Page 19 of Calling a Cease-Fire

My shoulders relaxed and I swallowed thickly. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted.

“That’s amazing.”

“Figured you might want an update.”

I stared at him. Did he get the update just for me? My breakdown last night really must have gotten to him. “Thank you.”

“If you ever want to talk…you know, about the calls that get to you⁠—”

I shook my head. “Thanks, but I won’t.”

He shrugged. “Offer is there regardless.”

“Thanks.” I gave him a quick nod.

He inched closer. “And next time you need to take the edge off…” Those last four words dripped with innuendo, and damn if it didn’t make heat pool low in my belly. “Text me and give me a heads up.”

I rolled my eyes. “Why? You want to offer your services?”

“I aim to please.” His gaze darkened as he leaned close. “Let’s just skip the drunken spectacle next time.”

I tried to hold back the shiver that raced through me. Jesus. I didn’t understand how I could find him so annoying, but my body still seemed to betray me anytime he was around. That just pissed me off even more.

Slamming my hands on my hips, I bit out, “I wouldn’t hold your breath.”

“Oh, Raven.” He leveled me with that annoyingly stupid smirk and the dimples I wanted to hate. “I really like a challenge.”

I shifted closer. “I don’t even like you, so I think that’s one challenge even you don’t want to take.”

He tilted forward, closing the distance. He was so close, his scent invaded my senses. All sunshine and citrus.

“I guess we’ll see, won’t we?”

The warmth of his breath sent tingles skating along my skin.

He stepped back, and with one final smirk, turned and climbed up into his Jeep. With a wink, he backed up and left.

Leaving me standing there, turned on and pissed off.

Chapter Seven

ZACK

Sunday 11:25 a.m.

Me: *funny cat video*

Me: *funny cat video*

Me: *funny cat video*

Raven:

Me: You can’t possibly hate cats doing hilarious things.

Raven: No, but I can hate someone sending me five of them in a row.

Me: It was only three.