Rory (Coded for Love 1)

“It’s odd isn’t it, we were forced to be like family and yet we hardly know each other at all.”

“We know each other a lot better now,” she said mischievously.

“We certainly do.” He flung a towel over his shoulder and he stretched, showing the taut strength of his neck and shoulders. With a brooding stare, his eyes spoke to her about sex.

Sky felt as if he’d touched her, and it set her alight.

“Nearly done here.” He grated cheese over the loaded lasagna dish, slid it into the oven and set the timer. He stepped over to cupboard and pulled two glasses out.

“The lasagna won’t be ready for forty-five minutes, and I intend to spend every moment of that time getting to know you even better.”

Sky tried to stay calm, but her pulse raced. “Forty-five minutes, huh? Perfect.”

“Why do you think I chose to make lasagna?”

She watched the way he moved around the kitchen, admiring him. Every move, every stretch, made her aware of his masculinity, his strength.

Setting the glasses on the table, he filled them with wine.

He handed her glass, then chinked his own against it. “Slainte.”

She smiled. He’d taught her the Irish phrase back at home. “Good health.”

He nodded, pleased.

“I brought you something.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out the key fob she’d bought for him—a polished stainless steel skull and crossbones mounted on black leather. “It’s the spare key for the new lock at my place.”

“Your landlord gave you the spare?”

“I had to ask, said it was for family to check on me. He wouldn’t have given me it otherwise.”

He looked as if he was about to ask something else, but the front door sprang open and a guy, presumably one of his biker housemates, arrived into the kitchen. He had a bag of groceries in one hand.

“Hey buddy,” Rory said, “this is Sky. Sky, my housemate, Kristaps.”

Sky checked out the new arrival. He was a bulky guy, all muscled and a shaved head. He had a tribal tattoo snaking up from under his T-shirt around the back of his neck. “Hello.”

The guy, Kristaps, put out his hand. When she

took it, he nearly crushed her hand in his. He gave her a grin and then turned his attention to his groceries, which he quickly unloaded into the fridge.

“I’m cooking,” Rory said. “You’re welcome to join us.”

Krsitaps looked at Sky with curiosity. “Sure, but if you’re cooking for your girlfriend…?”

Sky looked at Rory expectantly, wondering what he’d say.

Rory looked as if he was trying to figure out how to answer.

Before he had a chance, Kristaps spoke again. “No, wait… I recognize you from the family photo he has in his room, Your Rory’s sister, right?” He laughed loudly. “Sorry buddy, I just realized I said your sister is your girlfriend.”

Sky shook her head. “Stepsister, no relation. And yes, he is sleeping with me.”

Kristaps shoved his hands into his pockets, eyebrows arching. “Right, I see.” He laughed again, albeit more falsely. “Forbidden fruit, huh?” He winked at Rory.

An awkward silence filled the room.

Kristaps gathered himself. “I got to go join the guys at the gym. Maybe meet you at the pub later on?”