Текст книги "Hearts of Blue"

Автор книги: L. H. Cosway

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Текущая страница: 18 (всего у книги 21 страниц)

Twenty

Tony and I stood outside the Old Bailey, sipping on bad takeaway coffee and waiting out the last few minutes before we had to go inside. He knew just how difficult a day I had ahead of me, and he didn’t try to fill the quiet with random small talk. He let me have my time to think and prepare.

I’d left Lee’s bed early in the morning, my heart sore as I watched him sleep. My gaze traced the contours of his body, taking pictures to store in my memory. I was lost in thought when I felt Tony nudge me with his elbow, and looked up to see the Cross brothers arrive. They all wore suits, looking smart and professional. It was at odds with their usual laid-back, streetwise style.

My heart pounded when I locked eyes with Lee, flashbacks from the night before flooding my mind. I remembered how his lips tasted, how his hands roamed my skin, claiming everything they touched. It was a cold day, but I still felt too hot in my uniform. It was suffocating, and I suddenly found it hard to breathe.

Two men approached the brothers, their legal representation, I was assuming. Some words were exchanged, and then they all began to make their way toward the courthouse. The closer Lee got, the more my lungs constricted, and when he walked right past me without so much as a glance, I felt bereft.

“Come on, we better head inside, too,” said Tony, his voice gentle.

Knocking back the last of my coffee, I followed him in, and we took our seats in the court room. There were a number of cases being heard that day, and when the judge came in, he looked harried and stressed. Why did judges always look like that? Like the last thing they had in the world was time, and you were being intolerably rude by presuming you warranted even a moment of it.

Several other cases were heard first, and I was glad because I wasn’t ready for all eyes to be on me yet. Unfortunately, it all went by too quickly. Tony gave his account of what happened, and before I knew it, I was being called to the stand to give evidence. Every step felt like an eternity, and when I sat and cleared my throat, I couldn’t see anyone else in the room but Lee, his expression stoic as he watched me from the public viewing stand.

I’d spoken in court countless times before, but today was different. Stammering nervously through my statement, I just wanted it to be over. When I was dismissed, I practically ran from the room, finding the ladies’ and shutting myself inside. I seemed to be having quite a few bathroom panic attacks lately.

Trying to steady my shaking hands, I imagined they’d be calling Liam to the stand. He’d have his say, and then he’d be asked to give up the name of the person he worked for. He’d tell them it was Lee, and then everything would fall to pieces.

I was in there for at least twenty minutes when I heard voices shouting angrily from outside. Immediately, I hurried from the bathroom to see what was happening. Following the sound of the argument, I found all four brothers at the end of one corridor. Trevor held Lee back, who was fuming at Stu, a look in his eyes like he wanted to commit murder.

“How the fuck could you do this?!” Lee yelled, his face red with fury.

“I had to,” said Stu, his expression resigned as he tried to reason with his brother. “There wasn’t another way.”

“Of course there was. We already decided. Everything had been decided!”

“You’re wrong – none of us got a say. You made the decision for all of us, thinking you could just put your head on the chopping block like always. Well, this time I’m not letting you be the martyr.”

“So you thought you’d be one instead? You’re supposed to be my brother – you’re not supposed to lie to me. You let me walk into that courtroom thinking Liam was going to give my name, knowing full well you’d convinced him to give yours instead.”

Time stood still as my hand went to my mouth and I silently gasped. Stu had switched places with Lee. What the hell? The brothers stared each other down.

“Ever since we were kids you’ve taken the brunt of the shit we’ve had to go through, but I’m the eldest. It should’ve been me.” Stu looked away, his shoulders turned inward with something close to shame. He ran his hands through his short hair before turning back. “Now it’s my turn to make a sacrifice for this family, just like you’ve been doing your whole life.”

Lee began shaking his head frantically, turmoil written all over his face. When he spoke, his voice was strained. “Nah, I’m not letting you do this.”

“It’s already been done,” said Stu, stepping forward and placing his hands on Lee’s shoulders. “You need to let it happen.”

Lee growled, ripping Stu’s hands off him and turning away.

“It’s bullshit, and I’m not accepting it,” he shouted before he began stomping down the hall in my direction.

I’d never seen him look so furious, like he was about to explode out of his own skin and transform into the Incredible Hulk. He stopped abruptly when he saw me, a million feelings mixing into one heartbreaking look. It was almost like I could read his thoughts, because in that moment, I knew he blamed me. I was the perfect scapegoat. I’d been the one behind the wheel that day, and I’d had a hand in Liam being here. I’d had a hand in all of this. I could almost feel the anger corrupting him, twisting and evolving into a raging bull just beneath the surface of his skin as he stared me down.

