Page 59 of Only the Wicked

“Well, what I meant was I wanted to spend time with you.”

Good save, MacMillan. Miles mocking me forever present in my head.

She stands in front of her open suitcase, back to me.

“And you know those storms are coming in this afternoon.” I step up behind her, caressing her bare arms, running my fingers along her dewy skin as a vision of her sweaty, muscles flexed, scaling a rock wall flits, and I blink it away, looking instead to the open window and the red gardenias filling the window boxes.

Clouds mask this morning’s bright blue skies. I haven’t checked the radar recently, but earlier today they were forecasting a tornado-inducing system to roll across from the Midwest.

“Netflix and chill,” she says, smiling over her shoulder at me.

“Precisely.” I press my lips to her bare shoulder and playfully drag my teeth over her freshly washed skin. “I came here to help you with your bags. Figured you could stay with me for the night.”

“A sleepover?”

“Well, a second sleepover. I stayed here last night. You stay with me tonight.”

I can’t see her face because she’s sorting her zippered bags.

“But if you prefer we stay here, I’m game for that too. But my place has a wood burning fireplace.”

Do I sound like a schmuck? My room’s better than yours?

“Reading between the lines, I’m your distraction to ensure you win your bet.”

Is that annoyance? Have I offended her? “I wouldn’t say distraction.”

“What would you call it?” She spins around with one hand on her towel and the other clutching clothes against her chest.

“Secret weapon?” I suggest, giving her my best puppy dog eyes. Haven’t used those since forever, but they used to work, so…

She rolls her eyes, but she’s grinning, so I win.

“Give me a sec to change and pack my toiletries.”

I scramble to gather my clothes from the floor, and once I’ve accomplished the task, she closes the bathroom door.

Huh.

Doesn’t matter. We’re leaving this room together. When I pull on my shorts, my phone slaps against my thigh. Out of habit, I check it.

* * *

Daisy Jonas

Miles says you’re still with this one. We’re placing bets.

* * *

I should let it go, but can’t. Daisy’s been like a little sister to me since she started at the company, all sharp edges and brilliant code.

* * *

Me

And?

* * *