Vigilant

“Eh,” Oliver said, removing plates from the dinner table. They only used the table when they had company, preferring to eat on the couch. “She’ll be hard to replace, but I feel confident she’ll teach my wife how to make my favorite meals.”

Ari picked up the dishtowel and swatted him on the backside. “You wish.”

“I do,” he said, popping a kiss on her forehead. “If it’s okay, I’m gonna leave this to you guys. I’ve got a crap-ton of work to do before tomorrow.”

Ari followed him out of the kitchen and into the living room where he’d left his briefcase and a stack of paperwork. Nick stayed behind and continued rinsing dishes.

“What’s going on with all that? Late hours and extra work?” Ari asked.

Oliver gave her a mischievous grin and whispered, “I’m up for a promotion, but I’ve got to get this case prepared or it won’t happen.”

“That’s great!” she yelled before clapping her hand over her mouth. “Sorry, why the big secret?”

“I just don’t want anyone to know in case it falls through.”

Ari looked over her shoulder at Nick. “Are you still being competitive? Because I think you have him beat out in the job department. No way a court-appointed attorney makes as much as someone with a massive law firm.”

“Nah, it’s just a big deal case and I’m not allowed to talk about it. He’ll ask too many questions.” Oliver ran a hand through his curly hair.

“Well, I’m proud of you. And good luck.” She gave him a fast hug. “We’ll keep it quiet out here so we don’t disturb you.”

“Out here or in there?” He nodded to her bedroom.

“Gross.”

“I’m just asking, because last time it was hard not to notice. Anyway, I like to know if there’s any chance of walking into a half-naked guy at 3:00 a.m.”

“Shhh!” The last thing Nick needed to hear was about how loud he’d been the last time he was there. When, of course, that wasn’t him. “You promised not to mention it and it’s not like I haven’t had that pleasure a million times.”

He frowned. “I’ve never had a half-naked dude over.”

Ari hit him playfully on the arm. “Stop it and go work.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

When she entered the kitchen, Nick asked, “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, just roommate stuff.” She picked up a pot and began scrubbing it in the sink. “Thanks for coming over. Sometimes the job gets to me, you know?”

“I definitely know,” he said, standing behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. She felt his chin on the top of her shoulder, and his lips on her neck.

“That feels nice.” Ari could feel her heart rate increase with every kiss. She wanted more but Nick was always so gentle with her. So respectful. The fire in her belly craved something intense to drown out the sadness and guilt she’d been feeling.

She turned away from the sink, drying her hands on the back of his shirt. She reached for his face to pull him closer, to bring his lips to hers but he resisted, gathering her into a tight hug instead.

Ari buried her head in his chest trying to squash the feelings of rejection. Because that’s what it was, right? A rejection?

“Now that you’re home safe and Oliver’s here I’m going to head home,” he said, completely unaware of the turmoil Ari was going through. The frustration and longing she had for him—for something.

“Sure.” She dropped her hands. “Thanks for coming over. It was fun.”

Ari watched as he gathered his keys off the small table by the door and flashed her a quick smile before leaving.

* * *

The familiar buzz gr

eeted Ari when she walked in the front door. That buzz sent a shiver of anticipation down her neck. Immediately, she turned to the walls, looking at the artwork. This was ridiculous, of course. Ari always got the same thing, maybe a little varied in size or shading , but each one of her tattoos held the same design. A star.