Page 14 of Knight With Benefits

Carl’s brow was arched, his lips twitching like he was trying not to laugh, and I realized why once I noticed I still held the paintbrush in the hand clutching my chest. The stickiness of the paint registered a moment later, smeared on the front of my throat and the collar of my t-shirt.

“Of course,” I sighed, shoulders slumping as I pulled away from his touch.

I’d hoped to go over to The Hangout to thank David and apologize for the night before, but I wasn’t going to be able to sit there with paint smeared on me, and without a sink, I had nowhere to wash it off.

“It’s a lovely shade of yellow.”

Carl bit his bottom lip when my eyes met his, failing miserably to look sincere as those green orbs danced. It was unfair how beautiful they were, and any irritation at him melted away as I shook my head.

“Now I’ll have to go home and change again.”

“Change? Were you going somewhere tonight?”

The difference in his tone had me pulling my shoulders back, the implications of his question raising my hackles as I lifted my chin.

“I can go anywhere I want.”

Chapter Six

Carl

Ihad to swallow my bear’s possessive growl, fighting to keep my face clear. There was no reason for me to care where Gwyn went or what she did, but my instincts didn’t agree.

“Of course you can, I was just curious. If you were coming over to The Hangout, I could keep you company, and we could discuss which projects are most important to you.”

The stubbornness that had taken her over washed away, leaving behind a lingering trace of doubt in her eyes. Her reactions were clues to what her life had been like, and I hated that I’d almost slipped into what she expected from an alpha. My momma had taught me better than that.

“Well, I’d planned to, but by the time I shower and change again…”

She trailed off, which was fine since my mind was preoccupied with images of her in the shower.

Naked.

Touching herself.

My shaft throbbed with the surge of blood those thoughts caused, and I winced as my jeans grew too tight. I couldn’t adjust without drawing her attention to the problem, and I didn’t want to risk damaging whatever trust I’d managed to build with her.

“I could snag some food and beer and bring it to you instead?”

Her laugh killed any hope of acceptance, the arched brow telling me I’d been stupid for even asking.

“No, that’s okay.”

I grinned anyway, shrugging as I shifted towards the door.

“Well, I’ll be at The Hangout for a few hours. If you decide to come, we can go over the projects. If you want.”

I shrugged again, finally able to adjust myself with my back to her as I walked outside toward the building across the parking lot. As reluctant as she seemed, I had a feeling I’d see her again before the night was over.

She called an “Okay” through the door before it swung shut, and as much as I wanted to linger, I forced myself to keep walking. I’d parked in front of The Hangout before I’d come over to take care of the roof, and I passed two other bikes as I made my way into the bar. Blake sat with Patch at the corner table the Knights usually claimed, both looking up as I took a seat with them.

“I was wondering where you were. Did you get lost between your hog and the door? I know you’re getting old, but that’s a little concerning.”

I chuckled, raising my hand to get David’s attention so he’d bring me a beer.

“Pot calling kettle. I bet Cindy has to draw you a map and hold your hand so you don’t get lost trying to dip your stick.”

Patch shook his head, raising his beer to his lips as Blake flipped me off. There was a sketch sitting on the table between them, but Patch slid it off when I leaned forward to look at it.

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