Page 32 of Tipping Point
I whip up the covers. “What happened last night?”
“You can’t remember?” he asks with mock shock. “Curls, I gave you the best night of your life.”
“Yeah, right. I learned a long time ago not to mix business with pleasure. Where’s my dress?”
He makes his way over and picks it up off the floor, handing it to me.
When I tug at it, he won’t let go, wearing that wicked grin.
“Irish.”
“Okay okay.” He stands back, folding his arms. The tattoo ripples every time he moves.
I’d love to get a closer look at it sometime.
“You’re just gonna stand there?”
He shrugs.
“Urg.” I shimmy on the dress while trying to stay under the covers and then I scramble out of bed to look for my sandals. While I’m fastening the clasps, I look around for my bag.
“It’s in there.” He jerks his head towards the living room.
I hear the bedroom door close behind me when I step out.
My backpack is on the couch, and I dig inside for my room key.
I check my phone.
Shit.
I still need to shower and change, and I’m going to be late. I fire off a text to let the crew know, and inform them I’ll meet them trackside.
I make my way to the bedroom door and knock.
“Come in.”
“Uh, no thanks. I just wanted to say thanks for everything and goodbye.”
“Come in.” He sounds annoyed.
I open the door tentatively and peer around. He’s dressed in tracksuit pants and tying his sneakers. He still isn’t wearing a shirt. His clean hair is a mess that is falling into his eyes.
I take out the hair tie and throw it over.
He snatches it without looking at it and stands up. When he walks over, he’s got a hint of a five o’clock shadow and he smells great.
He comes to a standstill in front of me.
His one shoulder has a massive burn scar. It’s a twisted, pitted thing and the tattoo ink on it is broken and blotchy. Without thinking, I raise my hand to touch it.
He grabs my hand, but not unkindly.
I think his fingers tremble, but I’m distracted by him stepping up close.
He leans in close, places an arm on the doorway. Black eyes on mine as he brings his face close to mine, I can feel the warmth of his breath.
“Do you mind?”