There was no reasoning with him now. I knew that, and I knew he said he could never hate me, but right then I thought he’d come close.

I didn’t blame him, not one bit. Because it was right for him to hate me. Him hating me was the natural order of things, and he should’ve done since the moment he first laid eyes on me. This was good, I tried to reassure myself. Lee finally seeing the destruction us being together created was beneficial to everyone. I could handle this. Last night I’d said goodbye; I’d mentally prepared myself for the separation.

So why did it feel like my heart was breaking all over again? Inside the strings were snapping with a violent crack, indefinitely severed.

After locking me in his stare for what felt like forever, Lee didn’t breathe a word, just stalked right by me and out the door. Somehow that was worse, his silence. I would have preferred him to shout something terrible, call me a bitch. That way, I could hate him in return, but I didn’t.

And the terrifying thing was that I never would.

***

“Stu got seven years,” Alexis told me a few weeks later as I drove her to the doctor’s for one of her scheduled checkups. “With good behaviour he could be out in two.”

“Who told you this?” I asked, my hands gripping the steering wheel too tight, instantly clammy with sweat.

“I bumped into the Trevor on the high street.”

“Did he say how Lee’s been holding up?” My heart pounded to think of him, knowing he’d have moved on from blaming me and started in on himself.

“He’s angry, drinking too much, a nightmare to live with, according to Trevor,” Alexis answered.

“I can imagine.”

She glanced at me sideways. “He never tried to make contact with you, did he?”

“Not since the day in court,” I answered, unable to disguise the sadness in my voice. A day later, I found my car keys in an envelope slotted through our letterbox. My car sat repaired and good as new outside the building, the final connection between us carefully cut. Sure, no contact was for the best, but it still stung that he never even tried to call, not once.

Alexis reached over and gave my arm a squeeze, empathy in her eyes. “When you grow up like those boys did, around people who’d knife you for so much as looking at them the wrong way, everything in life is either one extreme or the other. And they hold grudges, serious grudges. It’s the only way they know how to operate.”

“You think I don’t know this? I deal with people like that every day.”

“Then why are you acting so heartbroken? Deep down, you expected this. You know you did.”

I heaved a breath. “Yeah, well, I have daddy issues. It’s not surprising that I picked the wrong man to fall in love with,” I joked flatly.

Her hand still rested on my arm, and she gave me another squeeze, her other hand going to her belly. “Why don’t we make a pact to stop loving men who aren’t good for us, and put all our love into the little one who’ll be arriving soon?” Her smile was tender, and I practically squealed.

“You’re having a boy?! When did you find this out?”

“The other week. I was going to keep it a secret, but you know me, can’t keep my big mouth shut for love nor money.”

I was so excited, I almost stopped the car. “So it’s going to be an Oliver after all,” I said, grinning widely, momentarily forgetting my worries. “I can’t wait to meet him.”

Alexis returned my grin. “Me neither.”

***

Cheers sounded from inside the station, and I frowned curiously as I walked in to find a crowd of officers circling my dad, all congratulating him and patting him on the back. I stepped up to Keira, who was standing by the reception desk, and asked what was going on.

“Your old man just sent Tommy McGregor away for fifteen years. Got him up on racketeering and money-laundering charges.”

“Seriously?” I asked, shocked.

I knew my dad was determined, but at the back of my mind, I’d almost thought McGregor would be his Chinese Democracy, his one unfinished piece of work. My eyes wandered across the station, where I saw Jennings standing in a doorway, arms folded. Her gaze was fixed on my dad, her expression revealing a begrudging sort of respect. I watched as my dad turned in her direction, caught her watching, and gave her a single nod of acknowledgment. She nodded back, then turned and left the room. It was like she’d silently accepted what he’d done for her without the need to exchange words. They’d never be friends, but the feud between them was finally over.

A strange relief hit me as I realised Lee could’ve been caught the same as McGregor if he hadn’t gotten out when he did. And with the man behind bars, Lee and his family could relax, knowing he wasn’t going to try to come into their lives again. Now I just worried for Stu, because truthfully, I wasn’t sure he’d get out after just two years. Sure, of all the brothers, he was probably the most suited to prison. He was the biggest and least sensitive, and he was certainly tough. I couldn’t see many men being brave enough to try to intimidate him. I just hoped he kept to himself and avoided unnecessary trouble.

