Stripped Down (Tap That)

Rick handed her the cup he was holding. “Knock yourself out.”

“I should have poured myself two cups,” Sloane said. “I’m already out.”

“Then you’ll fit right in around here,” Winnie said with a smile. “Rick and I are coffee addicts.”

“I was going to say coffee whores, but your phrase works too.”

“Don’t say whore in front of River,” Winnie said, slapping her hands over River’s ears.

River rolled her eyes. “You should hear how my dad talks. F bombs dropping like crazy. But don’t worry, I’m not damaged.”

Winnie sighed.

Rick shrugged. “She’s an old soul. What can I say?” And he wasn’t qualified to be raising her, but he loved her with all his heart. That had to count for something. “Sloane, I can get you another cup of coffee if you want.”

“Thanks, that would be great.”

“Even though I am in the middle of fixing my bike you nearly destroyed,” he said teasingly, knowing it would set her off.

She didn’t disappoint. “I did not destroy your bike! And I tried to give you my insurance information. You’re the stubborn one.”

“And you’re so easy to get wound up.” He gave her a grin when her jaw dropped. He went back to his shop and set about pouring her another coffee, whistling a random tune. He was feeling fantastic this morning. He’d gotten everything from Sloane he’d wanted and then some. She had been enthusiastic and so very easy to please.

Fuck his promise to keep it at only one night. Actually, it hadn’t been a promise. Just an agreement and he wanted to renegotiate the terms. He wanted to be the guy Sloane used for sex until she felt ready to start dating again. He wanted to be her friends with benefits. Her fuck buddy. Her dirty little secret.

Everything about that idea was hot as hell to him.

Sure, she would move on and he would hate that. But all the more reason to wring every ounce of pleasure out of Sloane while he had her full attention now.

They were going to be constantly around each other. He and Winnie had a fluid work environment on the weekends because he had to bring River with him and she was always running over next door. He popped over there all the time to check on her. Plus he and Sloane lived across the hall from each other. He was going to see her around at some point even if it was in passing. There was no way he could repeatedly be exposed to her presence without at least attempting to fuck her.

Especially because right now he had no interest in any other women.

He just wanted Sloane.

Still whistling, he left his shop and his dinged up bike. It wasn’t a major repair. He didn’t normally work Sundays but he’d wanted to repair his bike before the work week started. He had three cars stacked up for some intensive repair work and he didn’t want to fall behind. He was planning to head to the O’Toole’s afterward. Though Sloane might not know it, he’d been invited to a little cookout for her birthday, something he was really looking forward to now.

He was proud of his business, of what he had built literally with his hands. He’d scrimped and saved and bought the building knowing the apartment rentals would help cover his expenses until his business took off. Now he was twenty-eight years old and doing just fine. He loved what he did and the money was good.

When he entered the groomer’s he saw Sloane was being shown around the place by Winnie. Winnie’s dog, Hampton, was sitting on River’s lap in the reception area. She was absently stroking him with one hand, holding up her book with the other. The kid was brilliant. Rick wasn’t sure where her IQ came from but if it was on her father’s side, it had skipped him. He was definitely the guy who excelled at common sense and working with his hands over school work.

“Your coffee,” he said, handing it to her. He brushed his fingers over hers.

“Thanks.”

“Turning thirty yesterday hasn’t slowed you down at all. Up so late last night, partying. Having a really, really good time. I’m surprised you’re here looking so damn cheerful.” She wasn’t. She looked tired and pale and nervous. But still gorgeous.

“I’m a cheerful person,” she said, shooting him a warning look, like she thought he was going to tell Winnie and River why she was thoroughly sleep deprived today. She raised her cup to her lips.

“Good. Then you’ll be ready to have fun all over again tonight.”

Sloane choked on her coffee, spitting half of it out on a cough. It dribbled down her chin and landed on her Paws and Effect T-shirt. “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she said, cheeks turning pink.

“The cookout. At your dad’s house,” he said, giving her a wink. “I was invited by Liam.” Her father had been like a second dad to Rick. He respected Liam a hell of a lot for holding it together after his wife left.

“Oh. Right. The cookout.” She narrowed her eyes and handed him the cup with the remaining coffee. “I’m done with this, thanks.” Then she murmured so no one else could hear, “I’m going to get you back for that.”

“I can’t wait.”