[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
. Okay. He blew out a harsh breath and jumped to his feet. Let's go. I blinked, sorting through our conversation. Go where? Riley checked his watch. After three, he said, glancing up. Pancakes? He was serious! I& Go out on a date with me, Nick. He held out his hand. Please. I chuckled, realizing he'd just spelled it out for me in case I still didn'tunderstand what was happening. Sure. Taking his hand, I let him help meup. Better than popcorn, at any rate. His brow furrowed. What? 82 Rowan McBride Never mind. I walked past him, intending to get my laptop from hiscubicle. What place did you have in mind? Should I meet you there? He followed me, keeping his distance. Actually, I live about five minutesfrom here, so I didn't bring a car.Can I hitch a ride? It would be easier to giveyou directions if I'm next to you, anyway. Riley Jameson alone with me in a car.This should be interesting. Allright. I picked up my case and hooked it onto my shoulder, pausing when Isaw he wasn't dressed for the February weather. I can wait while you get yourcoat. Didn't bring one, so I'm ready to go. I frowned. It's twenty degrees outside. Cold doesn't affect me like it used to. That wicked grin I alwaysassociated with trouble appeared on his mouth. Good thing, too, since thenight you ran out on me I had to sneak home naked. My lips parted.That's right he'd torn right out of his clothing when hegrew.And I never once wondered how he managed to get home.Riley stared down at me a moment, tilting his head to the side. Arousedor wigged-out? This time I can't tell. Breaking his gaze, I strode toward the elevator. Little of both, I said,struggling to be honest about my feelings.What I knew of them, anyway.He followed me into the box and leaned against the wall beside me. Youreally are cute, Nick. Cute.Pretty.Maybe this was my lot in life.As I hit the button for thelobby, I reasoned there were worse things.Still, I wished You okay? asked Riley, his voice laced with insecurity.I forced the tension from my body and lied once again. I'm fine. Somethings I wasn't ready to share.Hands tucked behind the small of his back, he moved closer to me. Whatkind of pancakes do you like? One Shot 83Pancakes.Probably the safest first date in history, but I found myselfexcited at the prospect. Blueberry. Or maybe it was just the idea of spending time outside of work with Riley.* * * * * Here you go, sweetie. Riley glanced up in surprise when the waitress placed a stack of pancakesin front of him. I didn't order this. On the house. She patted his cheek. Big guy like you needs seconds. His gaze flicked to me, then back to her. Ah, thanks. No problem, sugar. She walked back to the kitchen.She didn't glance at me.Swirling my fork around my plate, I raked four-tiered patterns into theblueberry syrup. Nick? I looked up. Hmm? He pushed his plate to the middle of the table. Split this with me.I can'tfinish it all. Our late-night date had been nice, enough that I felt comfortable teasinghim. But it was a gift just for you, sugar. A scowl twisted his face. I hate that shit, he muttered. People are alwaystrying to give me stuff because of the way I look now. My fork clattered to the tabletop as I snickered into my fist. It's true! I believe it, I assured him, trying to stifle my laughter. What gets me isthat you're trying to convince me you don't like it. I don't. 84 Rowan McBrideShit.I was going to cause a scene if I didn't get ahold of myself soon. Right. Riley sighed and held up his hands. Okay, I used to like it a hell of a lot. He dropped his palms to the table. But it gets old after a while, everyone tryingto get my body.People feel like it's cool to touch me whenever they want. I paused, my smile fading. You know what that feels like, don't you? asked Riley, leaning forwardon his elbows. I see everyone doing the same to you at the office. Shaking my head, I pushed my plate to the edge of the table.I had senseenough not to point out that he'd done his fair share of touching too. Differentreasons regarding me. It's not different, said Riley, drumming his knuckles against the table. They do it to you for the same reasons they do it to me. I let my mouth crook as I pointed to the plate between us. I'm not the onewho got free pancakes. Her? He rolled his eyes. I guarantee she would have given yousomething too if you He snapped his mouth shut. If I what? His left hand joined his right, tapping a complicated rhythm as he lookedat me
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]