Page 12 of Make Us Yours
“I can’t imagine why.” She gives me a knowing look.
“So, will you consider staying on longer than the week trial you agreed to with Cecilia? We’ll pay you double.”
“I don’t know. That depends on you two.” She raises a brow.
“How so?” I frown.
“Well, can you guys manage to behave while I’m around? No sexual comments or jokes. No cornering me or getting handsy while I’m working. And for the love of God, if you bring home women, put your condoms in the trash. I should not be finding those lying around all over.” She makes a disgusted face.
I laugh. “So, that’s what Cece was referring to.”
“Yes. I had to share my traumatic experience with someone.”
I nod. “Okay, I think we can work with your requests.”
“You sure about that? Will you put a leash on Gabe? He’s the one who I’m most worried about,” she says with a pointed finger.
“I’ll get a handle on him. Don’t worry,” I promise as I finish my drink.
She watches me finish the contents of my glass with a frown. “You shouldn’t drink that shit.” There’s a bite to her tone as if she has a personal vendetta against the Scotch.
“I know.”
Her curious eyes find mine. “Then why do you drink it?”
I shrug and sigh. “Because it helps take the edge off.”
I can tell she wants to question some more on the subject but decides to drop it. Although she doesn’t lose that worried expression on her face.
I place my arm over her shoulders, slowly bringing her into my side. “You don’t need to worry about me, Kitten,” I whisper close to her hair. I want to kiss the top of her head, show her a sign of affection. But I’m not sure she’d appreciate that, so I refrain.
Gabe suddenly shows up, plopping himself on Veronica’s opposite side. His hand immediately comes down to grab her thigh, half over her thigh-high stocking and exposed skin. Her skirts are always pretty short, but sitting down, her legs are practically fully exposed.
“Hey, Vixen. Thought you could sneak off without us noticing?” He grins at her.
I feel her body grow rigid when his hand connects with her leg. It’s momentary but still noticeable.He must have felt it too.
“I told you to stop calling me that,” she snaps at him but doesn’t attempt to take his hand off.
“Not a chance. It fits you so perfectly… just like we would.” He winks.
She rolls her eyes. “Ugh! See, this is exactly what I mean.” She pushes his hand off and shrugs my arm off her shoulders before standing.
She turns to face us and points a finger at me. “Control him. I’m leaving, but I’ll be back tomorrow. Your place was such a dump, I didn’t manage to finish everything before you got there,” she bites out.
I stand from the couch, bringing my body closer to where she’s standing. Just how I like it. “Do you need a ride?” I offer.
“No, my car’s outside. And even if I did, I wouldn’t be getting in a car alone with either of you.” She spins on her heels, kisses the children’s heads, then marches over to wish goodnight to the rest of the group.
“Fuck, I love when she gets all feisty like that,” Gabe says, watching her walk away.
“Yeah, well, you’ll have to tone that shit down if you want her to stay,” I rebuke him.
“What did I do?” he asks, acting all innocent.
“Maybe stop being so handsy and flirting with her all the time. She’s already made it clear many times that she’s not into that. Try being nice and helpful instead, it might win you some points.”
He leans back against the couch, stretching both arms wide along the back. “Ahh, I see. So, you’re allowed to touch her and flirt with her, but I’m not? What’s the matter, Noh? You scared I might actually have a better shot at her than you do?” He smiles devilishly. I know he’s just trying to get a rise out of me, but it won’t work.
