Page 27 of Offensive Plays

It's more like I'm avoiding him. "I don't know. But I'm just not feeling like being out right now. I'm going to catch a cab."

"Then, I'm coming with you," she turns abruptly to open the door. “Let me tell, Zane.”

"No, Kes. You stay. Have fun. You guys are always home with Liam. This is mommy and daddy night out. Enjoy it."

She chews on her bottom lip as she considers it.

"I guess you're right."

"Good, I'll see you soon. Take care of my brother." I lean in to give her a hug and she squeezes me.

"I always do." Then she turns and disappears, leaving me in a floor-length gown on a wet sidewalk all alone in downtown Houston. I didn't even notice it had rained since getting to the bar.

I step up to the curb and watch as car after car zooms by.

It's fine. I'll be fine. I can just forget anything ever happened. I have an array of toys in my nightstand. I can take care of myself. I really don't need a man.

Even as I'm thinking it, the thought of Michael being the man behind the screen creeps into my mind again.

"You leaving too?" A husky voice interrupts my dirty thoughts.

I turn, and my stomach drops into my vagina at the sight of the very man I was just thinking about.

Oh, good Lord. Why?

I quickly turn away from him and focus my attention back to the street.

"Yep, I need to rest up. Got a photoshoot."

Michael joins me near the curb. His blue eyes are scanning my profile. "On a Sunday?"

Shit. I can't lie to the man. He talks to God for goodness sake. He'd know it the second I did.

"The photoshoot is next week,” I admit. “I just don't want to look haggard for it."

"Ah," he says like that explains it. He looks at his phone and types something out really quick before storing it away in his back pocket.

A split second later, I feel my notifications vibrate in my hand. I don't dare look—not with him standing right next to me. I'm a statue as a black SUV pulls up right in front of me, and Michael steps up to it opening the back door.

"Do you need a ride to your place?" he asks.

A ride. Right. I was supposed to be getting a cab. Drops of rain start pattering onto my skin.

"I'll be okay," I assure him. "I'll catch a rideshare."

He looks at the driver of the SUV. "That's what this is, Libby."

The sky opens up and starts soaking me. The trail of drops dripping down onto my face.

Michael jumps inside and pats the empty seat next to him, "Libby, get in."

I cross my arms. "I'm okay."

When I don't move and just stay standing there like a wet idiot. He rolls his head and gets out. Now he's getting soaked too.

Without another word he gathers me into his arms and carries me over to the SUV.

I yelp, "What are you doing?"