Page 54 of Tempt Me

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” I shake my head as I toss a piece of paper in the trash. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have called. I know you’re at work. I’ll talk to you–”

“You’ll talk to me now. What’s going on?” The rumble of his voice rocks through me, easing some of the tension.

“I don’t want to bother you. You’re at work.” My reflection shows a girl with messy hair, a pale face, and eyes that are filled with worry. I drag my hand along my hair, trying to tame some of the wayward strands.

“I’m leaving work as soon as you hang up. So, spill it. I’m not going to stay here if something upsets you. I finished a tatabout ten minutes ago, and Rob can take my next client. He’s better than me anyway.”

“Bullshit.” His flippancy makes my eye twitch. “There’s no way he’s better than you. I’ve seen your work.” I smile weakly even though he can’t see me. “I have your artwork on my body. I know he’s not better.”

“Wildflower, you’re good for my ego, but you’re seriously starting to tick me off. Quit evading the conversation. Now, why did you call? Are your parents mad?”

“No.” I straighten my shoulders and toss my hair behind my shoulder. I’m done worrying. This guy is a total creep, and it’s time I stood up to him. “I haven’t spoken with my parents, but Brock messaged me.”

“Son of a bitch. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.” He covers the phone, leaving his voice muffled. “Rob, I’ll be back tomorrow. Something important has come up.” Someone says something before he continues, “My girl is being stalked by her ex, and it’s time he knew his place.”

My knees give out, and I plop down on the mattress. Lord, I fan myself. The man is too good to be true. I should’ve snatched him up ages ago and forced him to admit his feelings. Then, I would’ve never dated Brock, the psycho with the little penis syndrome.

The doorbell chimes as he steps out of the tattoo shop. “I’m on my way.”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me. You’re my girlfriend, and I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe.” His voice lowers, “You know that, right?”

“Yes.” I bite my bottom lip and close my eyes. “Yes, I do.”

“Good. Now, be a good girl and stay at home until I get there.”

A bubble of laughter flies from my lips as a shiver of desire floods through me. “Yes, Sir.”

“Wildflower,” he growls. “Don’t get me distracted.” The door of his pickup opens and closes. “As much as I’d love to drag you to my place and fuck you seven ways to Sunday, we need to make a plan for dealing with Brock that will get rid of him. For good.”

“You’re right.” I clear my throat while tucking my comforter under the pillows. “Drive safely. I’m going to go downstairs and talk to my parents.”

“Good. They need to know.”

He’s right. It’s time they know everything. I fluff the pillow and straighten. “I’ll see you in a bit.”

After hanging up, I dress and make myself presentable before traipsing down the stairs and walking into the kitchen where my parents are chatting with my brothers.

When I step into the room, they all turn to stare at me. I arch an eyebrow. “No need to stop on my account.”

“Yes, there is.” My mom pats her hair. “We were talking about you.”

“And Dominic.” My father’s eyes narrow. My instinct is to turn the other way and leave, but I straighten my spine, march to the refrigerator, and grab a bottle of water. “So….” I spin on my heel and cock my head sideways. “What’re we saying?”

My dad crosses his arms over his chest. “You told me you weren’t seeing him.”

“I wasn’t.” Heat floods my cheeks. “Well, I was, and I wasn’t.”

“He took her for a test drive and was waiting to see if she was good enough.” Ben chuckles and punches Sam on the arm.

“Maybe it was the other way around.” I twist off the lid. “Maybe I was the one that took him for a test drive and decided he was good enough to go after him.”

“That’s disgusting.” Sam’s face turns crimson as he avoids my gaze.

“Ben started it with his crass comment. You both know I’m not going to back down and let you get the upper hand.”

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