Hooking - Kristine Allen Page 0,30
lips. “You can drive next time.”
We all laughed because everyone knew they all wouldn’t fit in my car.
“Yeah, I’ll strap your ass to the roof.” A bark of laughter escaped him, and I shook my head and climbed out of the back seat. “See you guys at practice.”
The bright glow of his headlights cast a shadow as I walked to my front door. After entering my code, I waved, went inside, and reset the alarm. I saw them back out and drive off as I shrugged out of my suit jacket.
Victor came bounding down the stairs. Cooper had to leave on a run today, so he’d dropped him off at the house earlier. His plaintive cries told me he was very upset at me for leaving him. I reached down to stroke his silky fur.
“Aww, I’m sorry, big guy. I had to go to work.” If a cat could pout, I’d swear he was. He followed my every move as I went to my room, kicked off my shoes, stripped out of my travel-worn suit and shirt, then dumped it all in the dry cleaning bin. The shoes went in their appropriate cubby in the closet.
Picking up my phone, I looked at the time. Though we’d gotten home earlier than I expected, it was still after ten. She’d probably be sleeping, but I had this inexplicable need to let her know I was home.
Me: Just thought I’d let you know we made it back. I’m at home and getting ready for bed. See you tomorrow.
Before I could set my phone on the charger, the screen lit up. That stupid grin hit my face again.
Sexy Sydney: Good to hear.
Me: What are you still doing up? Don’t you work tomorrow?
Sexy Sydney: Can’t sleep.
Me: You should come over. I’ll draw you a hot bath.
Like a complete dork, I inserted a winky face emoji at the end.
Sexy Sydney: If you promised a back rub I’d be tempted to be all over that.
At her response, my heart stuttered and my dick reared its head.
Me: Done.
Striking while the iron was hot, I shot off my address. Though I didn’t really expect her to show up.
Sexy Sydney: lol
Me: I’ll wait up for you.
Padding to the bathroom, I scratched my stomach and yawned. I might’ve been tired, but not that tired. Not if it meant Sydney was coming over. I grabbed the plushest towels I had, set them artfully on the corner of the oversized tub.
Cursing that I didn’t have any candles, an idea hit me. Without concern that I was running through my house in my underwear with all my windows open, I stopped in my den. I grabbed the fancy candelabra thing the decorator had put on the sofa table. Then I dug through my kitchen junk drawer for a lighter and rushed back to my bedroom.
Once I had everything set up to my satisfaction, I stepped back to eye it all. Not bad, considering the last-minute planning. Of course, if she didn’t end up coming over, I’d have done it for nothing. Shrugging, I went back to the room and fell back onto my bed. Victor had wandered off, still pissy with me.
Checking my phone, I tried not to let my disappointment swallow me when she hadn’t replied. Oh, well. I tried to tell myself it was no big deal, but I was disappointed.
I clicked on the big-screen TV and propped a few pillows up behind me.
While I was watching the recap of the game on one of the sports networks, my doorbell rang.
A quick glance showed that Sydney still hadn’t responded to my last text. Figuring Coop had made it back to town, I paused the TV and got up. Without grabbing any pants, I shuffled to the door.
It probably would’ve been a good idea to check to see who it was, but I was tired and didn’t think about it. The rippled glass distorted whoever it was, and I froze when I swung the door open.
She visibly swallowed, and I read nervousness in her eyes. “Hey,” she said, still standing on the front porch. Then she glanced over her shoulder and bit her lip. Like a dumbass, I looked to see what she was looking at. A car was parked in my driveway.
Heart thumping wildly, I could only stare at her. Midnight hair was pulled into a sleek ponytail, and she was casually dressed in jeans, Converse, and a hoodie. Very little makeup obscured her natural beauty.
“You’re in your underwear,” she said after