Pit Stop: Baby! (Crescent Cove 4)

He rested his lips against my forehead. “No fever.”

“I have a mom, thanks.”

He gave me a long, level stare. “You do not have maternal or paternal thoughts around me, huntress.”

I shivered, which only made him grin wider.

He set my purse on the floor. “I’ll get you something to drink.”

“Not the milk,” I called after him. That definitely needed to go down the sink. Of course I’d just bought it.

“Got it.” He came back with a soda. “It’s not very cold.”

“I just put it in there.”

“You were running late you said.”

I took the can, but ignored his comment. “Thanks for the assist. I’m not sure what happened.”

He sat next to me, making the couch feel even smaller than usual. Why was he so…big?

Yeah, no need for those sorts of thoughts. First, you started off innocently pondering toned muscles. Then, oh, maybe his hands. Large hands capable of framing your face while you kissed or holding your thighs open, depending where the kiss occurred.

Next thing you knew, you were dwelling on penis size. It was a slope guaranteed to make me slippery.

No, thanks.

“Nice place.”

I opened the can and took a sip of the sweet soda. I’d never had trouble with blood sugar before. I drank until the lingering shakes faded and my brain felt clearer.

“I feel better. I need to get to work.”

“Work? You almost passed out in the middle of the fucking street.”

My cheeks burned. “Thanks for reminding me.”

He stood and paced the very cramped space between my couch and kitchen island. “Jesus, Ry. I think your boss would understand.”

I dug into my purse for my phone. A third call was coming in. “Hi, Kathy.”

“Where are you?”

I winced. “Something came up.”

“Something? That’s unacceptable, Rylee.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I…” I didn’t want to tell her I overslept then fainted. It didn’t sound good.

Gage plucked the phone out of my hand. “Hi, Kathy, is it?”

I stood up and wobbled a little. “Dammit, give me that.”

Gage turned away from me. “I’ll bring Rylee down to the shop in a few minutes. She’s just had a little accident.” He went silent for a minute then said a few mmm-hmms. “I knew you’d understand. She’ll be in as soon as she can. Thanks, you too.” He handed me back the phone. “Have you never called in before?”

I grabbed it and this time, my feet stayed under me even after the quick move. “How dare you?”

“Me? I just got you out of trouble.”