Page 56 of Mr. Red

She looks over to me with squinted eyes and a furrowed brow.

“What? It’s safer if you go with someone.” I shrug.

“Would you go out on your own?” She studies me with scrutinizing eyes.

I have. That’s not the point, though. Trying to protect this woman is always a fight. Fuck me.

“I try not to,” I respond, hoping she’ll drop it. She doesn’t.

“If you can go out on your own,so can I.” Her posture straightens. “It’s not like you’ll be able to save me from a shark if he’s already eating me.”

This woman. I can’t handle the attitude anymore. I bend at the waist to throw her over my shoulder, complete with a slap to the ass, and walk us towards the ocean to dunk her. She’s kicking and screaming, but it doesn’t discourage me.

Once I dunk her, I take a few steps backwards, leaving her behind in the shallow water with an accomplished grin. “Seemed like you were hot.”

She tries to splash me. “You’re such a dick! I’ll get you back!”

I start laughing. She gets up and starts stalking towards me like an angry muskrat.

“What is it with you and dunking me every chance you get?”

I grab her waist and pull her close. “I can’t seem to keep my hands off you.”

She pushes me away and starts running. It’s cute how she thinks she can get away from me. I wait thirty seconds before I go after her. Once I catch her, I grab her and start twirling her in a circle. She gives in, leaning into me. I put her down and grab the back of her head to keep it in place so I can kiss her knowing there’s no way I’m going to be able to let her go.

Chapter 32

Scarlett

I’m in love with San Diego. There’s so much to do here, I don’t want to leave. I also don’t want to leave the company I’m with, even if he is trying to control everything.

I’m finding Matt is like me; he likes to be doing things. It helps with my anxiousness to be moving. It’s sexy seeing him plan so many things. I don’t know why I feel okay with giving up control around him, but I think he’s making me trust him against my better judgement. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.

He’s going to leave.

I shake my head to try to get rid of the doubt. He told me to get ready for a “girly” activity. Seeing his face when he said “girly” was a fun activity on its own. I’m not sure why he thinks I would want to do something girly, or what he means by that. If it’s shopping, I’m in trouble. Ihateshopping.

This morning we went for a run on the beach, complete with exercises like push-ups, burpees, and jumping jacks. Now it’s time to get ready. I look over my outfit of khaki shorts and a black shirt with black sandals in the full-length mirror. I’m not sure what you wear for a girly thing, but I’m sticking with my shorts.

I follow him into the garage where some nice, luxury convertible awaits. I should really work on my logos; I cannever tell what kind of car he has.

I get into the passenger seat being sure not to touch anything. I don’t want to be responsible for breaking something in an expensive car. There are always so many buttons. You need a separate license just so you don’t push the eject button.

The car is nice, though. I love my car, but if I’m being honest, his cars put mine to shame. I’ll never admit it to him. His ego is already big enough.

The marine layer starts to burn off as we make our way to whatever activity this is. The sun peeking through the clouds warms my skin. The drive is quick, and Matt finds some parking in an area with a lot of tourists.

“Come on, sweetheart.” I stare around at my surroundings inside, trying to figure out where the hell I am. Matt comes to my door, holding it open a minute later. I take my time getting out, unsure of what to do or what direction to start.

He takes my hand and leads me to La Jolla Cove. We look over the edge to see a whole bunch of sea lions. We walk around for a little, and I enjoy the view of the wide-open ocean, the seals, and the waves crashing. After walking for a while, we run into some shops and galleries.

We stay hand in hand while I admire the window displays. I pause at one with a jumpsuit and blazer on a mannequin.

“We can go in, you know,” he insists.

“We could.” I nod.

I hear him chuckle as he shakes his head. Then he puts his hand on my lower back and starts leading me into the boutique. I try to spin around so I don’t have to go in, but then he grabs me by the hip and leads me through the door.

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