It originated in India, but I’m sure that’s not where he’s at.”
“Can it be tracked any further?”
I lay down on my couch and closed my eyes. “No. I haven’t been open with you about how much of a computer nerd I am because it’s not exactly sexy. I’m pretty good at this stuff and I’ve spent hours on this. I even sent the email to my IT guys at Firestorm. Nothing. If I agree to send the money, we’ll have something to work with. We can trace him through whatever account number he sends me.”
“You can’t pay him off, Sid. He’ll be back for more money.”
“I know, but . . . I kind of see the value of buying some time.”
“What good would that do?” he asked.
“You’re just getting established with the new team. And our relationship only recently went public. The timing is so awful. It makes me sick to think of nude photos of your girlfriend coming out right now. After you’ve worked to improve your image, at my suggestion, and I end up being the one to ruin it.”
“Hey, you’re not ruining anything. So I have a beautiful girlfriend that some dude shot topless photos of without her knowing. So what? I don’t want other people seeing that much of you, but this isn’t your fault.”
After a few seconds of silence, I spoke. “What should I do?”
“Don’t even respond to the asshole. Let him do whatever he’s gonna do. And, for fuck’s sake, why didn’t you tell me about this sooner? Didn’t I say you should call me when you need me?”
“I wanted to handle it myself. I thought it would worry you.”
“You’re not by yourself anymore, Sid. I’m all in and I need to know you are, too.”
“I am. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I love you, Killian.”
“I love you, too. It’s gonna be okay. I wish I was there with you. I hate the thought of you going to bed alone when you’re upset.”
“I’m okay now.” I took a cleansing breath, getting up and walking toward my kitchen for a glass of wine. “I’m actually better than okay.”
“Yeah, why is that?”
“Because you scored tonight.”
There was a smile in his voice. “I did. And tomorrow’s an off day. I’ll be at your place when you get home from work.”
“I can’t wait.”
“Neither can I. Now get some rest. You’re gonna need it.”
Killian’s Jeep was parked outside my apartment, so I knew he was here already. A tingle of awareness spread through my body when I opened the front door and took in the faint hint of his leather and cologne scent.
He was waiting for me in the kitchen, which aroused me more than the thought of him waiting for me in the bedroom. I walked around the corner and was greeted by the sight of his broad shoulders. A gray T-shirt was spread taut by the muscular lines of his back. He was chopping something at the island.
“Hey,” he said, turning to smile at me over his shoulder.
The boyish grin reminded me how much I’d missed him. I walked over and wrapped my arms around him from behind, pressing my cheek to his back.
“Hey,” I said, my desire for him temporarily overridden by a sense of contentment.
“I’m making steak salads for dinner.”
I peeked around his arm and saw that he was slicing avocado. The fresh scent of the vegetables and the savory smell of the steak made my stomach rumble with approval. I’d only had a doughnut for lunch.
When I leaned up to kiss him, his lips lingered against mine.
“How are you feeling?” he murmured.
“Amazing, now that you’re here.”
“Actually, I was referring to how you were feeling about that email situation. Have you heard anything more from that douchebag?”
“No, I haven’t heard a thing. After talking with you though, I feel much stronger about the whole thing. Let him do his worst. I’ll be ready for him.”
“That’s my girl.” Then, changing the topic he said, “Listen, we don’t have to do anything new and adventurous tonight if you’d rather wait, babe. I know you’re good for your promises.”
“Wait? No, I don’t want to wait. I’m ready now. I mean, we can eat first, but . . . let’s make it quick.”
He smiled and kissed me again.
“Your cheeks are flushed,” he said. “Are you embarrassed or turned on?”
“Turned on.”
He made a low, satisfied sound and turned back to his dinner preparations. I got out the dishes, poured some wine and helped him get our meal on the