Page 125 of Skate the Line

I gracelessly fall off my stool and slide over to him on my fuzzy socks. I sink my teeth into my bottom lip and snatch my phone out of his hand. Our fingers brush. A week ago, I wouldn’t have noticed. Now, though? My blood sings.

I have to get it together or else he actually might fire me.

“Thanks.” I hurriedly click my phone off and rush back to my stool.

Rhodes is frozen with his hand in front of him like he’s still holding the device. He cautiously brings his gaze to my red face and stares at me for a second too long.

He absolutely read what I last typed to Ruby.

Now I have to go stick my head in the fridge to cool off my embarrassed-stained cheeks.

After what feels like ten years, Rhodes finally drops his hand and walks casually into the kitchen. I’m almost certain he’s carrying himself with a little more confidence than before, so clearly, the compliment went right to his head.

He deserves it.

I shush my subconscious.

So what, he got me off in record time.

It’s not like he’s the only guy who’s ever gotten me off with his mouth.

It’s just…been a while.

“Morning, Printsessa.” Rhodes kisses the top of Ellie’s freshly braided hair while keeping his sights on me.

How he looks first thing in the morning should be illegal. Hisgraysweats hang low, and his half-unzipped jacket reveals a bare chest that is toned beyond belief. He has the hood pulled up over his head but not far enough to where I can’t see his freshly tousled hair.

I watch him stride over to the coffee pot. He pours the steaming liquid and slowly spins to lean against the counter.

My heart flips.

“Sunny.” He nods at me, and I swear I see a smirk hiding behind his cup.

Oh, is that how this is going to go? He’s amused by me and my awkwardness this morning?

Fine.

“Oscar,” I say in response. I grab my mug of coffee and also smirk behind the rim.

He grunts, and Ellie giggles.

She and I share a quick smile, and he scoffs.

“I’m not sure that I like you two ganging up on me.”

We giggle again. He squints, pretending to be annoyed, but I can see right through the act. There’s the faintest smidge of contentment on his features, and it pacifies me.

Things arefinebetween us. We are right back to what we were before we crossed the line.

In fact, we don’t even have to mention it.

“How was your birthday night, Sunny?” Ellie’s eyes swing to the container on the counter that is full of leftover cake. She clearly wants a piece.

“Yeah, Sunny.” Rhodes places his cup on the counter. “Howwasthe rest of your birthday?”

I choke on air. Apparently, he didn’t get the memo to never mention my birthday ever again.

His eyebrows rise as he smirks.

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