Page 87

Fate

Today

Hmm. Thought the darknesswould ease my nerves, but it's only amped them to unhealthy levels. Curling on my side, I put my back to him and squeeze my eyes shut. "Even before Destiny left, I was never the girl who dated a lot or anything like that. I was content with my books, computers and—"

"Wide variety of vibrators."

Hoping to hit him square in the face, I fling my arm out to the other side. My palm and forearm smack against skin, and he shouts at the surprise attack. Giggling, I roll over to face him. My eyes finally adjust to the dark and I find he's done the same.

"I was going to say Mac."

"Wait, did you two ever...?"

"No, no. He's like a dad. Anyway, I did date, a couple guys here and there who I met through hacker friends or in the dungeon at the FBI."

"This is why you say you're awkward?"

"Yeah, that and none of the guys I dated were someone like you."

"What does that mean?"

"Hot. Funny. Caring more about me than getting back to their dumbass video game. Protective. Sweet. Do you want me to go on?"

"Love for you to. Kind of need these affirmations after being shoved away the past twenty-four hours."

My fingers skirt along the sheets, inching closer and closer to the warmth on the other side of the bed. "I wasn't the one shoving away in the truck."

"Touché."

"Anyway, after Destiny, I became so focused. The hate and anger drove away the few friends I had, even Mac. I became a hermit, really only working to pay the bills while doing research and digging every spare second. So on top of me being awkward, I'm really, really out of practice."

I can almost feel his smile. "Well practice makes perfect, I always say."

His skin is hot beneath my touch as I brush my fingers up and down his arm. Closing my eyes, I imagine his inked skin beneath them, memorizing each dip and curve of his bicep and forearm. "I don't think I'm very good at it."

Strong fingers wrap around mine, stilling their movement. "Good at what?"

"This. Flirting and sex." My cheeks burn so hot there’s legitimate concern that the pillowcase might catch on fire.

"Well, Pops, let me help you get one thing straight. You're wrong." My laugh morphs into a gasp when he pulls on my arm, wrapping it around his waist. "I'll prove it to you, if you’ll let me."

Let him? Hell yes, I'll let him. This is one thing I'd love to be proven wrong on. "Okay."

"When it comes to this, Fate, it's either a yes or a no. If you say no, we go to sleep and I'll be happy holding you after months of dreaming about it. If it's a yes, I'll still get to do that, just in a few hours."

"Hours?" I squeak.

"I don't like to be rushed."

Silence fills the room as he gives me time to decide, making sure he's not pressuring me into anything. Is that from having four younger sisters, or because it's me? Maybe a little of both.

"Yes."

The moment the word leaves my lips, I expect him to pounce. Instead he trails his fingers up and down my arm and side, building the anticipation with each pass.

"What are you waiting for?" I whisper.

"Question."