Page 21 of Lucky Baller
“Top drawer.” I point to my dresser. Just as he opens the drawer, I remember that’s where I put the card from the flowers. Silently, I cross my fingers, hoping it’s slid to the bottom and he doesn’t notice it.
I’m not that lucky.
“Aw, you kept it.” He holds up the little white envelope between his fingers, and of course, those damn dimples appear.
“I don’t know how that got in there.” Lies.
He smirks. “You should use it, you know. My number.”
“No, thanks. I’m trying to get rid of you, remember?”
“I’m not going to go away that easily. In fact, you should give me your number so I can check on you.”
“You’re still here.” My voice is raised. I’m not yelling, but the irritation he’s causing is definitely showing through.
“I’ll leave, but I want your number. I want to be able to check on you. You live alone, and I feel bad leaving you like this.”
Something about the look in his eyes tells me it’s more than that. But I find myself relenting just to get rid of him. I need him out of my space. “Fine. It’s in your phone. I didn’t delete the call. Don’t be blowing me up.” I huff, and he grins. I hate that I like that he’s concerned.
He pulls out some pajamas and makes a show of shoving the little white envelope back into the drawer. He tosses the clothes to me, where I sit on the bed, and leaves the room, shutting the door behind him. I glare at the handle, wishing there was a lock. I’ve never needed one before now. Hell, knowing his cocky ass, he’ll just take the door off the damn hinges. Not wanting to be caught with my panties down, literally, I quickly slip out of my bra and slide the pajama shirt over my head. I leave my leggings on. I can slip those off after he leaves. I’m sliding under the covers when he knocks on the door.
“Ready or not, here I come,” he sings-songs and slowly pushes the door open.
“Gimme, and go.” I hold my hands out for the bottle of Advil and the water.
“So testy,” he taunts.
“Landon,” I growl. I actually growl. That’s what this man has brought me to. Growling at him like some wild animal, and not from pleasure, I might add.
“Here.” He shakes out two tablets, screws the lid off the water, and hands them to me. I toss them back and watch him as he plugs my cell phone into the charger and places it on the nightstand. “You need anything else?”
“No. Just go home.”
“All right. I’ll see you in the morning. You get to the shelter at nine, right?”
“How do you know that?”
He shrugs. “Autumn.”
“Yes,” I say through gritted teeth. She’s on his side, so I know her coming to pick me up in the morning is a long shot. One more encounter with him and then I’m done. He’s testing my patience and has me horny as hell all at the same time. My body and mind are at war with one another.
“I have to be at the field at nine, so I’ll have to drop you off at eight-thirty. That all right with you?”
“Fine.”
“Need anything?” he asks. This time, his voice is softer, and it reminds me of how he was treating me when I first fell today.
Kind.
Gentle.
“No. Goodnight, Landon.”
My breath stalls in my chest when he leans over and kisses the top of my head. “Night, Tess. I’ll lock up.”
And just like that, he’s gone. I listen as his heavy footfalls carry him to the front door, and I hear the door close. The handle jiggles as he tests the lock. Finally, I fall back onto my pillows just as my phone pings with a message.
Unknown: Night, Tess. Door’s locked.
