Page 19 of The Sacrifice
“Isn’t food part of your contract? Besides, I’m now thinking about pizza, and my mouth is watering.”
“Yes, meals are part of the deal,” she sighs. “I’m not any good at this. I’m not sure how to forget I’ve known you since you were nine years old.”
“I don’t know how to do this either. But we’ll have to figure something out.” I shove my hands into my pockets. “Let’s order. I’m starving, and it’s been a long day.”
“Yes. Yes, it has.” She shifts from foot to foot. “I need to tell you something, and I hope it doesn’t make you angry.”
“When have you done something that hasn’t made me angry?”
She smiles. “I’m afraid not very often.”
My heart skips a beat.Stop. Do not enter. You just established the two of you are oil and water. You don’t mix. You can’t even get along for a day.“Spill it.”
“I spoke to Jade a little while ago and told her where I’m staying, which meant I had to tell her about Hadley. She promised not to tell anyone else besides Kevin. I shouldn’t have shared your private information, but there was no other reason for why I’d be here instead of Andrew’s place.”
I arch an eyebrow. “You saw me after all these years, and you couldn’t keep your hands off me?”
“She wouldn’t buy that.”
“Really?” I wink and flex my pecs and biceps. “I think I could convince her.”
Her eyes stay on my chest as her cheeks heat. The added color makes her skin glow like she’s lounging under the setting sun.
Lord, now, I’m a romantic? Get a grip.
Finally, she blinks and shakes her head. “Anyway. She’s promised not to say anything to anyone but Kevin.”
“You already said that.”
She blinks again and stares at me. “Said what?”
“You already said twice that she wouldn’t say anything to anyone but Kevin.” Don’t ask why I’m pushing her buttons. Fine. I know why I’m doing it. A part of me likes to see her flustered, and another part wants to know if I can get under her skin. I don’t want to explain it to anyone.
Because kissing her is the only thing that’s run through my brain since she stepped through my front door this morning. I want to see her spiraling out of control.
“I’m sorry.” She glances at the refrigerator behind me. “Where did you say the phone number was to the pizza place?”
“Don’t worry about it.” As I walk around the island’s edge, she steps backward toward the wall. “I’ll call them.”
“Okay.” Her pupils dilate as she sucks down a gasp of air, making my dick twitch. She might not want to, but she finds me attractive.
Ding. Dong.The loud peal of the doorbell rings stops me from doing something stupid.
“I’ll get that.” I spin on my heel and walk through the living room to the front door. As I sense her eyes stuck on me, my skin heats. I shouldn’t mess with fire. This is a bad idea.
After my cellphone vibrates in my pants, I drag it out.Spencer.“Yes?”
“The courier should be there any second. Follow the instructions and return the samples. We should know the outcome within a few days. Two weeks max.”
“Perfect. Thanks.” I end the call and answer the door.
The man in black jeans and a white dress shirt holds a small box under his arm. There’s no insignia to signal anyone to his intended purpose. Just as Spencer said, prompt and in a non-descript uniform.
“Mr. Rhodes?” When I confirm my identity, the courier says, “I have a package for you, and I’m supposed to wait for it.” He grasps the edge of the box with his free hand and holds it toward me.
“Thank you.” I grab the package with shaky fingers. My life has already changed, but these results will signal the end of my carefree days. “Give me a few minutes.”
“I’ll wait outside.” He nods and grasps the doorknob. “I’ll be by the door when you’re done.”