***

Months went by, and I started to fall into a regular routine. The more time that passed, the less my heart hurt. My life was a series of work, studying for my sergeant’s exam (yes, Jennings finally decided to approve my application!) and helping Alexis in the final stages of her pregnancy. We planned for either me or her dad to drive her to the hospital, depending on whoever was available.

I was on the late shift, just about to take a break, when I pulled out my phone to check if I had any missed calls. Glancing at the screen and seeing Lee’s name caused everything inside of me to spiral out of control. Every painful feeling of heartache returned in an instant, just from looking at his name. Before I could delve too deeply into what that meant, my phone started ringing again.

With a shaking hand I answered it, lifting the phone to my ear, my voice scratchy. “Uh, hello?”

“Karla, thank fuck. Listen, you need to get yourself down the hospital. Alexis has gone into labour,” he told me urgently.

All at once my heart did a somersault, half in panic, half in excitement. I hadn’t been expecting this, because she wasn’t due for at least another ten days. The baby was coming early. “What…uh, I mean, why are you calling?”

“She couldn’t get through to you and her dad’s at work. She called me to drive her to the hospital.”

I was already on the move, mouthing the words “Alexis” and “Baby” at Tony, so he knew where I was going. He nodded and motioned for me to run. I knew he’d cover for me until I could get back.

“Okay, well, I’m on my way. I’ll be there in a few minutes,” I said, then heard someone moaning in the background, and it wasn’t a moan of pleasure. “Are you in the delivery room?” I asked with a jolt.

Lee’s voice held a hint of humour, but mostly he sounded stressed. “She won’t let me leave until you get here, and I’d appreciate it if you hurried, because she’s doing a good job of cutting off the blood supply to my hand right now.”

I laughed, a high-pitched, airy sound, as I slid into a patrol car and put my foot on the gas. I even turned on the sirens, and Lee chuckled when he heard them. “Such a little rule-breaker.”

I smirked at his comment and hung up the phone. I was on an adrenaline rush, not only because the baby was coming, but also because I hadn’t spoken to Lee in months, and his voice alone had the ability to excite me.

When I arrived at the hospital, I rushed through the corridors, following the signs for the maternity ward. The place was like a maze, and it felt like it took forever for me to find the delivery room. Still in my full police uniform, I burst inside, all eyes turning to me as I stood there, breathless.

“I’m here,” I announced dumbly, seeing Lee standing next to Alexis, who sure enough was gripping his hand like her life depended on it. Her face was red and sweaty, but it was etched with relief when she saw me, and she finally let go of Lee. He walked toward me, his eyes drinking me in like he hadn’t seen me in years. Levelling his palms on my shoulders, he whispered, “Take care of her,” and then he was gone.

I hurried to my best friend’s side, lifted the hand Lee had just been holding, and began taking deep breaths right alongside her.

Twenty-One

Oliver was born at 6:12 a.m. He was ten days premature, had a tuft of blond hair, and weighed just under six and a half pounds. Both mother and baby were healthy and sleeping when I quietly left the room, feeling exhausted but happy. Finding the ladies’, I splashed some water on my face, washed my hands, and did my best to fix my hair.

I planned to go home and take a shower, get some sleep, then collect some things to bring back for Alexis. When I stepped out and went to check on her one last time, I saw Lee sitting on a chair in the corridor. The empty space between us felt vast, though in reality it was nothing. I wanted to bridge the gap and run away all at the same time.

“You’re still here,” I said, standing before him.

He looked up, his eyes tired, and smiled. “I was waiting for you.”

“Did you hear the news?”

Lee nodded. “Just spoke to one of the nurses. Healthy baby boy. I’m made up for her.”

Not knowing why, I sat down beside him, staring at the wall in front of us like it held the answers to questions I hadn’t asked yet. “It was so scary, being in there with her, not knowing how everything was going to turn out.” I didn’t voice the fact that it was also kind of sad, because I knew I’d never experience that for myself, would never get to hold my own baby in my arms. But I could hold hers, watch him grow up, and that was enough. It would have to be.

Lee shot me a look of compassion, like he sensed what I was thinking. He was one of the few people who knew I couldn’t have children, and I remembered his words from months ago.

We’re stronger in the places that we’ve been broken.

Our time together had broken parts of both of us, but were we stronger there now? Was there a patch of soil within us, with the capability of growing something new? I didn’t know.

