Page 21 of Honey Trapped

I accept the travel mug and he hands me a mini cup of vanilla creamer.

“Wasn't sure how you take it.”

“This is good. Thank you.”

“Don't mention it.” He barely looks at me, and I get the feeling that there is something broken between us. Like we’ve damaged a friendship we didn't even have time to develop. Maybe I’m being silly. Dramatic even. I don't know what I was anticipating this morning. I didn't expect him to fall in love with me or anything, but there’s a shift in him that makes me empty inside. We both got what we wanted so I don’t know why I’m sad that it’s over.

“If anyone asks, I slept on the floor,” he mutters and steps into the hall waiting for me to follow.

I know I need to leave it alone and walk away, but I have to know. “Do you regret last night?”

“Nope, but once you step out of that room, whatever you thought or hoped it ends, babe. No regrets. It is what it is. Just didn't want to damage your reputation. You being new to town and all.”

“Is that all it is?”

“Norah, listen. You were great, but I don't like anyone in my business. I don’t want this to be complicated when it doesn’t need to be.”

“Right. Its only that we’ll be seeing each other around. I don’t want it to be awkward.”

“Only thing making this weird is you dragging this conversation on,” he mutters. “I’ve got shit to do today.”

“Sorry. Didn't know I was holding you up.” I take a sip of my coffee only now it tastes as bitter as his attitude is making me feel. I don't know why I’m reacting this way. It’s dumb, I’m being a stupid emotional woman. I told him no strings and I meant it. Didn’t I? Maybe it is the simple fact he’s the first man I’ve been with since the nightmare of Marco, and it’s got me feeling some sort of way.

Ace leads me out the back of the bar, and I’m surprised to see what looks like a fancy trailer park.

“Your car is at Stud and Gianna’s. They live in the sixth down the second row. Tan siding. Well, you’ll see your car.”

I stare at my shoes. “Okay. I guess this is goodbye. Thanks for...well just thanks.”

He tucks a finger under my chin, his touch searing my skin as he tilts my head up. “See ya around.”

“Don't be a stranger,” I tell him softly.

He steps back, dropping his hand away.

An icy sensation of dread pricks along my spine. “Later.”

“Yeah, later, babe.”

My heart cracks on that endearment. Something about him calling me that had been special. Now its cheapened down to nothing. I’m an idiot. Men take what they can get until they don’t want it again.

Chapter Twelve

Ace

I watch Norah walk away. Part of me hating it but not sorry for it. We had a good night. I gotta leave it at that. If it wasn't me, it’d been someone else. I wince at the thought, but she said it herself. She was a sure thing.

I never imagined that sure thing would be as great as it was. Sucks to lose it as quickly as I found it. Norah is too young for me, and she comes with complications.

She’s twenty years younger than me.

We’re neighbors.

She’s got a kid.

Secrets.

I know all too damn well how secrets can destroy and poison everything around you. There’s a voice in the back of my head though and it tells me she’s worth breaking all my rules for.

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