Page 68 of Ozzie

“I will.”

He gives me a nod and heads out. I sit back down and think about his words. While they piss me off at first, I do need to be careful. Piper came to New York to get away from John. And she may not have had enough time to deal with what she ran from before that asshole tried to drag her back into it. Hell, even if she had, everything that’s happened had to re-traumatize her. I shouldn’t push too hard.

My phone buzzes with a text.

Piper:Millie heard John is still in Montana. He got his ass stitched up and can’t sit down.

I chuckle.

Piper:But she also said he’s been asking friends to drive him to New York.

That asshole won’t give up. If he shows up, I’ll be ready for him.

CHAPTER 20

Piper

I can’t stop grinningas I wait for Ozzie to arrive. He’d insisted I wait for him at the office so we’d be together as he went to his place and packed to stay here. But I wanted to clean up my bedroom and take a quick shower before he gets here. And since John is still in Montana, I want to enjoy my freedom while I can.

Ozzie and I will be alone. We’ve been alone together before, but this is different. This time, I have no doubt how he feels, and after what happened with John, I don’t want to waste any more time. I could die tomorrow, especially if John decides to shoot me again.

No, tonight I will be with Ozzie. And based on the looks he’s been giving me today, I think we are on the same page.

There’s a knock on the door.

“Piper? I’m coming in.” It’s Ozzie.

I perch myself on a kitchen chair and wait for him to walk down the hall and see me. I’m wearing a thin white tank top with no bra and purple lacy boy shorts. There should be no doubt what I want.

He walks in, but instead of glancing my way, he heads down the hall. Durango’s bedroom door creaks open, and there’s a thud. Did he drop his bag in my cousin’s room?

Ozzie rounds the corner with a smile and spots me. “Hey.” His smile drops. He clears his throat. “Uh, why are you wearing that?”

I stand up and snake my arms around his neck. “Because I want you.”

He takes a step back. “Piper, we talked about this. We both agreed that until we get your cousin—”

My hands go to my hips. “No. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned life is too short. I don’t have time to wait for my thick-headed cousin to come around.”

His eyes roam my body, and based on the heat staring back at me, my plan is working. “Dammit, Piper. Go put on a robe or something.” He turns his back to me.

“No.”

His shoulders slump. “Look, you know I want you, but not like this. I will not lose my friend and destroy our working relationship.”

His words cut as it becomes clear he will choose my cousin over me if it comes down to it. But because I’m a glutton for punishment, I ask anyway. “If Durango never says yes to us, are you willing to walk away?”

His breathing speeds up, and he shakes his head.Finally, he spins around, and his eyes are wild in a way I’ve never seen. “Honestly, he’s said no more times than I can count, and yet I keep coming back. I can’t walk away from you, and I have to keep trying until he says yes. I’ve tried not to think of you this way. But every morning, I wake up and you’re all that’s on my mind.”

He steps closer.

“All day at work, you’re there. I want to drag you into my office and have my way with you. Then I go home at night and fantasize about you until I fall asleep. It’s an endless cycle that I’ve tried to stop, but I can’t. So, to answer your question, no, I’m not willing to walk away. I can’t walk away.” He wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me flush against his body. His lips crash down on mine.

The kiss turns carnal in an instant. Whatever control he had is gone. I’ve never been kissed like this, like he has to have me right now. My hands move up into his hair, and I gently tug. He moans into my mouth as his tongue sweeps in, controlling the kiss.

He bends down and grabs my legs, picking me up so I’m straddling him. He walks us to the kitchen counter and sets me down, but he stays there. I tighten my legs around him, pulling him closer. He grinds against me, and it feels amazing.

His arms wrap around my back, and I feel so engulfed, so protected by this man. At the same time, I’m more turned on than I’ve ever felt.

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