Page 55 of Hidden

She squeezed his hand. “We’ve agreed that our friendship comes first. If that means giving up sex, we will. She’s looking for someone to explore her submissive side with. I’ve always been content to play at parties with people who do the things I enjoy. I’m willing to date you, but I don’t know where it’s supposed to lead, so I hope you don’t mind if we take it slow and focus on the fun.”

He shook his head as he changed lanes again. “I don’t mind that at all, little one. In fact, I insist.” A frown formed as he watched headlights in the mirror floating into the same lane as him. Suspicious, he changed lanes one more time and took a last-minute exit.

“That’s not the way to your house.” He glanced her way. Her forehead was wrinkled and her lips were turned down in a frown.

“Someone is following us.” Knots settled in his shoulders as he maneuvered through traffic.

Carrie whipped around and looked over her shoulder. Instinctively, Peter’s hand tangled in her hair at the nape of her neck and he turned her head so she was facing the windshield again.

“Eyes on me or the road in front of us, sweetheart.”

Her eyes were wide when he looked at her again. “I just needed you to not look behind us.” It was as close to an apology as she was going to get.

“It’s OK. Just get us home safe.”

Thank goodness she was being reasonable. “We’re going to find a busy, well-lit area. Do not, under any circumstances get out of this car unless I tell you to.”

A twenty-four-hour super store was ahead on the right, so he pulled in. Sure enough, the vehicle two cars back followed them.

“Feel like shopping?”

“Are you serious right now?” Her voice was a high-pitched squeak, and despite the circumstances, he chuckled.

“I am out of groceries after all,” he teased. “Yes, I’m serious. We’re going to try to lose these guys. It’s important that you act normal and don’t look over your shoulder. Stay in the car. I’ll open your door.”

Carrie nodded again, and he picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.

When he tugged her door open, she swung her legs out to climb down, but he stopped her with his hands on her waist. “Let’s give them a show, shall we?”

Her eyebrows pulled together in confusion, and he grinned, lifting her out of the SUV. She giggled when he pushed her against the car.

“What are you doing?”

He reached over and shut her door. “This.” His mouth covered hers and he felt a tug of satisfaction when he swallowed her gasp of surprise. With her mouth open to him, he seized the opportunity and plunged his tongue inside and explored. Her initial shock wore off in an instant, and she snaked her arms around his neck as she returned the kiss.. While their tongues danced together, Peter watched the car that had been following them through his vehicle windows. It parked two rows over. He needed to get her out of this parking lot and into the store.

With a groan, he pulled his lips from hers and held her at arm’s length. “I could get used to that, but let’s get inside.”

Her delicate fingers fluttered over her swollen lips as she stared up at him and nodded. Slinging an arm around her shoulders, he tucked her close and together they walked toward the department store. While he tugged on carts to find one that wasn’t stuck, he scanned as much of the parking lot as he could see. The suspicious car was still there and so far, the occupants hadn’t emerged.

“Are we really shopping?”

“Might as well.” A cart came free, and he pointed it at the store entrance. “I have a phone call to make, too.”

Her lips quirked up in a half smile as they made their way into the store.

Once inside, he led them to the produce department where he pulled out his cellphone and dialed a number.

As he waited for the person on the other end to answer, Carrie sauntered over to the cucumbers. He was about to make a sarcastic comment about whether she’d ever been in this part of the store before, when she leaned against the produce case with a rather large cucumber in her tiny hands. A sultry look filled her eyes, and she dragged one hand up the length of the green vegetable.

“It’s almost midnight and my play date is naked in my bed. This better be good, Mercer.” Gage’s voice was gruff and he could hear someone giggle in the background.

Peter was mesmerized by Carrie who was still stroking the phallic shaped produce.

“Peter? Are you there? If you don’t answer me, I’m hanging up and putting my phone on silent.” Peter cleared his throat as Gage’s words cut through the fog.

“Shit. Sorry. Yes. I need some help, and you’re the closest to us.”

“What kind of help? Haven’t I done you enough favors today?”

---