Free My Sister's Shoes (Little Black Box, Book 1) by Cherrie Mack Page A

easily reach out and do just that. I should, shouldn’t I?
    The lights dimmed and the train pitched, sending her right into his lap. How convenient. He grabbed her waist and pulled her closer. His lips hovered just inches from hers. It must be her choice. He remained silent as he watched her internal struggle. “What are you thinking right now?” he whispered.
    Her breathing sped up. With her eyes half-closed, she inched closer. He felt like he would combust if she didn’t put out his fire. Almost there. That’s right, closer . The train bucked, and Allie’s eyes flew open. It sped up and moved quickly toward the next stop. The lights flashed back to bright and the announcement blared, bringing the car back into reality.
    Allie pulled away and stood up. She straightened her clothing and blushed like a little girl. She was so beautiful. He fought the urge to throw her down across the seats and kiss every inch of her, but he quickly tried to dispel his thoughts. His cock was hard and throbbing, which would make getting up a challenge. He tried mentally distracting himself by reciting the multiplication tables with no luck. Thinking of his long-deceased grandmother didn’t help either. Lastly, he thought of what would happen if he were to fail at putting Zach and Allie together. He sighed. That seemed to work.
    The train rolled to a stop, and the doors opened with a loud clang. People rushed off while others waited to board. Allie stood on the platform and waited. “Come on,” she said.
    “I’m coming.” If only.
    * * * *
    Walking into Zach’s apartment was like walking into the other team’s headquarters. It made him edgy, and he lashed out at Allie when she asked about the plan for the terrace. They hadn’t bought any plants because they were too busy running from the police. He was mad at himself for starting a fist fight, but it felt good to punch something, even if it was a person. Now she was quiet, and Angelo was feeling guilty.
    The silence was broken by the constant yipping of Barnabus. Allie walked past the dog and ignored him. Angelo bent down and hoisted the dog in the air. He held him up and looked into his eyes. “Stop that constant yelping, little guy, or I’m gonna ignore you too.” The dog quieted down, and he held him to his chest. At least someone likes me . He walked behind Allie as she reached for the dropper of dog medicine. “Give it me. I’ll do it,” he offered.
    “Thanks. We both know how much he loves me. Hopefully his owner will feel different.”
    “I’m sure he will. Just pour on all that Allie charm and he’ll fall right in line.” Why am I such a sarcastic asshole?
    “You’re right. I will charm him because we are compatible and wouldn’t be at each other’s throats.”
    He put the dog down and followed her into the living room. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
    With her hands on her hips, she turned to face him. “Just do your job, Angelo. Get my garden set up and leave the rest to me.”
    “Do my job?” He shook his head because if he didn’t, it would’ve blown off his shoulders. “Fine!” He threw the doors to the terrace open. It was filled with potted plants bursting with bloom. Huge clay pots overflowed with dahlias, and wooden boxes strategically placed revealed daisies and tulips. An antique bistro set was placed in the corner surrounded by red and yellow roses. “Help me move these,” he said, pointing to a few potted trees.
    He noticed she stood still, staring for what seemed like forever. “Allie. Do you mind?”
    “Oh—of course not. Sorry.” She leaned down and grabbed the other side of the pot. As they slid the tree into a different spot, she said, “It’s just that it’s so beautiful. You envisioned this?”
    “Surprised?”
    “Kinda.”
    “Not the type of thing you’d expect from a guy like me, huh?”
    “Not at all.” They went to the next pot.
    “You know, I keep hearing all about how I’m not your type. Did you ever stop