Page 97 of Speak of the Devil

“Put them back, please.” The purchase is quick, and he’s guiding me out the door by my lower back. We’ve been trapped in tension since I lost it at the register. I dread what’s next. I tried so hard not to worry him, and now I’ve done it for the entire staff of Grocer to witness. As soon as our feet hit the pavement, he releases me and runs a hand over his head. “You definitely gave them something to gossip about in there.”

I cringe. “Sorry about that.”

He shakes his head, but looks at me while we hurry to the car. “You told me you’re on the pill. That’s why we could have sex last night and this morning. Did you lie to me?” I can hear the betrayal in his voice and see the hurt clouding his eyes.

“I’m on the pill. I wouldn’t lie to you about that. I picked up my prescription right before I got to the apartment yesterday. But there was a mix-up, and I didn’t discover it until I wentto open the new pack to take one this morning, and my prescription wasn’t in the bag they gave me.”

He opens the car and tucks the bag behind my seat before holding the door for me. “You’re on the pill, but you’re out?”

“Yes. I had the prescription transferred here to pick up. It shouldn’t have been a big deal, except they don’t have any in stock and don’t get their shipment in until Tuesday.”

“Tuesday?” I slip into the car, and he closes the door. As soon as he sinks into his seat, he asks, “What do we need to do?”

I reach over to hold his hand, hoping he doesn’t hate me for ruining the trip. “We need to go back to LA. Today. It’s the only way to keep me on track.”

“Okay.” He leans over and kisses me once and then twice more. “We’ll pack up and head back.” He steps in without hesitation to support me and to make sure we get what we need, no matter the inconvenience to him.

Something I was stressing about became a non-issue in a matter of seconds. Another brick cemented to strengthen our foundation.

And just like that, it became us against the world.

33

Shane

Cat slips backinto the car and tosses a box on my lap. “Happy?”

“Massive Cock Covers?” I pick up the black-and-gold box, turning it over in my hand. “Double extra-large. At least you got the sizing right. Of course, that doesn’t save my pride when visiting Deer Lake.” I reverse from the spot where I waited for her in the pharmacy parking lot.

“We could do a press release?” She opens the small bag in her lap, the crinkling competing with her voice. “We can stage a setup. You can get caught on camera by the paparazzi with your box of massive cock covers. That will put any rumors to rest.” She holds up the bag. “Got my pills.”

“That’s a relief.”

“Yes. We have nothing to worry about. No skipped days.”

“That’s good.” I’m not a baby person, but they take to me like Mack and Posey have. It doesn’t mean I want kids of my own.Do I?

Having kids isn’t something I’ve been in a situation to want. I look over at Cat, who has propped her elbow up on the doorand is staring out the window. “Oh,” she says, looking back at me, “an anonymous tipster can call in a blind item about how they had to get a few stitches after having sex with you?” She’s so eagerly hopeful that I almost feel bad letting her down.

“You’re a little too good at this, babe.”

“I’m a quick study.”

I’ve tried to keep it serious since it usually is when my dick is the topic of conversation, but I chuckle, letting her win this round. She’s too cute not to. I pull off to the side before I reach the line of cars exiting the shopping center. Looking at Cat sitting so contentedly beside me, I run my hand over her thigh. “I’m not holding you to the forty-eight hours. We’re back in Los Angeles.” Glancing at the line of cars lengthening, I add, “We’re right around the corner from your apartment. I can drive you home.”

“Is that what you want?” she asks, all joy stolen from her eyes.

“No. I want to spend time with you, but I want to do it without the threat of legal proceedings. I want it because you want to be with me. I want it?—”

“I want to be with you, Shane.” Her voice is steady, her hand resting on mine. Her eyes are set on mine, and there are no doubts hidden anywhere in her body language.

I nod, then pull into the line to exit. Ferraris aren’t uncommon in this city, so I don’t worry about outsiders catching me, but I do wonder if we should be going to my house versus her apartment. Giving her leg a little squeeze, I lean over and kiss her. And then a car’s horn blares, driving my eyes back to the green light ahead. I start driving, heading to her place. At the gate, I look over at her once more. “What do you think about coming to mine? You don’t work until Tuesday. You’re already packed. You can grab whatever else you need, and we can go over there for a few days.”

In her smile, I see what I thought was only a dream—a future with her and the possibilities that come along with it. “I like that idea.” After pulling into the complex, I drive us to her building. When I park, she adds, “I only need a few things. I’ll run in and be quick.”

I watch her hop out and rush to her door. She doesn’t need to. I’ve waited ten months for her. I can wait five minutes. Sitting in the car builds the anticipation for what’s to come, a lot like a first date—slightly nervous, more excited.

I don’t know that my house offers more than her place does, but it gives us privacy, and that’s worth its weight in gold to me. My phone rings. Laird’s name appears on the screen on the dashboard. “Hey, what’s up?”

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