Hayden (A Next Generation Carter Brother #4) - Lisa Helen Gray Page 0,97

him the picture of you up on stage with that drag queen, Luna, and the video I got of you squealing like a girl when the dog was chasing you.”

“Your dad put steak in my pocket,” I remind her, still not happy about it.

“But you didn’t know that.”

“Not until the beast ripped my coat apart. I thought I was going to die,” I growl. “How the hell did your dad even do that?”

She shrugs, not even the slightest bit impressed that he managed to steal my coat unnoticed and fill the inside with steak. And I only have theories as to how he knew that dog would be there, and that it was addicted to steak.

“He has a gift. You never know what he will do.”

“I guess I know where you get it from.”

“Thank you,” she states proudly, frowning when my phone rings. “Is it the home?”

Seeing my assistant’s number, I grimace in apology to Hayden. “No, but I do need to get this. It’s Clarke.” I pull out a twenty from my pocket. “Why don’t you go grab your sugar coma food while I take this.”

She snatches it out of my hand with a fiery grin. “You don’t need to tell me twice.”

I shake my head as I answer my phone. “Clarke, everything okay?”

“Yes, but I just need to check something. Did you want the Larkin contract faxed through tonight?”

“Yes,” I tell him, catching sight of Hayden through the shop window. I’m taken off guard to see her laughing and joking with an older lady, who has a dog in her bag. She’s stroking the top of the dog’s head, bending down and cooing at it.

“Clayton?”

“Yes, um, sorry. Go ahead and send it.”

I end the call, and instead of going inside, I continue to watch her. Her smile lights up the room, and as she talks to the old lady in front of her, she does it with her entire body. She does it with soul.

I’ll never get used to her. She’s strong, stubborn and outspoken, and yet she’s much more. Despite her behaviour at times, despite her strong will and the walls she has up, she’s one of the kindest, most caring and selfless people I know.

Not even her fighting with six-year-olds could put me off her. I love that she speaks her mind, not caring what others think of her. Because she knows there is more to her and she only cares that she knows that. I know there’s more to her. But I’ll take her crazy if it means I get to have her because she’s one of the best people to be around.

And each time I get a glimpse of what’s underneath, I want her even more.

She gives the dog one last stroke before heading towards me, half eaten ice cream in hand.

“Everything okay?”

“Did you not get me one?” I muse.

Her mouth sensually closes around the spoon, sucking the mint ice cream into her mouth. “Nope. I did buy the old lady one inside though.”

I look over her shoulder, seeing the woman smiling as she takes her order. “What, why?”

“Because she didn’t have enough change.”

I smile, glancing down at her. “You surprise me at every turn.”

“I like to keep people on their toes,” she tells me, leaning up to give me a spoonful of ice cream.

Knowing she doesn’t give it away freely, I take it, the coldness sharp on my sensitive teeth.

Her pupils dilate as she steps closer, scanning my face. “Why are you looking at me like you want to eat me and not this yummy ice cream? I mean, I don’t share with just anyone you know. You should enjoy it.”

I snatch the tub from her, throwing it in the bin, and before she can protest, I press my lips against hers.

A vicious curse leaves her lips before I slide my tongue inside, massaging mine against hers. She moans, clinging to my jacket.

I feel her shiver under me as she pulls back, breathing heavily. “I’m not sure they’d appreciate the view.” I glance to the side, noticing the old lady and a few members of staff staring out of the window, all smiling.

“Let’s go,” I tell her, my voice husky as I lead her into the Travelodge, pulling her into the lift.

She pulls at my jacket, kissing me passionately as I shove her against the side of the lift.

I unzip her coat before palming her waist, squeezing.

She lets out a groan when the doors open. I lift her up, smiling as she wraps