Page 47 of Nails

Nails cringed as he felt the heat creep up the back of his neck.“She said that?I mean, she used those exact words?”Nails asked, not even trying to hide his embarrassment.

Riley nodded, though Nails could see a faint smile playing on her lips.“But she did tell me that I would be the perfect ‘permanent lady friend for you.’”

“Of course, she did,” Nails said laughingly.But then he grew serious and took another small step forward, closing the already short distance between them.“Look, I’m not gonna lie.I’ve got a history of keeping things casual with women.But there are reasons for it.Reasons that I’m not ready to get into.Not here, and not yet.”

She didn’t say anything.So, he continued.

“But for what it’s worth, there’s only one ‘lady friend’ on my mind right now.And she’s standing right in front of me.”

Her expression softened.“You really mean that?”

“I do,” he told her.

The air between them shifted.It felt heavy and electric.He took a step closer.She didn’t back away.Her breathing hitched just enough for him to notice.

He dipped his head slightly.“I want to kiss you,” he murmured.

“I want that to,” she told him, her eyes meeting his.

He leaned in, but then she lifted her hand and placed it on his chest, stopping him.

“But we can’t,” she whispered, looking down.

He pulled back slightly, looking at her.“Why not?”

She took a deep breath.“Nails, I like you.I really do.And I want to get to know you better.But we can’t let this become a thing.At least not right now.Not when we’re about to walk into a dangerous op, one that could go sideways fast.I gave my word to Commander Connors that I wouldn’t let anything jeopardize that.”

His jaw was clenched.So, that was what they were discussing in the room after everyone left.

“Hey,” she said, taking his hand in hers.“I’m not saying never.I’m just saying, not right now.”

He exhaled slowly and nodded, even though he was frustrated.“I get it.”

She stepped back and adjusted her shirt.Then she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.“Besides, I have a very important appointment that I need to get to,” she said.

He tilted his head.“Appointment?”

“My pre-undercover transformation,” she said sarcastically.“Apparently, my undercover persona involves fake lashes, sky-high heels, and a waxing appointment that I’m already regretting.”

Nails winced.He’s heard stories of women getting waxed.

She stepped toward the door but then paused.She lifted her head slightly and kissed his cheek.It was soft and quick.But it sent something hot and real through him.

“If it’s meant to be, we’ll find our way,” she whispered before walking out the door.

Nails stood there for a second.His heart was pounding in his chest.He ran a hand down his face.He could still feel her lips on his cheek.Fuck!She was going to be the death of him.

He stepped out of the closet, only to find the entire team standing there.All of them were wearing matching grins like they’d been waiting for this moment their whole lives.

“Having a hard time trying to decide which toilet paper to select in there?”Snow asked.

“Didn’t realize ‘paper products closet’ was code for ‘Nails’ love bunker,’” Joker said, looking amused.

“I didn’t realize adults still played ‘Seven Minutes in Heaven,’” Jay Bird said, a smile tugging at his lips.

“Was it the scent of lemon disinfectant that sealed the deal, or the lavender bleach?”Playboy asked, trying not to laugh.

Bear, Aussie, and Duke just stood there smiling.