“What plans?” a masculine voice asks from the doorway. As I turn, I see Kash and Atlas standing side by side, serious looks on their faces.
“I don’t see how that’s your business.”
Atlas gives Kash a quick look, then turns to Cora. “You ready to go, Firefly? We’re holding Mila up from herplans.” He emphasizes the last word.
“I guess so. What are you up to tonight anyway, Mils?”
“Oh, I’m having dinner with a new friend,” I lie through my teeth. Kash is no doubt going to be here for the evening, so maybe if I go out for a bit, I can avoid the awkwardness of our situation for a little while longer.
“A female friend, I hope.” Kash scowls.
“As a matter of fact, yes.” I am a female after all.
“Oh.”
“Yep. It’s no biggie. Any other questions?”
“Yes. Can I come?”
Cora snickers as Atlas pulls her from the room. “That’s our cue to go. See you later, Mils. Have fun.”
“Bye, Cora. Bye, Atlas. Thanks again, guys. I appreciate it.”
Turning away from Kash, I pull some clothes out of my suitcase and try to decide on what to wear for my fake outing. I know I shouldn’t, but I can feel him moving across the room. His steps are soft, but I just know he’s behind me. When his hand reaches out to touch my arm, a shot of electricity goes through me. I wish I wasn’t so affected by his touch. If he catches on, I don’t know what I’ll do.
“Yes, Kash?”
“You didn’t answer my question.”
“I didn’t think I had to. Are you that eager to find someone new to flirt with?” I need time to myself, and if he tags along, he’ll probably think it’s another date. Besides, as much as I push him away, I also don’t want to see him in action. I’d rather not witness Kash flirting with another woman.
“No,” he replies firmly, staring down at me. His brown eyes are trained on my face as if he’s trying to memorize my features. “I have everything I need right here.”
Damn it. I don’t know what to do or say when he says things like that. It should sound like a line, but somehow, he looks completely genuine, and that scares me.
“Whatever you say, Kash. I’m going to change, then I’ll be back in a bit.”
“Are you going to be safe?”
“Of course I am.” I scoff. What kind of question is that?
“I feel like I should go with you, just in case.”
“Nope. Now go.” Putting my hands on his chest, I move to push him out of my room, and that is my first mistake. The moment my hands touch Kash’s chest, his hands come up to grab both my wrists, pulling me closer.
“Stay home with me, Sunshine. We can have our own fun,” he offers in a low voice.
Definitely not happening. I don’t think I could ever recover from‘fun’with Kash. The way he looks at me is the way I dream of someone looking at me, but I don’t think I can truly trust it. He’s notknown for sticking with just one woman for any length of time. I want that look forever, not for a moment.
“Not tonight, Kash.” I pull out of his grasp and walk past him. Holding my door open, I gesture for him to exit. He shakes his head but respects my wishes and exits my temporary room.
“Okay, Sweetheart. Go have your fun but call me if you need anything at all.” He leans down, kissing my cheek. When he pulls back, he gives me a wistful look before turning away and heading out into the hall. What the hell was that? He almost seemed sad I wouldn’t stay with him.
I push it out of my mind and close the door to get changed. Quickly switching my outfit, I take my hair from its clip and fluff it out a bit. I tend to keep it up when I’m working, but when I have the chance, I like to let it down.
As I pop in some dangly earrings, it occurs to me that I haven’t been out by myself in a while. Normally, we go out as a group, but there’s something to be said about a night by yourself. I can wander around at my own pace without the need to have a plan in place or a time to be somewhere. Adding a touch of lip stain, I give myself a once over in the mirror hanging on the wall. I guess this will do.
Grabbing my purse and coat, I pull it on as I walk up the hallway and stop dead in my tracks.Holy shit.
