Page 71 of Puck Me Back to Life

“Just wondering.”

I shake my head. “Grand Street. Near Goldfork Records.”

His eyebrows lift. “I know exactly where that is.”

“Congratulations.”

A smile appears. Then he says something that nearly causes a traffic incident. “You could take me there instead.”

My hands tighten slightly on the steering wheel. For a second I wonder if I misheard him.

Apparently not.

Kai is watching me. Trying very hard to look casual.

Failing.

Interesting.

“Are you drunk?” The question leaves my mouth before I can stop it.

Kai thinks about it seriously.

“No.” He shrugs. “Maybe a little tipsy.”

I think for a moment. Then another.

“You're drinking water as soon as we get through the door.”

Kai immediately grins. The smile is unfair. “That's your condition?”

“One of them.”

“I can do that.”

I immediately change course. My hand finding its way to his knee. The rest of the drive is suddenly much more difficult. Not because of anything Kai is doing. Because my imagination has chosen the worst possible moment to become active.

I spend ten minutes reminding myself that Hayes is inexperienced. I spend another ten reminding myself that I'm a grown man capable of self-control. Neither strategy is particularly effective. Eventually my building comes into view.

I park.

Kai follows me out, his hand bumping mine every few steps.

As soon as the elevator doors close, I push him against the wall. The kiss is rough. Something to hold me over while I fucking decide what to do with him.

Kai's fingers immediately lace themselves in my hair. I bite his lip before I pull away, fixing his rumpled clothes. Kai has a dreamy look on his face that makes me want to hit the emergency stop button.

By the time we reach my floor, I can feel his attention tracking every movement. I unlock the door.

“Sorry it's a mess.”

Kai walks inside and looks around.

Then gives me a look. “Ash.”

“What?”

“This place is spotless.”