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“Not if she leaves,” I laugh.

“Yes, even if she leaves. At least you will have a direction. Right now you’re just stuck in limbo waiting.”

“Yes, but I’m having fantastic sex in limbo. If she leaves, the sex leaves too!” Claire swats my shoulder, laughing. Making jokes and laughing at my dire future outcome is one way I’m stopping myself from curling up into a ball and rocking until Saturday arrives.

“You’re too much,” she laughs.

“Who’s too much?” Erin chimes next to my ear. Her voice is a melody that plays my clit to perfection.

“Your girlfriend,” Claire laughs. That’s the first time anyone has used the term to describe us. My eyes dart to Erin, to see how she reacts.

“She’s never too much,” Erin chuckles, kissing my cheek and squeezing my ass. Okay, so she didn’t object to the label. That’s great. Or did she just dismiss it? Damn, I need to clarify that before my brain latches on to another negative connotation. I cannot live under another black cloud. I already have enough.

“Girlfriend, huh?” I say under my breath. Erin is still close to my face.

“Too soon?” she asks.

“Nope, just wanted to make sure I have permission to shout it from the rooftops.”

“You are too much,” she laughs.

I take her hips and pull her close to me. “I’ll show you too much later.” Our mouths crash together, the kiss turning urgent in seconds.

Claire clears her throat, laughing. “Jesus, calm down, you’ll set the sprinklers off. Plus, Ms. Loch, there is no fraternizing on shift. Your rules.”

I mock glare at Claire but release Erin. “Fine, I’m going to the office to look at spreadsheets.”

“Is that your version of a cold shower?” Claire asks.

“Yes, and if that doesn’t work, I’ll do the staff rota,” I laugh.

Hovering by the door that leads to the office, I watch Erin for a few more seconds. I need to soak up as much of her as possible before Saturday. If I can memorize her smile, her laugh and the way she looks at me, I might just make it through Saturday, because I’m pretty sure the looks she’ll be giving me then won’t hold the same adoration.

“Will you go?” Claire shouts. I salute, shooting a wink at Erin. Settling at my desk, I skim the files and folders littered about. There are plenty of things I should do, but my focus is shot.

Now and then I shoot a glance at the security monitors. I like to keep an eye out for any troublesome customers, but tonight I want to see my girlfriend. I could close my eyes and sense her, but tonight I need to see her.

What I don’t need to see is Mack North leaning across the bar talking to Erin. Before I allow myself to indulge the jealousy curdling my stomach, I remember my mother’s words. I have to give Erin my trust. With that, I turn away and continue to work.

Eighteen

Saturday has arrived and I’m a walking stereotype. Picture every brooding vampire ever depicted in literature and film and there you have it. Erin is sleeping soundly in my bed, and I’m sitting with one leg crossed over the other in a chair opposite, simply watching her.

The sun is ascending and soft rays dance across Erin’s face. My mind has been a mess for days, and sleep has eluded me. I’ve done my best to hide my current state from Erin, and for the most part, I think I’ve been successful. The handful of times she quizzed me, I blamed my mood on work.

The image of Mack talking to Erin in the bar is still etched in my brain. My mother’s voice echoes again in my ears, telling me to give Erin my trust. That’s easier said than done, especially when I’m about to reveal something to her that might send her running for the hills, or into her ex’s arms.

Sitting here is only amping up my anxiety. I rise from the chair and gently place a kiss on Erin’s temple. If I’m to get through today without a nervous breakdown, I need to find some peace. There is only one way for me to do that.

Leaving a note at the breakfast bar, I head to the garage. My bike is sitting there just waiting for me to take her out. Traffic is minimal at such an early hour. I have no place in mind. I just need to feel the rush of the ride.

Further down the coast, blue and red lights distract me. Glancing in my side mirror, I see the police car cruising behind me. Pulling over, I hop off the bike and remove my helmet. Dana steps out of the car. She has a tired smile; I presume she has been on shift all night.

“Hey, early for a ride, isn’t it?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” I reply. Dana has been true to her word. She’s only expressed support and has allowed me to vent some of my worries over the last several days.

“Want to grab breakfast?”