Page 9 of Honey Trapped

I check in on Lennon again and she’s starting to toss. If they wake her up Ace and me are going to have a big problem.

I know I need to stay out of his business, but I also need my daughter to sleep without being woken up by their antics.

I tiptoe to the front door and crack it slightly.

There’s a woman standing in the doorway to Ace’s waving her hands around. Maybe he needs rescued. Not that it’s any concern to me. Though I need to think about Lennon and my sanity.

I make a choice. He can get pissed. I am already under the impression he doesn't like me so this shouldn't make any difference.

I slip out the door as quietly as I can and move past the ranting crazy lady.

“I don't mean to interrupt, but you guys mind keeping it down? Lennon is asleep and if she wakes up that’s it. She won’t go back down, and I’m on a deadline.”

“This her?” The woman snaps at Ace.

I don't know what she means by her nor do I care. Ace tells her to leave, and I take it as my cue to go home too only he grabs my hand and my pulse spikes at his rough touch.

“She’ll drop you like a bad habit,” she warns as she slings her car door open.

“What’s happening?” I stare at him as he pulls me into his side, draping an arm over my shoulder ordering me to stay put until she’s gone. “I need to go. Lennon could wake up.”

He nods but doesn't make any movement to release me.

I notice two things. One, he smells incredibly nice. Two, he’s even hotter when he’s royally pissed. He’s got that whole tattooed rugged mountain man look going for him. You know the type. Lives in a remote location. Chops his own wood. Hunts his own food.

“So, I guess you’re welcome.”

His gaze narrows on mine. “For what?”

“Hello. I got her to leave, didn't I?”

“I had it handled.”

“Right. Sure sounded like it.”

“Won't happen again.”

“I bet.” I pucker my lips as I say it sounding way more sarcastic than I intended to.

“The fuck does that mean?”

“Nothing.” I shake my head and ease out from his hold. “Good night.”

“Remember, I sleep late. Don't get any ideas about cranking up the Bee Gees or whatever shit you listen to.”

“I’ll have you know on weekends I listen to 80s rock. I don't discriminate. I’m an equal opportunity music lover.”

“You even old enough to know who the bands are you listen to?”

“I’m old enough.”

His gaze shifts, roaming up and down my body and I realize my mistake. I didn't grab a jacket or anything. I raced over here in my white tank and flamingo printed cotton pajama shorts. Ace can totally see my nipples poking through the thin material. I cross my arms over my chest, but it’s too late. My cheeks flush and I hope he doesn't notice my reaction to the attention.

His throat bobs. “No loud music in the morning.”

“Got it.” I dart back to my side of the duplex quickly hoping my ass cheeks aren’t hanging out of my shorts.

**

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