“What happened?”
“It’s Brooklyn’s story to tell, Levi. Are you going to help her or not?” Ruby was losing her patience with me. I could tell by the irritation in her tone.
“Yeah. Of course I am.” I didn’t have a choice. Even though I’d tried to avoid her to keep my attraction under control, when push came to shove, I’d do anything for Brooklyn.
“Good. You had me worried there for a bit. I know having her around might put you in a tight spot with your brother, but it’s only for a day or two until a spot opens up at the women’s shelter,” Ruby said. “She’s at the Merc right now. I’ll have a cup of coffee waiting for you. How soon can you be here?”
I couldn’t give her an ETA, because I didn’t know exactly where the hell I was. Stalling, I pulled up my location on my phone. “I’ll be there in twenty.”
“I’ll let her know. You’re doing the right thing, sugar,” Ruby said.
We hung up, and I headed back into the bedroom to grab my clothes. The brunette slowly sat up in bed. As she did, the sheet slipped down to her lap, leaving her exposed from the waist up.
“Where are you off to so early?” Her voice came out low and husky.
“Something came up. I’ve got to head out.” I pulled on my boxer briefs and reached for my jeans.
Her bottom lip bumped out in an exaggerated pout. “Do you have to go so soon?”
“Yeah.” I finished getting dressed.
“Maybe you could come back later. I don’t have to be at work until seven tonight.” She tilted her head like she was trying to keep things cool and casual, but I could tell she wanted more.
“Sorry, babe. I’m not that kind of guy.”
“What kind of guy are you?”
“We talked about this last night, doll.” I’d learned the hard way to be totally up front with the women I chose to fool around with. They always knew I was only looking for a one-night stand, someone to enjoy an evening with, that wouldn’t put any expectations on me or be disappointed when I bailed. “I’m the kind of guy your mama warned you about. The kind who’s not interested in anything more than a good time.”
“Well, you certainly delivered that.” She pulled the sheet back up over her chest and gave me a disappointed smile. “If you change your mind?—”
“Sorry, babe.” I walked over to the bed and leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead. “I won’t.”
The only woman I’d ever entertained thoughts of a future with had never been an option. I just needed to keep reminding myself of that, since we were about to be sleeping under the same roof.