with a perfect amount of workout sweat and sexy stubble covering his face. Nothing like me, looking like a disheveled mess.
“Why does Reed get off so easy?” My side has a cramp, I’m drenched in sweat, and Reed’s done nothing but yell at both Damian and me for the past sixty minutes. Sure he’s done a little of his own workout, but it’s nothing compared to what he just put us through.
“He doesn’t need the ass kicking as much as I do.” Standing, he takes my hands and pulls me to my feet.
“What have you done to deserve such a harsh punishment?” He’s still holding my hands and I haven’t done a thing to pull them away. Nor do I want to extract myself from the firm grip he has on me. I love the way my hands practically fit in the palm of his. It lets me know I’m not imagining the size and strength of him.
Pinning me with his eyes, a mischievous gleam takes over his face. “I decided to chase after an emotionally unavailable woman.”
The smile fades from my face, and he brushes his knuckles across my cheek. “Don’t frown Green Eyes. I’m sure she’ll come around soon.”
He takes my hand and we begin to walk towards the parking lot as Reed packs up our gear. I guess that’s the trade off, he gets to scream at us and we don’t have to lift a finger until we’re back home.
Reed looks down at our joined hands and raises an eyebrow in question.
Damian squeezes my hand tighter.
“What time do you have to go to work?” He stops walking and faces me. He’s playing with my fingers, running them along his own strong calloused hands.
“Not until nine.”
“Get ready, then come have coffee with me.” Somehow, he’s managed to pull me closer. We’re sweaty and gross, but I like being this close to him and I realize I haven’t felt this comfortable with a man since . . . well since Matt.
My chest constricts, and a cold sweat begins to coat my back. I’ve been abandoned too many times. First my mom, then Matt, and then my dad died. If Paige and Mia hadn’t stuck by my side all these years, who knows the type of person I would have become. I’m lonely yes, but I’m looking to fill that void with fun and convenient—a casual commitment, and right now, this feels anything but casual.
“What’s with the intense look? It’ll be like every other morning, but you’ll be on my balcony instead of your own.” He’s searching my eyes, a curious look covering his face.
“Can I bring my own mug?” I ask as seriously as I can.
“As long as I get to drink out of a nudie girl.”
“Guys, come on! Can’t you have this convo at your place?” Reed looks like his head is about to explode, he’s so irritated with us.
“Let’s get moving, Green Eyes. Reed’s head may catch on fire if we stand here much longer.” Continuing to keep my hand in his, we walk to Reed’s monster-truck.
Damian moves to the passenger side as I begin to get into the back cavern. Holding onto the sides of the truck, I lift myself up and am preparing to crawl into the back. “Careful Addison.” Assuming he doesn’t want me to get hurt, I look behind to remind Reed I just trained with Damian, getting into his giant-sized truck is no biggie. There’s no missing his pointed gaze into my eyes. He was warning me all right, but I’m not sure why exactly.
I fucking hate blue balls, even the words themselves send a slight shiver down my spine, and ever since I moved next door to a green-eyed beauty, I seem to have a constant case of them. Addison has issues. She’s been left too many times and the fact that she’s still pining for a man who deserted her years ago speaks volumes. Until she knows what she’s looking for, I need to keep my hands off her, even if it kills me.
I may be built like the world’s biggest player, but inside I’m a fucking pussycat. I have no interest in being anyone’s rebound or regret and if that means it takes a little longer to show her I’m the guy she needs, I’ll wait it out.
She can bat her pretty eyelashes all she wants, part those luscious lips and run her tongue along the edge until they’re glistening and bright. But until I know she’s not going