I bit back a smile. Frustration emanated off her in waves. I might not have gotten into her bed (yet), but there was a certain sick satisfaction in knowing that I could get under her skin.
Hopefully, I could convince her to let me stay there.
“Order up for Jared.”
I grabbed the to-go bag from Baker and turned toward the door, doing my best not to limp. The stiffness had already begun to set in—in more ways than one—but I didn’t want Nessa to know that.
“I could have handled him on my own, you know.”
I pivoted back around. Even in the most casual of clothing, with mussed hair and sweat dripping from her face—which had me suddenly picturing her in a much more primal setting—she was fucking beautiful.
Maybe one day, you’ll let me tell you so, angel.
Until then, I’d settle for my hand and vivid imagination.
“I have no doubt,” I told her.
“He’s not the first asshole that didn’t take no for an answer.”
“Probably won’t be the last one either. Not that I’m excusing that behavior.”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Thank you,” she said through gritted teeth, making my lips twitch with amusement.
I wanted to say more. I wanted to tell her that she made me nervous, in a good kind of way. The best kind of way, really. Or maybe that it had been months since I had even entertained the thought of any other man or woman. Or that her eyes reminded me of the vintage, emerald ring my grandmother used to wear—the same one she had promised to me to give to my future spouse.
I would have told her all that and more.
If I had any reason to believe that she would take me seriously.
And why would she? I hadn’t given her a reason to.
Thankfully, the phone vibrating against my thigh gave me an easy out. I reached into my pocket and smiled when I saw the name flashing across the screen.
“I’ve got to take this,” I said to Nessa. “Do you want me to walk you to your car?”
“Please,” she scoffed. “I can take—”
“Take care of yourself, I know.” I stepped forward, bringing us nearly toe to toe. The wrinkle between her brows might have made me smile if we were talking about anything other than her safety. “Please,” I said gruffly, my voice lowering an octave. “If you don’t want me to do it, at least let Baker walk you out.”
It wasn’t a question.
She looked taken aback by my uncharacteristically serious tone but nodded, nonetheless.
Good girl.
I kept my eyes trained on hers when I answered the call. “One second, Belles,” I said into the phone before turning it into my chest. “See you around, angel.”
“It’s Nessa,” she growled.
“I just call it like I see it.” I turned on my heels, calling back over my shoulder, “Have a good night.”
I could practically hear the steam whooshing out of her ears, propelling my feet out the door. I waited until I made it outside before lifting the phone to my ear again. “How’s my favorite sister?”
“I’m your only sister, Jared Hildebrand.”
I inwardly cringed at the sound of my own name.Jared Hildebrand Pink II.My parents really hadn’t given me a chance.
“That you know of,” I snapped back. “What’s up, Belles? It’s a little late for you to be calling.”
