Free Erected (Erector Set, Book One) by Desiree Holt Page B

she didn’t have other ideas.
    He looked at the clock on her nightstand. Five thirty glowed in red numerals. Carefully he eased himself from the bed, trying his best not to disturb her, and headed for the bathroom. He was halfway across the room, trying not to bump into anything, when her voice startled him.
    “Be sure to set the door to lock automatically when you leave.”
    Okay. There was that smartass mouth again. Along with a chip on her shoulder the size of Texas. Her tone was so sharp he turned, expecting to see her sitting up in bed glaring at him. But she was lying on her back, one arm thrown across her eyes. What the hell?
    “Excuse me?”
    “I said, be sure the lock is set to snap in place. I’m very security-conscious but I don’t want to have to haul ass out of bed with this damn cast.” Each word pierced the air like a chip of ice.
    He should probably do the smart thing and pull on his clothes, beat it the hell out of here and wipe her off his cell phone. But he was just pissed enough to want some answers.
    “Ness, I don’t know what the fuck is going on but I’m just making a quick trip to the john. Do not go back to sleep. Apparently we have things to talk about.”
    He was as quick as he could be about his business. Then he was back in the bedroom, sliding under the covers next to her. Leaning on one elbow he removed the arm resting over her eyes and stared down at her.
    “Open your eyes and look at me, damn it.”
    She opened her lids but any expression was carefully masked.
    “Is it a habit of your dates to sneak out of here while you’re still sleeping? What kind of assholes do you date, anyway?”
    “The usual kind. Two legs, a big dick and an even bigger ego.”
    Every muscle in Josh’s body tightened. “Is that the way you see me?”
    Her shoulders lifted in a tiny shrug. “You’re a man, right?”
    He sat up. “Jesus, Ness. Would any of those dickheads have taken care of you the way I did? I’m not asking for a big thank you. I just need a little slack here.”
    She turned her face away. “Okay. You’ve got it. Now you can leave with a clear conscience.”
    Anger bubbled bitterly in his throat. “Vanessa, I am not going to apologize for whoever gave you this chip on your shoulder but I can assure you I don’t sneak out before dawn. I was just going to the damn bathroom.” He blew out a breath, waiting. When she kept her face turned away from him he had to hold himself back from grabbing her and trying to shake some sense into her. “All right. Maybe it’s best if I do go now. But I can tell you this is far from over.”
    He should be grateful she wasn’t clinging to him, demanding he stay longer, putting in a seductive act to tempt him, even after a long night of sex. He was so used to that, it was shock for Ness to act this way. Holding onto his temper her pulled on his shirt and pants, shoved his feet into his shoes and grabbed everything else, rolling it into a ball.
    “You’ll be hearing from me,” he snapped at her as he strode out of the room toward the door.
    * * * * *
     
    Ness waited until she was sure Josh was gone then dragged herself out of bed into the kitchen, shrugging on a robe as she clumped along the floor. By now it was nearly six and time for her to get up. Anyway, no way she could go back to sleep after that short and snappy discussion.
    While she waited for the coffee to pour from her wonderful Keurig machine she debated the wisdom of beating her head against the counter. Maybe it would knock some sense into her obviously muddled head. A gorgeous guy loaded with money and sex appeal takes her out for a gourmet dinner then treats her to a night of unbelievable sex and what does she do? Wakes up and gives him her best imitation of a shrew.
    There was that old defense mechanism again. Get them before they got her.
    The man had been nothing but great, hauling her ass to Noplace with a smile. Taking care of her when she had another stupid wreck. Really