Conceal (The Barker Triplets 3)

“I, uh…” Her small tongue darted out and moistened her lips. They were full, kissable, free of gloss, and sexy as hell. She had the kind of mouth men fantasized about, lips meant for sinning, for gliding and nibbling. Cain’s chest tightened as he stared down at her, an unfamiliar feeling warming his body.

She was really…kind of perfect.

“I didn’t mean anything.” She paused and nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “I just…when you love like that, you take a chance.”

“On what?” Cain was curious. He’d never been hooked. Hell, the Natasha fiasco had been a whirlwind of hot sex and fantasy. In the end it had been nothing more than a train wreck, and when it finally derailed, he’d been left wondering what the hell he’d ever seen in his ex. There’d been nothing of substance, no glue to hold them together.

“On losing yourself.” Maggie glanced at her watch. “I have to call a cab and get Michael home. He fell asleep over an hour ago.”

His mother’s grip tightened and she yanked on his arm. “Don’t be silly. We’ll give you a ride.” She glanced up at her son. “Cain will drive you.”

“No.” Her answer was abrupt. “He’s been drinking.”

She was right. Cain couldn’t drive.

“You have your driver’s license?” Lauren asked.

At Maggie’s nod, she continued. “Perfect. You take Cain’s rental and drop him off at my house on the way.”

His mother planted a quick kiss on his cheek. “I’m going to grab my purse and say good-bye to Steven and Marnie. Don’t wait up. I have a prior engagement I can’t get out of.” She paused. “You do know where the house is, right?” Her sarcasm was noted and he shrugged sheepishly.

His mother had married a wealthy financier from Chicago a few years after he left town. Cain had met the man a few times—they’d jelled over football and not much else. He’d been a proper sort of man and had doted on Lauren. Sadly, he’d died nearly five years ago, leaving the bulk of his wealth to his wife.

Her eyes narrowed onto his. She’d bought a new place a few years back and knew damn well he had no clue where it was.

“No matter,” she continued, “Maggie knows.” She turned to the young woman. “If you could help us out, that would be great.”

“Of course.” Maggie turned abruptly. “I’ll get Michael.”

Cain’s eyes followed her slight form as she disappeared down the hall, his eyes resting on the curve of her ass.

“Forget it, Cain. She’s not for you.” His mother pursed her mouth, and a frown creased her forehead. At his look of surprise, she did everything except shake her finger at him. “I mean it. She’s not some groupie or model or anything like the women you’ve been with. The last thing she needs is someone like you filling her head with nonsense.”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean? Someone like me?”