“Nope. We were in a waiting pattern until the Arizona Moving Company sent their representative.”
Hayes leans back and grins. “That’s your story, and you’re sticking to it, huh?”
“We only came by to say thanks for saving our asses that time and being such a wonderful host.”
“Fuck this guy,” Dino growls.
Hayes frowns at Dino and then looks at me. “You like pussy-whipped men?”
“Not really, but he’s also hung like a horse, so the pros and cons even out.”
Hayes’s laughter pisses off Dino even though I suspect he likes the big dick compliment.
“So, if Black is gone, things will settle down for you,” I say, changing the subject. “Everyone will go back to their corners and behave.”
“Sure. Assuming Johansson puts in a solid team this time around. I think the kid might lack the balls.”
“You wouldn’t be saying that now if you knew how willing he was to kill everyone in Common Bend. He was also pretty okay with killing you.”
“Of course he was.”
“We wouldn’t do it, though,” I say, smiling sweetly. “We owe you and all.”
“Yeah, we’re fucking besties now.”
“We're done,” Dino says, standing up and grabbing for me.
Hayes shakes his head. “No man should be so deeply entrenched in a woman’s pussy.”
“We’ll agree to disagree,” I say, standing next to Dino, who tries to block my view of Hayes. “Good luck finding a secretary who tolerates your personality.”
Hayes waves off my comment while Dino nudges me out of the office. I struggle to return, only to piss off Dino. He nearly wrestles with me until we’re outside.
“I won,” he says, grinning.
“Won what?”
“You.”
“I don’t think anyone else was challenging you, Dino.”
“Everyone is always challenging me. That’s why I remain on guard.”
“Your insanity is so sexy.”
“And I’m hung like a horse.”
“Well not really,” I say, climbing into the car.
Joining me in the SUV, Dino glares. “Not cool.”
“Hey, a horse’s dick is frigging scary. I’d close my shop permanently rather than let something that gross anywhere near me. On the other hand, I’m a big fan of giant man-dick, and that’s why I’m keeping you.”
Dino smiles and leans over to give me a kiss. I spread my lips to deepen the kiss since his possessive crap both annoys and arouses me.
“We ought to stay in town a few more days.”
“What in the fuck for?” he murmurs against my neck.
“A little vacation. We could check into a new hotel and start fresh.”
“Or we could head to your hometown and deal with your mom.”
“That sounds like a bummer.”
Dino takes my hand and kisses the palm before pressing it against his chest.
“I’m sick of this place.”
“Then let’s go back to Houston.”
“Let’s yank off the Band-Aid. You’ll worry until it’s done, so let’s get it done.”
“That’s easy for you to say.”
“Not really. I hate seeing you unhappy.”
Smiling, I believe his words. He’s a bull-shitter, but not with me when it comes to us.
“She might not even be around right now. I should organize a visit.”
“Where is she going to go? You made her sound like an old lady who spends all her time at her house.”
“She might be visiting my sister.”
“Then we’ll wait for her in Salem until she comes back. You can show me where you went to school.”
“I can show you where I was first felt up,” I say, taking his hand and pressing it against my breasts.
“I like to believe you were a virgin before me. Let’s not allow facts to interfere with my fantasy.”
“Can I imagine you as a virgin too? I might have been wrong about that not being sexy.”
“Apples, you can imagine anything you want, but we’re going to see your mom. I want that done.”
Yanking free of his groping hand, I mutter, “Shouldn’t it be up to me?”
“Back when you were alone, sure, but now you’re my woman, and I make the calls.”
“You want me to smack you.”
“A little bit. You’re sexy when rough.”
Laughing, I sit back while he drives us to the hotel. I know he’s right about facing my fears. Knowing and doing are different things, and I really want to procrastinate.
“I’ll see if Rafael wants us to stick around longer,” I say as we walk into the room.
“He won’t, and we’re leaving tomorrow.”
“You’re so bossy.”
“I’ve been waiting for months to get my hands on you. Now that I have you, I don’t want anything distracting you from me.”
“Do you ever listen to the things you say?”
“No,” he says, flopping on the bed. “Let’s cuddle and talk about cuddling.”
“I’m cuddled out.”
Dino glares at me, so I glare back at him. “What is your problem?”
Dino only frowns harder. I finally laugh at his expression. “Is this because of Hayes?”
“You were too nice to him. I need to stink you up with my scent again.”