Page 5 of Lead Me A Stray

LEVI: Boring

PIPER: Rory told me I can’t sleep with him

LEVI: Should you? Probably not, but it will definitely be fun while it lasts

PIPER: She thinks he’ll break my heart

LEVI: That’s a given—but just do it so you’ll finally know what an orgasm feels like

PIPER: I never should have told you that

LEVI: Definitely not but here we are

Knock.Knock.

I nearly fumblemy phone as I lean against the counter, my heart racing as I send another message.

PIPER: Hold on someone’s at the door

LEVI: Bet it’s Mack

Why would he be here?

Pushing that thought aside, I make my way to the door and look through the peephole, nearly squeaking when I see who’s on the other side.

“Open the door, Piper.”

The way he says my name has a little shiver racing down my spine, and steeling myself to be strong and resist what’s bound to be his most charming self, I open the door.

“What?” I ask, trying to sound unaffected at the tight white T-shirt and well-worn jeans Mack is wearing.

“I wanted to make sure you’re okay,” he says, his gaze scanning over me in the least suggestive way.

Like you would a friend.

And I don’t know if I’m disappointed or relieved.

“I’m fine.”

“Can I come in?”

“No.”

He blows a breath out and stares off to the side, his hands resting on his hips, and with the sun as a backlight, he looks so sexy it hurts.

“Okay,” he sighs, defeat clear in his tone. “Do you want your key back?”

“What?” I ask, baffled, as he pulls the ring from his pocket and flips through them until he finds mine.

“Your key. You were right; it’s for emergencies only.”

“Stop.” I try putting my hand over his as my brain slowly tries to catch up. I don’t want the key back and I don’t want whatever this is. “That’s not?—”

“And you’re still upset about earlier, and you should be because?—”

“Mack, stop.”

“I was a dick, and you’re right. I know it sounded bad, but I didn’t?—”