Stalking His Claim - Lucy Darling Page 0,14

the pleasure of your presence?”

“You didn't even tell me to get my fucking feet off your desk. I think I’m growing on you.”

“You're my cousin. I thought I was stuck with you.”

James smiles and takes a sip of his drink. “Who kicked your puppy?” He drops his feet down. I don’t answer him. Do I look that fucking bad? Probably. This day has been hell since I slipped out of bed leaving Tinsley in it after I slowly pried her off me.

Then I’d come out of the shower to see her still sound asleep, half out of the covers with her shirt bunched up, showing off her white cotton panties. Reminding me of her innocence once again. Her hair was a mess and she was smiling in her sleep. She looked well fucked. Making me wish that was the reality of her spending the night in my bed.

“Have a lot of things on my mind. Important decisions that need to be made.” I can tell he wants to say something but is debating whether or not he should. Which surprises me because he’s not one to ever hold back.

“Since I know your work is more than handled, I can only guess those decisions have something to do with Tinsley.”

“Don’t,” I warn him. He holds his hands up. I’m surprised he stopped. I really must look like shit.

“Let’s have dinner. I think you need to get out.”

“Okay,” I agree, grabbing my phone before I walk over to get my jacket. I quickly check it again, but there’s still no response from Tinsley. I can tell from James's face that he’s shocked that I actually agreed to go out. Usually I’m in such a rush to get home to Tinsley that I turn down almost all invitations that don’t involve business. I don’t have anything else to do tonight. This might kill a few hours. I’m not particularly hungry, but it might occupy my mind for a little while. Who am I kidding? I can never stop thinking about her.

We head out, requesting that my driver take us to James’s favorite steakhouse. When we walk in everyone is quick to attention when they realize it’s him, ushering us over to a table.

“You’d think you were a movie star or something.” I shake my head pulling out my phone to check Tinsley’s location. She’s still at the mall. It’s getting late. The sun is already setting. At least I have someone on her. Knowing that she’s safe is the only thing that’s keeping me sane at this point.

“Love this place. Best steak in the city.” The waiter comes over. “My usual, Sam. My cousin here will have the same.” I hand my menu back. I’m sure what he ordered for us will be fine. I lean back in my chair and try to relax. “You sure you don’t want to talk about it?”

“There is nothing to say.”

“Nothing to say?” James laughs as the waiter fills our water and drops two glasses of whiskey down on the table.

“She’s young. So fucking sweet too. Too sweet for me, that’s for damn sure.”

“Age is a number,” James points out. “I think we know Tinsley’s soul is a lot older in some ways. And you’re right, she’s one of the sweetest women I’ve ever met.” I glare at him but he keeps going. “You’re a grouchy asshole. She’s good for you.”

“Why would she want to be with a grouchy asshole?” I take a drink.

“Have you ever been a grouchy asshole to her?”

“No,” I say instantly.

“There you go. You’ve been in love with the girl since we were kids. I don’t think back then you knew it was love. You just always wanted to be around her. Then you both grew up and things changed.”

I nod, thinking about all the times my dad took me out to her family's house. I don’t know when it changed either. I always remember wanting to sit by her, to listen to her ramble on and make me play Barbies with her. I would always play along as long as she’d keep talking, wanting to know everything she had to say. I would have done anything to be around her back then. I still feel the same now. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for her. Besides what she’s asking of me now.

“That was fast,” James says as they serve our food.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything else?”

“We’re good.” The server heads off. “Just stop being so fucking hard on yourself. The