“I figured you were hungry.”
“You’re the best!” She grabs the plate and begins to devour them like she hasn’t eaten in weeks.
I know Payden looks after her like a big sister, and that’s reassuring, but it’s four o’clock in the morning and we’re in my kitchen, eating Pop Tarts. Nova needs to be more responsible and aware of her surroundings. It’s not safe out there.
It’s Sunday, so there’s no work tomorrow, luckily. Nova has been a responsible employee in her job as the receptionist atNomad Brothers Security. She seems to enjoy it, plus she’s good with the customers and works efficiently. Working for the brothers has given me a sense of purpose, and helped me get back on my feet. I owe everything to them.
“So I’ve been told. You want some water?”
“Yes, please.”
I go to the fridge and grab the pitcher, pouring her a glass. “You can eat in bed if you want.”
She wiggles her eyebrows. “Ooh, a man after my own heart.”
“Funny.”
She takes the glass and says, “I meant it before—we can share the bed, as long as you know I’m a blanket hogger.”
“So I’ve found out from the last time I woke up on the couch freezin’ cold.”
She laughs. “Quit your whining,pretty boy,I’m tired.”
I give her a pointed look. “Really? You think I wanna be standin’ here talkin’ to you over Pop Tarts at four am?”
“I don’t think you’d want it any other way.” She winks, then sashays back across the room, disappearing down the hallway.
I turn the lights out as I go, glad that I’m finally getting to lie back in bed, but also apprehensive because it’s the first time I’ve had a woman in my bed. It’s Nova, which makes it all the more frustrating because the last few weeks have been all about me not catching feelings for her.
We agreed — or pinkie promised — whatever, and I’m not gonna break that because my mind won’t stop thinking about her and my dick won’t quit hardening when I picture what’s under that t-shirt. For the love of all things holy, I need to keep my mind off the topic of her near naked body.
When I get to my room, she’s already sliding under the fluffy comforter on the far side of the bed. My rumpled side is apparent because I flipped over the edge of the comforter when I got up earlier.
She pats the pillow next to her. “Are you gonna stand there staring, or climb in? I don’t bite.”
Shit.There goes my dick again, having a mind of its own.
I clear my throat. “For your information, I don’t bring women back here, so give me a minute to get used to the idea.”
She makes a face. “Sorry, Saw, I know you do all yourextracurricular activitiesat the clubhouse like all good bikers.”
I don’t correct her, I just smirk instead.
The truth is, I wish I could do myextracurricular activitiesat the clubhouse, or at all. I haven’t had sex since… Nevermind, it’s been a while. I can’t stand to be touched, and if that weren’t bad enough, I don’t get easily turned on. There is one exception to the rule, of course… and it’s the woman currently in my bed. She’s the only touch I can bear, and somehow, that feels wrong.
I should stay on the couch if those feelings are cropping up again, but if I say something, it could ruin our friendship. What if she doesn’t feel the same way about me? And we had that big talk right after we first made out — it was also the first time I realized Icouldin fact tolerate touch, and it was because of her.
“Yeah, yeah.” I give her a chin lift. “You gonna close your eyes or somethin’ while I get changed?”
“Nope.” She pops the P, munching on her second Pop Tart as she laughs.
“Fine, have it your way, but just so you know, I didn’t put underwear on in my haste to get dressed to come rescue you.”
Her eyes widen slowly and they flick south of my belt for a fraction of a second. Just what Idon’tneed. “Fine, I’ll put my hands over my eyes.”
“You could just close them.”
“This is more fun, though. And I won’t peek. Not unless you want me to.” The amusement in her tone has me smiling.