Page 29 of Bottle Shock
How can he be so logical while simultaneously being bossy? And why is it attractive? My blood sugar must be plummeting because this isnotme.
“Fuck, it. I’ll stay with my parents. They’ll love it, and my back can withstand sleeping on a couch.”
“Actually,” Elyse cuts in, glancing between us, “I think Gavin’s idea is a great one.”
“Which part? The part where I don’t need my best friend and her brother treating me like a child, or…?”
“Oh, stop.” Elyse gives my arm a loving little smack. “We’re only trying to help. And, I feel like it’s my duty to make sure you’re not totally fucked since I’m the one with the townhouse in ashes.”
Gavin sighs, looks like Mr. Cool-as-a-cucumber is finally running out of patience. “Scottie, just stay in the pool house. It’s not a big deal. You’ll have your own space, and it’s a lot better than crashing on some lumpy couch.”
I hate the way he says my name—there’s this drag to it, like he’s pleading, and it’sobscenehow good it sounds. Another reason I shouldn’t spend one more minute around this man than absolutely necessary. The horny little slut on my shoulder has already drafted a hundred scenarios involving Gavin as the sexy pool boy and me, in a rotation of impractical bikinis, “accidentally” dropping things. It’s fiction, obviously. In reality, Gavin Ledger would never want me like that. But still, forthe sake of my sanity—and my vibrator—it’s best to avoid temptation entirely.
“I can handle a week or two on the couch.” I fold my arms as some form of protection. “I’ve survived worse.”
Elyse lets out a long sigh, rubbing her temple. “You’re being annoyingly stubborn. Just say thank you and take the help.”
“Ididsay thank you,” I shoot back. “And I’m politely declining the accommodations.”
Gavin’s mouth twitches, and I can’t tell if he’s fighting a frown or a smile. “You’re really not going to cave, are you?”
My smile is wide and proud. “I never cave. I’m stubborn and relentless. But thank you for the offer—it’s very kind. Even though I’m not taking you up on it, I do appreciate the gesture.”
He nods, tucking his hands into his pockets, emphasizing the veins in his forearms. “Well, the offer still stands. If that couch gets too uncomfortable for you, there’s a Stearns & Foster mattress with your name on it.”
That catches my attention. “You mean the same one they use at The Ritz-Carlton?”
“That’s the one.”
“Now you tell me.” I grin. “You should’ve led with the mattress and ended with the pool house. It’s called foreplay.”
His answering smile is slow, deliberate. “My bad.”
We both stand there, grinning like idiots—until Elyse clears her throat loudly.
“Are you two done flirting? Because it’s getting a little weird.”
My face heats instantly. “We’re not flirting.” Jesus, what is wrong with me? The smoke must be clouding my ability to think with my brain instead of my deprived lady bits. Elyse will be absolutely insufferable if she actually thinkswe were flirting. Which we weren’t. Clearly. It’s calledconversing.Gavin would never flirt with me.
“Whatever you say.” She crosses her arms. “Because I’ve got a fiancé to get home to, and it’s getting late.”
I exhale a breath that comes out half laugh, half groan. “I’m going to call my parents and head that way. They’re going to be so excited, I’m already annoyed about it.”
Elyse squeezes my arm. “Call if you need anything. Seriously.”
“I will,” I promise, though we both know I likely won’t.
Gavin hesitates for a second, like he wants to say more, but then he leans close, invading my senses with his knee-weakening scent. It’s pine and soap, and I have to fight the urge to inhale him completely—just for the brief high.
“Text me when you get there.” His voice is low and quiet, meant only for me.
I nod, unable to produce words.
That’s a first.
CHAPTER 8
Gavin
