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“What? No. I’m fine.” I give her one of my easy, self-assured smiles and spin my keys around my index finger as though I don’t have a care in the world.
“Hmm.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You seem…distracted.”
“Nope. I’ve got my eyes on the prize,” I assure her.
“And what prize are you referring to?”
“The emerald,” I state flatly.
“Just checking.” She smirks. “C’mon, Knox, it’s me. I can tell you’re interested in her. And, for the record, I approve. Although, I don’t think she’s quite as into you.”
“Fuck, Addie.” I give her a pained expression and pretend to clutch my heart. “You’re brutal.”
“Just being honest. Because if you really want a shot with Hunter McGrath, you’re going to have to actually pursue her. Gasp! Shocking concept, I know.”
“You can be such a downer,” I grumble.
“I know,” she says pleasantly. “But women shouldn’t always just fall at your feet. It’s always been too easy for you. I’m actually excited to see this play out.”
“Sadist,” I sulk.
“I’m ready to finally see a woman challenge you and make you earn it. To bring you to your pretty knees.”
If things go right, Hunter will be the one on her knees.Of course, I don’t dare say that to Addie, but, damn, the tantalizing image fills my mind in beautiful technicolor.
“God, Knox, get your head out of the gutter.”
She knows me too well. “Who? Moi?”
Addie shakes her head, pulling the car into my driveway. Braking to a stop, she moves the stick shift into neutral and turns to face me. “All teasing aside, Mom would want you to be happy.”
“She’d want you to be happy, too.”
“I am happy.” She pastes on the brightest, fakest smile I’ve ever seen.
“You’re so full of it.” I open my door then hesitate. “Since we’re prying into each other’s personal business, what’s up with Detective Vaughn?”
The briefest flash of emotion flickers across her face, gone before I can attempt to decipher it. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Uh-huh.” I don’t believe her, but it’s a discussion for another time. Grabbing my bag out of the back, I say, “See you in the morning, Boss.”
I shut the door and head up the walkway. My mind is all over the place, and that’s not a good thing. Especially when we’re on the verge of a job and focus is key.
But how do I focus when all I’m envisioning is long, reddish-brown hair dragging over my bare chest as Hunter kisses her way down my naked body?
“Fuck,” I grumble, unlocking my front door.This isn’t good.In my line of work, distractions can be a prison sentence. Or a death sentence.
Doing my best to push Hunter out of my mind, I step into my dark house, shutting and locking the door. My place isn’t extravagant and wouldn’t garner any special attention. It’s lowkey, located in a nice, quiet suburb, and comfortable.
And now I’m depressed.
With a low curse, I drop my bag, walk into the kitchen and flip on the light. Addie said she doesn’t think Hunter is into me. Yeah, that’s not gonna work. I need to get that little sparrow on board before she flies off again and leaves me.
Coming home after a job and being by myself to unwind is something I typically look forward to. For some reason, it’s not quite as comforting as usual. It seems extra quiet, and a bit lonely. Like something, or someone, is missing.