A silence fell between us, and I wasn’t sure how to act around him. Since we hadn’t seen each other in so long, there was a tension, like we were strangers again, but not. I watched as he laced his fingers together, staring at the work-roughened skin and trying not to succumb to the memory of how it used to feel when he touched me.

“How’ve you been?” he asked, breaking the quiet.

I slid my gaze to his. “Good. I’ve been keeping busy. Got my sergeant’s exam coming up next week.”

His eyebrows rose as he teased, “Sergeant, eh, moving up in the world, are we?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, I think it’s great. The more people like you they have in the police, the better.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “What? Constables who use their sirens so they can skip traffic and get to the hospital in time for their best friend to give birth?”

Lee laughed softly. “Yeah, pretty much.”

I smiled back at him, and the eye contact did something strange to my stomach. All at once I was aware of the shape of his lips and the way his hair had grown longer. He used to keep it clipped close to his skull, but now there was more length on top. His expression turned intense, and I cleared my throat to break the tension.

“So, what about you? What’ve you been up to?”

“Quite a bit, actually.”

“Yeah?”

He paused, like he was hesitant to tell me. “Yeah, I’m, eh, I’m setting up a new business.”

“Oh.”

His eyes narrowed. “Not like that. A legitimate business. I’m opening a restaurant.”

Gaping at him, I couldn’t have been more surprised if he told me he was opening up his own beanbag emporium. “That’s amazing news. What are you calling it?”

“Grub Hut. You should stop by sometime. We’re not opening for another few weeks, but I’m there most days doing prep.”

I nodded, smiling again. “I like the name. So you took Alexis’ advice in the end. Remember she said you should open a restaurant? It makes sense. Your food is amazing.”

“Well, I’m still learning. I’ve hired a team of experienced cooks to help run the kitchen, though, so I won’t be on my own.”

“What about the garage?”

“Sold it. It felt too strange staying there with everything that’s happened. A fresh start is what we all needed.”

I exhaled, and a foreign sensation came over me. After a moment, I realised what it was. He was going straight, and I was proud of him. Softening my voice, I asked, “How’s Stu coping? Have you been to visit him?”

At this Lee’s expression darkened. “He’s coping, but it’s hard inside, especially when you come in strong, with a reputation to uphold. It’s…challenging, but he’ll get there.”

My stomach churned, reminding me of my guilt. I’d had a hand in Stu being behind bars, so I couldn’t help feeling remorseful.

“Well, he’s got a lot of people waiting for him on the outside. Just keep reminding him of that and it’ll see him through.”

“Yeah,” said Lee. “I hope so.” Turning his body slightly, his eyes wandered from the top of my head to my shoulders. I grew self-conscious, wondering why he was studying me so closely.

“You been seeing anyone?” he asked.

I shot him an incredulous look, trying not to smile. “Are you seriously going there?”

“Got a soft spot for ya, Snap. Always have.” He winked, but there was a sadness behind his eyes. We both knew that what he’d felt for me was far more than just a soft spot.

I let out a sigh. “No, I haven’t been seeing anyone. Like I said, I’ve been busy.” I paused, not looking at him when I asked shyly, “Have you?”

I could practically feel him smiling, and when I chanced a glance, I noticed his chest puffing out as he rested his arm along the back of my chair. “No. There’s no lucky lady in my life right now.”

“Oh.”

We shared a moment of eye contact, a fire in his gaze that made me swallow hard. His breath hit my ear when he broke the quiet. “I’m sorry for how I blanked you in court that day. It was a shitty move, but my head was all over the place.”

“I know, and I don’t blame you. You love your family, and a piece of it was torn apart. It’s understandable that I was the last person you wanted to see.”

“Still, I should’ve said something, should’ve tried to explain, but I felt so powerless. I thought I had it all figured out. I could throw myself under the bus and everyone else would be safe, no clue that Stu planned on beating me to it.”

“I think he had to do it, though,” I said. “He needed to be the one to take responsibility this time.”

“Yeah, I get that now.”

A quiet descended, and I smelled Lee’s cologne. The scent provoked memories that I tried to push away.

“So, sergeant, eh?” he said, nudging me with his elbow. “Will you get to wear a new insignia?”

“RW 79, all the way,” I answered, saluting him. “Plus, I’ll get to boss all the constables around. It’ll be ace.”

“Oh, yeah, I can see it now, you shouting orders, all sexy in your uniform,” Lee teased, plucking my tie between his fingers.

I rolled my eyes. “I swear, you must be the only bloke in the world who’s got a thing for this uniform.”

