Salvation (Surrender 3)

“Nothing,” I squeak a little too quickly.

His mouth twitches a bit. “You’re not hiding anything, are you?”

I purse my lips and shake my head.

“I don’t believe you. You have the chance to tell me now, or I can find out myself.”

Damn him!

“That’s not fair, Robbie. It’s a birthday surprise.”

His eyes soften, and he nuzzles into my hair. “So I don’t need to hack into your computer, phone, and credit history?”

“You can do that?”

“In an instant.”

“I’ll give you a hint. You’re off work next Thursday through Tuesday.”

His surprised look causes another chuckle.

“Our bike trip was canceled because of my family, so I took matters into my own hands. We leave Wednesday night. Don’t ask questions. I’ll tell you as you need to know.”

“Okay.”

“Okay? That’s it?”

“Ember, you say it’s a surprise, it’ll remain a surprise. I’m not like my sister, who will badger you to death until you cave. I’ll wait patiently and think of all the things we’re going to do on this trip.”

“Oh, there’s so much to do,” I say eagerly, thinking of the list of activities the travel agent sent me.

“Something tells me you and I aren’t talking about the same thing,” he whispers seductively.

“Damn, even sweat looks sexy on him. Is there anything that could make him ugly?” Cruz appears from the back.

“Not that I can think of,” I answer truthfully.

Robbie chuckles, shaking his head.

“Thought we’d meet up with Finn, Tripp, and the rest of the guys tonight for a few drinks. That okay with you?” he asks.

“Are any of the girls going?”

“Not quite sure. He didn’t mention.”

“Actually, I need to run some errands, maybe stop by the mall. It’ll take a few hours. Why don’t you go ahead and meet them. Have a guy’s night out.”

“We can do that. I won’t be late. Text me when you get to my place and I’ll come home.”

“I’ll stay at my place tonight. You have fun.”

Cruz whips his head around with a horrified expression.

“Why the hell would you do that?” Robbie frowns and crosses his arms across his chest.

I don’t pick up on his irritation until its too late. “Stay out as late as you want. I’ve been at your place for a while now. Now that there’s no chance that Natalie will show up, threatening me, it’s safe to be at home.”

Seems logical to me, but apparently, it’s appalling. Robbie’s face turns red as his eyes burn with irritation.