“But—”
“Keep this phone nearby. I’ll be in touch.”
The call was ended, and he was left wondering how things had come to this. He glanced at the picture on his desk, the force behind all his problems staring back at him.
You did this. Now you have to deal with the consequences.
Katherine Marsh started this with her lies and deception. If her father got caught in the crosshairs, so be it.
It was past time the bitch paid for what she’d done.
* * *
Kat glancedat her reflection in the small, bathroom mirror. Subconsciously, she ran a finger over her still-swollen lips. Traced the small patch of stubble-burn on the side of her neck, her sensitive inner muscles clinching from the memory of how it got there.
She’d woken from her climax-induced nap feeling sore, but in the very best way possible. She’d also woken up alone. Not that she was surprised.
It wasn’t like Kat actually expected Matt to be sleeping beside her. If they were still younger, sure, but not now. Even so, after what they’d done, it would have been nice.
She was still trying to wrap her mind around the fact that she’d had sex with Matthew Turner.
Hard, rough,hotsex.
In those first, foggy seconds when she’d awoken, Kat had nearly convinced herself it had all been a dream. A fantasy. Then she moved, her body assuring her it was very, very real.
After a quick shower and change of clothes, she used the blow dryer she found in one of the drawers and threw on a little mascara to help take away from the sleepy look in her eyes.
Feeling like a nervous teenager, she kept trying to find ways to keep from having to leave the bedroom. She didn’t want to face him or the indifferent look he’d most likely give her.
Doing her best to stall, Kat decided to make the bed. A bed Matt had carried her to.
She should probably be embarrassed by the fact that she’d fallen asleep on top of him, but she couldn’t find it in herself to be. Knowing he’d carried her in here and tucked her in, versus tossing her off his lap like a used-up toy, filled her chest with more satisfaction than it should have.
This doesn’t change anything.
Those words had stung, but at least he was being honest. Unlike her. She’d lied through her teeth when she told Matt she didn’t want anything more than what he was willing to give.
So many nights she’d laid awake, wishing for five more minutes with him. Imagined what it would be like to be pulled into his arms for one more hug. To feel his lips pressing against hers as he gave her one more kiss.
Today, she’d been given all those things and more.
Since she never thought it possible, Kat wasn’t going to dwell on the fact that it had only been a means of physical release for him. Because for her, it had been a miracle.
She made her way to the door. With a final, steely breath, Kat turned, straightened her shoulders, and turned the knob.
The sight of Matt sitting on the couch stopped her in her tracks. His back was to hers, and he was just sitting there, staring at the powerless T.V.
Swallowing down her desire to go to him, she willed a casual tone into her voice and said, “Hey. Sorry I slept so long. Are you hungry?”
He didn’t answer. Didn’t even move, actually.
Okay, so maybe this would be more awkward than you anticipated.
Ignoring the frustrating voice, Kat put on a smile and started for the kitchen. “Those steaks are still in the refrigerator. I thought I could pan-fry them and bake a couple potatoes. I think I saw a few cans of green beans, too, so if you want, I could—”
“Don’t do that.”
The order was gruff and non-negotiable.
