Page 81 of Love Expert

“You say work,” he grumbles, inching closer until I feel the warmth of his chest on my arm. “I’m saying retreat. You’re running away, just like you did after Saturday.”

“No, I?—”

“But instead of getting mad about it, I figure I might just hold on.” He slaps the tap off and takes my chin in his hand, drawing me up straight and wiping the water from my face. He grins like the world is just so friggin’ easy.It’s not!“First time, you ditched pretty much as soon as we were done touching. Second time, I got you to sleep beside me for eight whole hours. Third time might even include dinner or something, if I’m lucky.”

“Billy—”

“Is Elson your Barlespy client? Is he who you’re running toward this morning?”

I narrow my eyes and set my hands on his chest. Not to hold him, but to push him away.If only he’d let me.“That sounds kinda stalkerish, Detective. Do you make a habit of inserting yourself into my business like this?”

He smirks. “I like to keep tabs on the things that matter to me. Who is coming to your house tonight? Why?”

“None of your?—”

“He’s not a buyer or anything, is he? Or a real estate agent? Because there are a million other steps you can take before you have to sell that house.”

“I’m not selling it.” I slide out of his hold and stride to the side-by-side towels hung on the wall. One is slate gray, and the other is decorated with dinosaurs. Hedging my bets, I take the gray and wipe my face. “I’m literally trying to explain to you how I need to leave… so I can work… so I can continue to pay for the house.” Dropping the towel, I straighten and meet his eyes. “I really need to go to work, so?—”

He grabs my arm before I can walk away and holds me in place, shoulder to shoulder, his enlarged chest growing the longer we stare. His Adam’s apple bobs with his nervous swallow, then he clears his throat and nods. “Are you okay… after last night?” His eyes flicker between mine. “Did I hurt you?”

“No.” Weak-willed, I press my lips to the ball of his shoulder. “I like how we do the things we do. I’d even be willing to do it again some other time when I’m not busy working.” Damn it, my lips curl up on one side. “Soon.”

“Except the bit where I didn’t use a condom.” Tension thickens between us as his hand grows tighter around my arm. “I didn’t even ask. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay?—”

“You should swing by the drugstore today. Get a Plan B.”

“I…” I jolt back from the determination in his words. “W-what?”

“I’ll pay for it. They’re only about thirty bucks, and you just have to ask at the counter.” His jaw grits and releases, his fingers digging into my skin. “The sooner you take it, the more effective it is.”

“You…” I frown so severely, my brows create shadows above my eyes. “You’re worried I might’ve gotten pregnant?”

“I should’ve used protection,” he answers instead. “I was shortsighted and impulsive, which was really,reallydumb. If you’re too busy this morning, I can go buy it.” He searches my eyes. “I’ll run to the drugstore now, and you can have your shower while I’m gone.”

“No, it’s fine.” I shake myself free and show him my most convincing smile. I’ve loved this boy since I was eight years old, so I lean in and press a second kiss to his shoulder. I’m defenseless when he’s around. Powerless when he looks into my eyes. “I’ll take care of it.”

“You sure?”

“Yep.” I cross to the door and swing it wide, but before I leave, I pause on the threshold and glance back. I look him up and down, from his broad shoulders to tense jaw. From his moppy hair, despite the recent haircut, to that green stare… God. The stare I never forgot. “You don’t have to worry about…” I gesture toward my belly. “This. I promise.”

He stares for a long beat, considering, blinking, then nodding. Finally, he exhales and allows his chest to shrink back to its normal size. “Okay.”

“Okay.” I turn on my heels.

“Hey, Magnolia?”

My heart aches, and my soul is brittle. My entire body is exhausted, but this man has always had the power to stop me in my tracks. Drawing a deep breath, I steel myself and meet his eyes. “Yeah?”

“I had a nice night.”

I choke out an almost silent, breathy laugh. “Same.”

“You ditching now?”

“Working.” I turn again and continue into the hall. “I’ve got bills to pay.”