Lee’s eyes sharpened as he continued to grin at me, and then he let my tie drop and stood. “Tell Alexis I said congrats. Oh, and I’ll see you around, Serg.”

“Not sergeant yet,” I called after him as he walked away.

He turned around long enough to reply, “You will be.”

His faith in me stirred my emotions, and I slumped back into my seat, my lungs suddenly too full of air.

The following week, I found an envelope in my cubbyhole at the station. My heart leapt when I recognised the stamp. I’d sat my exam just the other day, and already the results were in. Becoming a sergeant was something I’d wanted for years, and I was nervous to open the letter. What if I’d failed? Sure, Jennings and I weren’t mortal enemies anymore, but we weren’t bosom buddies, either. I didn’t want to have to face her smug look that was all, I told you so.

I almost gave myself a paper cut as I anxiously tore open the envelope, unfolded the letter, and let my eyes scan the contents. I’d passed! Without thinking, I emitted a highly unprofessional squeal of delight, fist pumping the air and grinning like a maniac. Excited, I first called Alexis, who was home from the hospital with Oliver. Next I called Reya, who insisted we meet for cocktails once my shift ended that evening.

I changed into some jeans and a silk blouse before I left the station, letting my hair out of its bun and running my fingers through the waves. Applying a small touch of makeup, I thought I looked good and headed to the bar where Reya had told me to meet her. When I arrived, I found her sitting at a table by the window, engrossed in her phone. There were two fresh margaritas in front of her, and I reached forward to take a sip just as she glanced up.

“Hey! Has anyone ever told you that you’re silent like a ninja?” she asked, grinning.

“Oh, many times.”

She rose from her seat and came around to hug me. “Well done! I’m so proud of you.”

“Thanks,” I said, and she went to sit back down, glancing at her phone again as she lifted her own margarita.

“Anything interesting?” I asked, arching a brow.

She waved away my intrigue. “Oh, no, it’s just Trevor.”

“Trevor as in Cross?” I gaped at her.

“Yeah, we text every once in a while. I gave him my number when we all went out together that night after my gig.”

“Right,” I replied. “So what do you two talk about?”

“This and that. He’s got this harebrained idea to create a web series following him and a group of his friends who do parkour. You know, capturing their stunts and all that. He was originally going to ask me to be the presenter, but then he decided against it. Apparently, I have the ‘look,’ but I’m not outgoing enough,” she scoffed.

“You’re a singer, you perform on stage all the time. How is that not outgoing?”

“Yeah, but it’s the whole ‘not opening my eyes’ thing that got him thinking I was too shy, which, by the way, I am. Anyhow, it’s not like I would’ve said yes. Travelling around with a bunch of smelly boys barely out of their teens isn’t exactly my dream job.”

I glanced at her hands, noticing how she was fiddling with the cardboard coaster. It got me thinking that maybe she wasn’t being entirely truthful.

“So there’s nothing going on between you two, then?” I probed.

Reya blushed, which was a feat to achieve on her caramel complexion. “Nope, just texts. Oh, and he friended me on Facebook.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Don’t ‘uh-huh’ me, Karla. There’s nothing going on. He told me I’m not his type, and I’d well believe it. His profile is full of pictures of him with tiny blondes, and I am neither blonde nor tiny.”

“Right, so you’ve been snooping through his profile,” I continued, goading her.

“Yes, of course I have. I’m a student. I have lots of free time and I get bored. What else is there to do?”

“Plenty.”

“Oh, shut up. You barely ever go online. You don’t understand the temptation to snoop.”

“Especially when there’s a twinkly-eyed pretty boy in the mix.”

Reya scowled. “That’s it. I’m changing the subject. When do I get to come see Lexie’s baby? I need some cuteness in my life.”

“Whenever you like. I doubt she’s gonna get the chance to leave the flat any time soon.”

Reya smiled like she couldn’t wait, and then a curious gleam lit her eyes. “So how was it with Lee? He drove Alexis to the hospital, right?”

“Who told you that?”

“Trevor,” she answered, like it was obvious.

“That boy’s got a big mouth. And it was fine, positively civilised, actually. We chatted for a bit. He told me he’s opening a restaurant, asked me to stop by.”

“I’m sure he did,” said Reya. “He’ll be all, Oh, I just spilled marinara sauce all over my muscle-T, whatever shall I do? Then he’ll whip it off, flex his abs at you, and you’ll be putty in his hands.”

“And then we’ll go at it right out in the open for all the world to see,” I deadpanned.

“So you’re saying there were no unresolved feelings, no longing glances or hot stares?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

“Liar!”

