Page 81 of Speak of the Devil

“Yeah?” he replies out of my line of sight.

“Do you want to stay and talk to me?”

“From the bedroom?”

I take another sip and open the possibility for more once again. “No. In here with me.”

He appears in the doorway, but his eyes stay locked on mine. “Isn’t that how it started last time?”

“We could try a second time?” Even I know I’m asking for more than a bathroom companion to talk about the weather.

“I’ll get a drink and be right back, then.” Shane doesn’t take long, but when he returns, I notice his body seems lighter, his shoulders straighter, the smile on his handsome face wider. He sits beside the tub, leaning against the wall, and says, “Hi.”

“Hi.” I knew then that this was the beginning we were meant to have.

27

Shane

“Where will you sleep tonight?”Cat asks, appearing from the hallway dressed in tight black shorts that show off her tan legs and a Faris Wheel T-shirt that fits her curves in all the perfect ways.

I could fuck her right here against this counter looking that good. Great tits, pert nipples begging for my touch or for me to wrap my mouth around them. Just a little nip between the teeth before going lower and fucking her with my tongue until she comes, screaming my name. “Nice shirt. I didn’t know you were a fan?”

“The biggest,” she lies. I can tell by the smirk and mischievous eyes.

“My mom and dad could argue that title.”

She laughs. “Must be nice.” She looks relaxed after the bath, so I won’t dig in with deep questions. I’ve been curious about her parents for a while, and the story that led her to our high school junior year.

“That shirt’s a classic from our San Diego days.” I eye her, pretending I’m interested in the design, when I’m still staring at her tits. “That’s before we had a record deal. Nikki made those shirts in her bedroom. I sold them after the concert. Did you go to that show?”

“No. I wish I had, though.” She pulls it away from her chest and looks down at it. The edges are peeling off, and it hasn’t aged well, but it looks damn good on her. “I found it on eBay.” Lifting the hem of the shirt, she pulls something from the top of her shorts and slaps it down on the counter between us. “It came with your autograph.”

Chuckling, I pull the paper closer and study it. I glance up at her. “I would have given it to you for free.”

Strutting around the island, she holds the shirt up by the seams at her shoulders. “But then I wouldn’t have this gem.”

What am I going to do with her?I know what I want to . . .

“Nikki probably has some lying around back at her parents’ house.” I turn to face her as she leans her elbow on the counter and crosses one ankle over the other. She’s not only looking incredibly sexy but sassy as fuck. I thought she only had one glass of wine. I can’t wait to find out what happens when she has two.

“I’ll let you know if this one falls apart in the wash. It’s seen better days, but it’s vintage.”

“Sure is, and by the way”—I push the paper toward her—“it’s a forgery.”

Offense fills her muscles as she stares at the autograph. “Really? That sucks.”

“I have connections.”

She smirks. “So do I.”

Chuckling, I ask, “Wine?”I’m an evil bastard.

“Absolutely.” She stands upright and asks, “What’s for dinner? Eating brie and crackers while soaking in the tub was pretty glorious, but I’m hungry again.”

I pour the wine, still grinning. “Chicken pesto. Poppy’s specialty.” I slide the glass to her and then turn to get the dish out of the fridge. “She’s a private chef. Retired with the twins but still loves to cook.” Setting the foil pan of food on the stovetop, I heat the oven just like the directions say to do.

Cat comes behind me and peeks around. “What didn’t you think of? You’ve taken care of everything.”

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