Georgia:Are we heading out soon?
Georgia:You have work. Don’t forget.
Shit. Work. The thing I’ve been debating quitting but haven’t been able to. I keep doing it because... why? Pride? Stubbornness? The desperate need to prove I can take care of myself?
I type back quickly.
Me:Give me twenty.
I set my phone back down on the nightstand. Luke’s arm comes out, snagging me around the waist and pulling me back into bed with him. I let out a laugh.
“I have to go. I have work,” I tell him. He starts kissing up my neck, knowing it’s my weak spot. He spent the night learning every inch of my body.
“No.” His grip tightens. “Quit.”
I laugh, turning to face him. “Just like that?”
“Just like that.” He opens his eyes, dark and serious. “I’ll pay you. Whatever they pay you, I’ll double it. Triple it.”
“Luke.” I roll my eyes, pushing at his chest. “You can’t just pay me to quit my job.”
“Why not?”
“Because that’s insane.” I sit up again, searching for my clothes. My shirt is on the floor, my shorts somewhere near the bathroom. “And I’m not your kept woman.”
He sits up too, the sheet falling to his waist, and I have to force myself to look away. He’s too distracting like this, naked, all sleep-mussed and possessive. “You’re not,” he says. “You’re just... busy. We’re both busy. And there’s a lot of shit going down. I don’t want you there. Not with everything happening.”
I find my bra and pull it on, then my shirt. “The mystery? The murder?”
“All of it.” He swings his legs out of bed, standing naked and unbothered. “I don’t like you there. I don’t like the way Joey looks at you. I want your extra time.” I should probably be mad at him for acting like a neanderthal, but I can’t help but be amused. I know this is all coming from a place of him wanting to protect me and not trying to control me.
I pull on my shorts, and he’s watching me with that look, the one that says he’s two seconds from throwing me back on the bed and having his way with me. So freaking tempting.
“Luke.” I soften my voice, walking over to him. I put my hands on his chest. “I’ve actually been thinking about quitting.”
His expression shifts from a pout, hope flickering. “Really?”
“Yeah. As much as the mechanic shop reminds me of home, that’s not my life anymore. I need to let it go.”
He cups my face, thumbs brushing my cheekbones. “So stay. Quit now. Today.”
“I can’t just ghost them, Luke. That’s not who I am.” I lean into his touch, closing my eyes. “I’ll go in, do the paperwork, and tell them I just have too much on my plate. Then I’ll be free.”
“Free,” he repeats, like he’s tasting the word. “And then you’re mine. All the time.” A sexy, very happy smile takes over his handsome face, and I’m done for. I’m so quitting, if it gets grumpy-ass Luke to smile that way.
He kisses me, soft and slow, and I feel it everywhere. Down to my bones.
“All right,” he says against my lips. “But I’m riding with you. And I’m picking you up. And if anyone looks at you wrong?—”
“I know. You’ll kill them.” I pull back, grabbing my phone and shoes. “But you know the rules. You have to ride back on the bus.” He lets out a groan, and I know he’s about to try and ditchthe bus. “Luke, I’m going to go straight to work, and the bus leaves in an hour.”
“An hour too long.” I have to fight a laugh. He’s gone back to pouting.
“Georgia is going to want to have girl talk, and let’s not give Coach Ken any extra reasons to scream at you.”
“He’s always shouting. That’s his base.”
I snort a laugh. “Kiss me and then I’ll see you later.”
