Page 6 of Tee the Season
“Don’t forget the annual Christmas Market,” Leah adds.
“Sounds exhausting.” The words escape me before I can help it.
Tabitha’s eyebrow lifts. “Sometimes, it’s nice to stay in and enjoy a quiet night at home this time of year, too.”
The words land like an invitation wrapped in casual observation. My grip tightens on my beer as she holds my gaze, nothing subtle about the promise in those dark eyes.
Staying in. At her place. With her.
Relief mixes with want. Nothing complicated. Just her and the same simple, physical arrangement we had the night of the wedding.
“That does sound appealing,” I manage, my cock hardening.
Hays clears his throat. “Another drink, anyone?”
But neither Tabitha nor I look away from each other, the air between us crackling.
“Actually,” Leah says, pushing back her chair and shooting her husband a meaningful look I catch sight of out of the corner of my eye. “Hays, why don’t you help me with dessert? In the kitchen,” she adds pointedly.
“But we just—” Hays starts then catches his wife’s expression. “Right. Dessert.” He follows suit, standing then glancing between Tabitha and me.
As our friends disappear into the kitchen, the dining room falls silent except for the soft clink of Tabitha setting down her wineglass. She says nothing, just looks at me with those dark eyes that have haunted my dreams for months.
“Hays is supposed to give me a ride over to the hotel after dinner,” I state matter-of-factly, holding her gaze, confident she’ll catch my drift.
Her lower lip tucks between her teeth as she studies me for a minute, her head falling to one side. It’s the longest thirty seconds of silence in my life.
“It’s not on my way home, but I’d be happy to give you a lift,” she finally says.
Chapter three
Tabitha
The snow is coming down hard, fat flakes swirling in the beams from my headlights as I turn into the alley behindHigh Tide Talesand pull into my parking spot. Rory and I agreed to head to my place after we waved goodbye to Leah and Hays. For one reason. Location. My place is closer than Rory’s hotel.
But I’m glad we did for two reasons. First, the weather. And second? His wandering hand already has me buzzing with need.
I’ve always appreciated that Starlight Bay is a quiet small town. But at the moment, I’m even more grateful it’s as barren as a coastal ghost town because it took all my concentration to focus on navigating the four blocks home as those talented fingers tracked up and down my thigh.
“You live here?” Rory stares up at the building. “Above the bookstore?”
“For seven years now.” I turn off the engine.
He’s quiet for a moment, and I can see him processing.
“Seven years in one place.” It’s almost awe in his voice, or disbelief at least. “I’ve got an apartment in Scottsdale, but I’m lucky if I’m there two months out of the year.”
I can’t imagine a life like that, but I push the thought from my mind as we climb out and dash through the snow to the back entrance to my place. I fumble with my keys while flakes cover us in a blanket of white. Heat radiates from his body, the smell of his cologne mixed with the crisp winter air.
“Think they bought my offer to give you a ride so Hays wouldn’t have to head out in the snow?” I ask as the key finally turns.
“You were pretty convincing.” Rory shakes the snow from his hair.
True. I may have fooled Hays, but Leah was onto me. Chances are good I’ll get an earful from my best friend tomorrow, but tonight, I’ve got round two heading my way. And that’s all that matters.
I push through the door, the narrow staircase forcing us close as we climb. Once inside, Rory hangs his rather thin coat on the hook by the door then surveys my living room with curiosity. He moves through the space as if he’s taking inventory, but there’s no judgment in his expression, just genuine interest.
“Seven years,” he says again as if he’s still trying to wrap his head around it. “Same apartment, same job, same town.”
