Page 53 of The Contractor's Rose
“Teagan,” he muttered. “Sheriff Monson picked her up last night. Public intoxication. Said she got mouthy, picked afight with someone. Nothing violent, just … loud. Classic Teagan.”
I didn’t say anything.
“She’s lucky. He could’ve booked her, let it go on record, but he kept her overnight and said he’d consider it a scare tactic. No charges. Just a hangover and a shitty morning.”
“Are you okay?” I asked softly.
“I’m not surprised,” he admitted, voice low. “But I’m disappointed. Again.” He scrubbed a hand over his jaw, like it might hide the flicker of guilt I saw flash across his expression. “She was at the bar last night. I ran into her. Literally. Like she was some stranger on the street.”
I let my fingers trail lightly across his knee. “You don’t have to carry that, you know.”
He looked at me then. Really looked. “I do. Even if I shouldn’t.”
We sat in silence for another moment before he broke it with a half-smile and a shake of his head. “Come on. Let’s shower. If I’m going to deal with my wild child today, I’d rather smell like soap and not sex.”
I smirked. “Why not both?”
He grinned as he stood, completely unbothered by his nakedness, and reached down to pull me to my feet before tossing me over his shoulder and slapping my bare ass. “Water conservation, Miss Carter. Let’s go.”
The shower was quick,functional, and only mildly sinful. Hands in each other’s hair. Lingering touches down spines and across collarbones. A kiss pressed to the curve of my neck that nearly restarted everything.
We toweled off side by side, our shoulders bumping as we reached for toothbrushes. I didn’t even notice that my travel one had been left here the night before. I liked the way it looked next to his when I finished and placed it in the cup on the counter.
We walked back into the bedroom, and that’s when I realized a slight dilemma. “I have no clothes.”
He raised an eyebrow before walking toward the closet. “I could offer you a flannel, but unless you want to go bottomless in broad daylight …”
I groaned. “So it’s either a walk of shame in the slutty green dress … or you drop me off at my apartment naked.”
“I mean, both sound fun and enjoyable to me,” he said, smirking as he stepped into the closet fully.
My phone buzzed on the nightstand.
I picked it up, saw Elodie’s name, and braced myself.
Elodie
The bartender’s shift ended early so we’re dancing now!!! SHES SO HOT.
Just saw the Ice Princess. She's giving me the death glare.
I hate Teagan. Haaaaaaate her.
So don’t hate me… but I think I might get arrested.
“What the hell…” I muttered, scrolling fast.
Elodie
So I DID get arrested. BUT! Monson let me hang out in his office all night eating peach rings and banana runts. He still remembers how much I love those from when I nannied for him and his husband.. Bless that man and his candy drawer.
Anyway, no rush but… can you come get me?
Also I hope your P got some of G’s D last night
I snorted and slapped a hand over my mouth.
Gavin emerged from the closet fully dressed—mostly. He was tugging one of his signature fitted black T-shirts over his head, muscles flexing as he yanked it into place. His jeans were still unbuttoned, and that little sliver of skin above his zipper caught my eye again like a dare.
