Page 10 of My Favorite Hero

“Hard drugs,” I amended.

“Of course.”

“No wild orgies or overnight guests.”

Her eyebrows flew up. “Doesn’t that sort of fall under the whole ‘no parties’ thing?”

I had no idea why I’d said that. The bottom line was, I had no right to tell her no overnight guests. But somehow, the idea bothered me.

I grunted.

“Gotcha. Anything else?”

“I do shift work. Three days on, four off right now. I’m at the station during my shifts since they’re twenty-four hours. My days off, I like to sleep. Keeping the noise down—” I paused and cleared my throat “—would be appreciated.”

She frowned. “I’ll be working from home, so that isn’t an issue. And I don’t listen to loud music, smoke, or do drugs. Wine on occasion, and not very often.”

“Good to know.”

We stared at each other, not speaking. Her eyes were really incredible. A shade of deep blue with a ring of black, and set off with long lashes. With her dark hair and paler complexion, she was beyond attractive. She was stunning. A lick of fire raced down my spine as the silence stretched between us, and Casey’s pretty eyes widened.

The back door swung open, and Mark called out a greeting. It shattered the intense moment happening. I stepped back, realizing how close we had moved to each other. I pulled her cat off my shoulder, ignoring his protesting meow.

“One more rule. Keep your cat out of my way today.” I paused. “And he’s not welcome in my place.”

“What about me?”

“I told you last night wasn’t going to be a habit.”

She saluted me. “Okay, Thorne.”

I knew now she was laughing at me.

I turned to go.

“Thorne?”

“What?” I snapped.

“Do you need first and last before I unpack my SUV?”

“Tomorrow is fine.”

“Great. Thanks.”

I stomped into the kitchen. Mark was waiting, trying not to grin.

“Let’s get this done.”

I wanted to ignore her. Work and not pay her any attention.

But she kept interrupting. Offering to help. Asking questions.

Mark thought she was great.

I wanted to punch him.

“I can build a cupboard,” she said, coming into the kitchen.