Page 16 of Barker

I start walking again, but looking over my shoulder at her I say, “I don’t think Barker knows how to care about a girl.”

“He may not even know he cares. I’m sure it's uncharted territory for him, but he does,” she says in a tone that makes it sound like it’s a fact. “I’m just saying you are both into each other, so you should at least kiss the boy.”

I shake my head as I open the door to the library. If she only knew what had kept me up last night.

****

After the study group, I head over to visit with Daddy for a bit. We watch an old western movie withJohn Waynein it and play a couple of card games. When I leave, he is heading down to have dinner and flirt with the ladies. Forever the ladies’ man, I think to myself.

On my way home Barker calls me, but I just let it go to voicemail. I already have to work in close quarters with him tonight anyway. I don’t need to talk on the phone with him before too. Everything Vienna said had been running through my head. I don’t think she is right about him caring. I think Barker just enjoys the chase and right now, I am a chase and I am keeping him on his toes.

I pull into the lot and head upstairs. Once I am inside, I rush to take a shower. I am feeling off tonight, so I put on my sexiest bra and panty set and then sit down at my vanity to put my makeup on and do my hair for work.

As I pull the curling iron from the last piece of my hair, a banging comes from the front door. Startled, I sit in the chair for a moment until it comes again. Augustus starts barking like crazy and I grab my floral silk robe my daddy bought me as a birthday present years ago. It’s seen better days, but I love it.

As I slip the robe on the banging comes again and I rush into the living room with Augustus on my heels. As I reach the door, I look out the peephole to see Barker standing there. His dark hair is rumpled like he's run his hands through it a thousand times. I crack the door because I’m aware I’m not really dressed. “Are you okay?”

“Am I okay? What the hell, Annistyn? I’ve been trying to call you for the last couple of hours. I’ve been worried sick,” he tells me, as he manages to make his way through the door. I shut the door and turn to face him. Without my heels or wedges on, he towers over me, yet he doesn’t scare me. Barker starts pacing. “Why didn’t you answer?”

“I was driving and I guess I left my phone in my car when I got back,” I tell him defensively. “What’s the big damn deal?”

He spins around and glares at me. “The deal is that you were driving alone. Anything could have happened to you and when you don’t pick up the phone, I instantly start to worry. I didn’t know if you’d been in a wreck or stranded on the side of the road,” he tells me, throwing his arms out beside him.

His words wrap around my heart and squeeze even though I know they shouldn’t. Barker’s chest heaves as he tries to calm himself. As I watch him, I notice as his eyes darken and when the air conditioner kicks in, I feel the cool air dance across my skin. I glance down and realize I never tied the robe in my hurry to get to the door. I quickly gather the material and pull it closed. “Sorry,” I mumble.

“Never apologize for being distracting. You can’t help that you’re beautiful,” he says, his voice dropping into a husky whisper. I feel the blush. I drop my chin to my chest and attempt to hide behind my hair. Barker takes slow steps as he stalks toward me is the only noise in the living room. When he reaches me, he slips a finger under my chin and tilts my head up. His eyes meet mine. “Never hide from me,” he says before he leans down. I rise to my tiptoes to meet him halfway before he presses his lips against mine.

He pushes me back up against the door before his hands slip inside my robe. I should stop him, but I won’t. I want him just as much and for whatever reason, I feel safe with him. The hint of mint clings to his mouth and it sends thrills through my body. I dig my nails into his shoulders and let my guard down with them. Barker is addicting; his hands, his mouth, that little growl in the back of his throat. I’m addicted to Barker Tobin.

Sixteen

Barker

Annistyn rolls over and sits up. “Well, there goes my makeup and hair.” She looks over her shoulder at me. “I’m going to be late now.”

I shrug and give her a smug smile. “I know the boss and I’m pretty sure he’ll let it slide.”She shakes her head at me while standing up and making her way to the vanity. I can’t wipe this ridiculous smile off my face now. You’d think I was a damn teenager again by how happy I am to be in bed with Annistyn right now. I sit up and study her as she straightens up her makeup.

“So, was there a reason why you were trying to get a hold of me in the first place?” she asks, as she starts to curl her hair again. There was a reason, but right now I’m enjoying watching her. So, I sit back against the headboard of her bed with my hands behind my head. Annistyn finally turns around and looks at me. “Stop staring.” She scolds me but her own eyes roam over my bare chest. I watch as she takes in every muscle and every inked part of my skin.

I shake my head. “I can’t,” I tell her with a wink. She rolls her eyes at me. “Okay, I called to see if you wanted to race tonight. I had a driver drop out and need a replacement.”

She bites down on her bottom lip and I’ve learned that is something she does when she’s thinking about something. I can see the answer in her eyes, and I can’t wait to see her race again and hand someone, who isn’t me, their ass at that finish line. “I can’t.”

Wait, what? That stops every motion I was just making. Her eyes were saying yes. I study her and she turns back around and faces the mirror, but the dip in her shoulders wasn’t there before. “Why?”

Annistyn shrugs like it’s no big deal. “I work tonight, silly. You know that.”

I nod and I can tell by her breathy voice that statement was a lie. There’s something more she’s just not telling me. “Well, that’s not a problem. I work too, but I’m still racing. Talon will watch it while we are out back. Besides, most of the people inside head outside during the races anyway, so he should be able to handle it by himself.” Annistyn just shakes her head slightly. It’s such a small movement that if I hadn’t been studying her so hard, I would have missed it. “Annistyn.” I wait for her to turn around, but she doesn’t. She just stands up and walks over to her closet. “What aren’t you saying?”

She sighs heavily. “I can’t race tonight, Barker.”

“Why not?”

Annistyn spins around suddenly and crosses her arms over her chest and glares at me. “Because I don’t have the damn money, Barker. Not all of us have the money for the buy-in at the drop of a hat. So, no I can’t race.” I watch as her cheeks paint themselves the prettiest shade of pink. If I had caused that blush in any other way I’d love the look, but knowing it’s because she’s embarrassed makes me feel like an ass. Her sage green eyes shine with unshed moisture.

Quickly, I stand up and make my way over to her. “I’m not worried about the buy-in.”

“Oh my god! See this is why I knew kissing you would be a bad idea.”

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