Rory (Coded for Love 1)

She was different. Flirting, although it wasn’t girly and giggly like it used to be. It was bolder. Rory wanted to spend some time with her on her back smiling at him that way while he got to know her better. Did she have a boyfriend—how many had she had since he left Wales? Why am I even thinking this?

He stared pointedly at the bag she held in her hand, slipping hers off his shoulder. “So,” she said, “you’re still using yours too. Three years ago, your dad got us one each for Christmas.”

He didn’t really remember. “Sky, the bag.”

She held out his backpack.

They exchanged.

Closing on her, he wrapped his hand around the back of her neck and pulled her closer. “Why did you do it? Are you working for someone?”

Her eyes widened, her lips parting. “Rory!”

Her mouth was a painted pout. It made him want to bite her, to make her cry out because he had his hands on her. His grip on her tightened and she gasped.

Her eyelids lowered. She looked aroused.

It was making him hard. “Answer me.”

She scrabbled her feet, a frown developing on her pretty forehead. “No. I’m not working for anyone, why would you think that?”

“Then why did you swap?”

She tipped back her chin and flashed her eyes at him. “I have this problem. I can’t seem to stay away from trouble.”

“That much hasn’t changed, huh, kiddo?” He laughed, then stroked his hand up and down the back of her neck, remembering.

“Oh, I’ve changed, believe me.” Her eyes held secret knowledge.

“You certainly look different.” All woman now, if I’m not mistaken.

“I’m glad you approve.”

“Did you move to the city alone?”

“I moved here alone but I have friends now.” She glanced at her watch. “I’m going to have to head back or I’ll overrun my toilet break.”

As she eased away he unzipped his bag. Rifling through the contents, concern set in. Shit. She’d kept the essential item, the very thing Jackson—and the police, and god knows who else—were after. How did she know it was the important one? The red sticker had given it away.

“Looking for something specific?” Sky smiled at him.

He tried not to overreact. “It’s not safe for you to have that.”

“I kept it as insurance.” She pulled her apron straight, an action that made him notice the curve of her waist and hip. “In case I wanted to see you again.”

Amused by that, he baited her. “You could just say you so.”

“I always used to have to barter with you, it seemed natural.”

Barter. Is that how she saw it? To him it was more difficult. He’d been warned off her. She was forbidden. Yet here they were, together, in the big city without anyone warning him off. Fascinated, he put his finger under her chin, leaning right in to her again. “Make it soon.”

Her eyes widened, her lips parted.

Rory smiled.

“I’ve really got to go. I need this job.” She nodded her head at the kiosk. “So we meet this evening and pick up where we left off?” She looked at him from under heavy lids. “I want to hear all about your hard….” she paused and ran her finger tips down his leather jacket, “…drive, and why it’s such hot property.”

Far too sharp for her own good. It was all he needed, to be held over a barrel by his kid stepsister. It was so important to get the USB stick back, but if he gave any hint of its value, she’d be even more curious. She’d also be in danger.