Page 27 of The Chase

“Okay.”

She squinted at me. “You’re really not gonna come upstairs?”

I laughed and shook my head. “Don’t tempt me. You gotta earn this hot bod.”

She laughed again, a sound that had my dick perking up behind my zipper. That was going to have to wait. She unbuckled her seatbelt and leaned over to plant a quick kiss on my lips. “Are you serious?” she asked when she pulled away.

I nodded and cupped her face. “I want to take it slow.”

“Why?”

Because I didn’t deserve her, because I was the one who had to earn it, to make amends for being a douche to her. Because she was the type of woman you savored.

“Just because, baby girl. Be patient.”

She gave me an annoyed look. “Fine.”

I gave her another chaste kiss goodnight. “Night, baby girl.”

“Night, T.”

She pulled away slowly, and it killed me to watch her get out of my car. My dick was throbbing as I watched her walk away. Yes, I watched her ass in particular. I was a guy, so of course I noticed that. But taking it slow was the right course of action. I could always use my hand on myself when I got home. I didn’t want to jump into bed again. With Max, I needed to prove I was worthy of her.

She waved when she got to the doorstep, but I idled in my car, making sure she got into the house okay. I waited a few minutes before I took off and headed back to Old City.

When I walked into my condo, I noticed my roommate’s door was shut, which wasn’t unusual, but I heard voices murmuring behind it. I took off my shoes and was loosening my tie when Benny’s door opened. The big man walked out of his room in only a pair of boxers. His dark eyebrows raised at the sight of me.

He grinned and called back into his bedroom, “Angel, you owe me fifty bucks!”

I shook my head at him. My sister never used to like her partners calling her pet-names, but somehow he got away with it. Rox appeared in the doorway, wearing one of Benny’s shirts.

I wanted to barf because I knew what that meant.

Her eyes widened. “What are you doing home?”

“Why? Am I being a cockblock?” I joked and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

Benny laughed, and Rox slapped him on the shoulder. He hugged her from behind and whispered something in her ear. It amazed me they were so in love now, because months ago they would have been screaming at each other. I guess love was funny like that.

“No,” Rox said. “But I know Max’s roommate works night shifts, so…”

I shook my head. “Nah. I don’t put out on the first date.”

Benny laughed. “Okay, sure, buddy.”

My sister narrowed her eyes at me. “Really? You?”

I shrugged and ran a hand through my hair. “Yes. Plus, I might have struck a nerve tonight.”

My twin’s face fell, and she crossed her arms over her chest. “What did you do?”

“She told me about her parents.”

“Oh…I’m sure you didn’t completely mess it up. Does she want to go out again?”

I ran my thumb over my bottom lip, thinking about the hungry look in Maxine’s eyes before she asked me to come upstairs. “Oh, most definitely. We have to earn it, though.”

“Whoa…” Benny exclaimed. “You really like this girl, huh, T?”