“Hey, if you want to talk about Lee, then we have to talk about Trevor. How’s that sound?”

She pursed her lips, frowning. “You’re no fun.”

I shot her a pointed look. “Neither are you.”

“That’s not true. Talking about your love life is a lot more fun than talking about mine.”

“Right, so there is something going on with you and Trev.” I grinned.

“Oh, my God, shut up. Fine, let’s talk about these cocktails, then, shall we? They’re pretty amazing. I want to sample at least five different ones before the night is through.”

Smiling wide, I lifted my hand to her for a high-five. “Sounds like a plan.”

By the time I arrived home, I was more drunk than tipsy. It was barely ten o’clock, but we’d started drinking at six. When I got in, I kicked off my shoes, dropped my bag on the floor, and turned to find Alexis and Lee sitting in the living area, cups of tea placed in front of them on the coffee table. Positively cosy, my drunken brain mused.

“Looks like somebody was out celebrating,” said Alexis with a smile. “Congratulations again, by the way.”

I grinned at her in a way that revealed my drunkenness, and wobbled slightly on my feet as I went to the kitchen to find a glass of water. It was at the back of my mind to ask why Lee was there, but I thought he must have come to visit the baby and see how Alexis was doing. With my glass full, I hobbled my way over to them and plonked down on the couch next to Lee.

“Reya and I went for cocktails. I think I might have gone a little overboard,” I said, trying not to slur my words. When I looked at Lee, I found him regarding me fondly, his arm resting along the back of the couch. I scrunched up my mouth and pointed a finger into his chest, half the water in my glass sloshing out onto my lap. “Did you know about Reya and Trevor?”

He shook his head. “What about them?”

“I dunno. I think they’re having a thing.”

“Sounds serious.”

“Don’t be cheeky,” I warned, pointing at him again. A noise came from the baby monitor, and Alexis went to go check on Oliver. I might have been drunk, but I didn’t fail to see the cynical, knowing look on her face as she glanced between the two of us.

“You should get to bed, Snap. Sleep off all that booze,” Lee murmured.

“I have to drink this water first. Otherwise, I’ll be hung over in the morning.”

His laugh was soft. “I think that’s gonna happen anyway, beautiful.”

“Ugh, you’re so…so…annoying,” I said, and lifted the glass, downing the rest of its contents. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I added, “And don’t call me beautiful. You think I’ll let you in my pants because I’m drunk, wellll, no way, José.”

“Ah, you have me pegged. I’m a dirty opportunist.” Lee sighed dramatically, unable to wipe the grin from his face. He thought I was funny. Getting up from the couch, I stumbled slightly, but he caught me in time to prevent my fall.

“Easy,” he murmured, his hands clasping my elbows.

Looking up at him from beneath my lashes, I swallowed tightly and stepped out of his hold. Turning, I managed to make it to my bedroom, where I unceremoniously bumped into my wardrobe.

“Ow,” I whined, clutching my knee.

Lee stood just a few feet shy of my doorway. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine,” I answered, and then proceeded to face-plant onto my mattress. Fully clothed; I had no intention of going to the effort of undressing. I could sleep like this.

Lee entered my room. “You sure you don’t need some help?”

“Nope, I’m good,” I said, waving a hand in the air.

“You’re just going to sleep in your clothes?” he asked.

“Pretty much.”

“Karla, let me help you.”

Annoyed, I flipped over onto my back and levelled him with a hostile glare. “I said, I’m fine.”

Lee sighed and went back out into the living room, not bothering to shut my door. I closed my eyes and tried to go to sleep, but the waist of my jeans began to bite into my skin, and I felt uncomfortably sweaty in my silk blouse. Only a minute or two had passed when I called out sheepishly, “Lee?”

The smile in his voice was unmistakable. “What is it, Snap?”

“Maybe I could use some help.” No way were these skinnies coming off on their own. Chuckling, he returned to my room and stood at the foot of my bed, grinning down at me.

“You’re adorable when you’re drunk.”

I scoffed. “Sure.”

“Let’s get these off you, then,” he said, resting a knee on the mattress and bending forward to undo my fly. With effort he pulled them down my legs, finally getting them off. I was already unbuttoning my blouse when I realised he’d gone quiet, and looked up to find him standing over me, heat in his eyes as they traced my bare legs.

“You good from here?” he asked, swallowing tightly.

I couldn’t answer, because his stare was creating a burning need between my thighs. My throat was thick when I finally said, “Yeah, I’m good.”