Page 27 of The Devastation You Reap

I've got my fingers wrapped around the handle of the top drawer when the bathroom door opens again and she steps into the room.

My chin drops as I take in her outfit of choice while her face reddens in anger when she realizes that not only have I moved, but I'm most definitely touching something.

"What the hell—" we both say simultaneously.

I take a step back from her dresser, too shocked by her outfit of choice to continue on my mission to find her underwear drawer.

"You're not fucking serious?" I spit, although I can't wipe the smile off my face as I stare at her. I’m almost proud, I think.

Macie might make out that she's all shy and meek, but I'm pretty sure it's an act because this girl clearly has balls.

"What? You didn't tell me what not to wear."

"A fucking basketball jersey?"

She shrugs. "What? You didn't expect me to own a football one, did you?"

My lips part to respond but I don't have any words. Instead, I stand there mute as she flips her hair over her shoulder and drops herself into the chair at her desk I recently vacated.

She makes quick work of running a brush through her hair and then applies a layer of gloss to her lips as if I'm not watching her every move, my fists curling at my sides and my cock tenting my pants.

This girl.

This fucking girl.

"Okay, I'm ready." She turns to me and holds her arms out to the sides, allowing me to check her out.

She's still wearing the same jeans, but she's teamed it with a long-sleeved white shirt beneath her purple Panthers basketball jersey.

"You look beautiful, but for the love of God, don't tell me that has some guy's name on the back.

A wicked smile curls at her lips, giving me all the answer I need before she spins and lets me see for myself.

"Motherfucker."

Before she knows what's happening, her back is against the wall and my hand is back at home around her throat.

It's not a move I was planning on using against her anytime soon. I still remember the fear that was in her eyes on Sunday night when I pinned her to the wall. The last thing I need right now is to scare her off, but the knowledge that she's trying to fire me up on purpose makes all my well thought out plans fly right out the fucking window.

But this time, I don't see fear in her light blue eyes, instead, I see defiance and fuck if it doesn't make my cock ache for her.

"You're not going to win this game, Macie. You may as well give up now."

"Is that right?" she sasses, her pulse thundering beneath my fingertips.

"You've got no idea who your opponent is."

"There's something you should know, Dunn." I continue to stare at her, fighting like hell to keep my eyes on hers and not let them drop to her lips. "I never lose, either."

Long seconds pass as we both stand there staring at each other, our chests heaving and our breaths mingling.

The last thing I want to do is take her out on the date she forced me to plan, but that's exactly what needs to happen.

Shifting my grip on her, I grip the back of her neck and push her toward the door.

"Let's go before you find yourself in a position you can't get out of."

"Wait, I need my purse."