off her shoulder in the process. “For the record, your dog can open doors. They need locks to prevent himfrom absconding with my belongings. I already don’t have that many.” With that, she snaps the door closed.
The music continues to blare through the speakers as my mouth opens to explain myself. William’s hand clamps on my shoulder before I can get a word out, and he throws his head back and laughs.
“I like her, Hunter. She’s perfect for you.”
She is? I mean,Iknow she is, but that meeting didn’t exactly screamloved up couple. I run a hand through my hair, and a long sigh leaves my lips.
“She’s complicated,” I whisper. That’s the truth.
William’s hand squeezes my shoulder before dropping to his side with a tilt of his head. “All the best ones are. A straightforward, carefree woman with no secrets isn’t going to cut it for you long term.”
“That’s exactly the type of woman I normally go for,” I argue. Why am I fighting this? I poke my tongue into the inside of my cheek to stop the catalog of truths it seems intent on spilling.
He bends and gives Charlie a scratch behind his ear, one of his favorite places. “True, but you never brought those women home. Ask yourself why that is, Hunt.” His lips thin as he continues to focus on Charlie. “You made brief encounters an art form. You protected your heart from the pain of caring for someone only to lose them.” Charlie flops on his back and uses his paws to push William’s hand to his belly. Said heart squeezes in my chest at his words. William raises a brow in my direction as I stay silent.
I suck my teeth. “You’re right.”
“I’m rarely wrong.”
“And modest.”
He shrugs as he stands. “Does she know about your past?”
I shake my head and fold my arms. “I’m not ready.”
“These things always have a way of making themselves known at the wrong time. If you are serious about her, tell her. Secrets aren’t the basis for a long-lasting, happy relationship. They are cracks in an already fragile construct.”
