Page 28 of Sanction

“Here,” she slid off a beaded bracelet that hung on her wrist and she placed it on mine.

“I just…...there’s a lot going on right now, Princess and I can’t….” I begin.

“I know.” She leans back, lightly tracing my jaw. “We can talk about it tomorrow.”

With that phone call on repeat, along with the words she spoke to me a couple of hours ago, I don’t sleep at all. I stare at the ceiling, wondering what the fuck I’m going to do, until the sunrise shines through my bedroom window.

I finally drag out of bed and start breakfast. There’s a knock at the door, so I set the spatula down to see who it is. Maverick.

“Hey man,” I say as I let him in.

“Hey, damn, smells good in here.” He nods.

“Just about ready,” I say as he drums his fingers against the bar.

“Dani feeling any better?” He asks.

My hands slow as I scramble the eggs and I clear my throat.

“I’m fine. I think something just didn’t settle with me last night.” Dani’s voice cuts in and I turn to see her striding into the kitchen in just my fucking T-shirt.

“Good deal.” Maverick doesn’t give her a second look and starts talking about the new Chevy we got coming to the shop tomorrow.

His phone rings and he checks the screen. “Shit, let me take this,” he says as he steps out into the guest room.

I aggressively toss some eggs on a plate. I’m tired, aggravated, and Dani’s little parade into the kitchen could have gone in a totally different direction.

“Put on some clothes,” I grumble.

She pauses with her hand on the door to the fridge. “You’ve been around me in a T-shirt for years. He doesn’t think anything about it.”

“Well considering the fact I had you coming all over my hand last night, I think we can agree that you wearing my T-shirt means something entirely different now.”

She steps away, glaring at me. “Why are you being an ass?”

I know I’m being an ass. I’m in a shit mood in general, and I automatically fall back into what I do best. I push. I already told her why I can’t be with her. None of our moments can last.

“What did you expect Daniella? I already told you where we stand. Get dressed and I’ll drop you home.” I toss the pan in the sink.

She scoffs and turns on her heel, heading for the bedroom.

“You know, your hot and cold game is getting real fucking old Travis.”

My eyes take in her angry steps before I scrub my hands down my face and plop down on the couch. I don’t know how to deal with this. Space has always seemed like the best option. Except there is no space here anymore. No escaping her. She’s everywhere.

She comes out dressed, with her phone in hand.

“Let me just grab my shoes,” I tell her.

“No need. I got a ride,” she snaps.

“Dani, I can take you...”

“I don’t need you to take me anywhere. Dice just pulled up,” she says over her shoulder as she walks to the door.

I stand. “You're getting on his bike? You know what message that sends Daniella.”

She shrugs. “Is that a problem?”

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