He’s a lot better at reading me than I realize. Vaughn plays the laidback brother with a carefree attitude and jokes, but he doesn’t miss a thing. I think part of it might be an act, like when a woman plays dumb to get more information out of someone.
“I want to,” I admit, feeling shy now. “I mean, I have written some but—” I shake my head. “Never mind.” I turn back toward the TV.
I’m a history major with a minor in English. I love to read and write and I’ve read everything I can get my hands on since I was a kid. I was always drawn to history.
“Historicals.” Vaughn steps in front of the TV, blocking my view. I hadn’t seen him move. “That’s what you’ve written, right?”
I shrug noncommittally even though he’s right.
“Don’t shrug it off. That’s fucking cool. You should let me read some of it.”
“You want to read it?” I snort, but his face doesn’t change. It’s not playful and there’s no smirk pulling at his lips. He’s serious.
“I’ll think about it,” I give in.
I’ve never let someone read something I’ve written that wasn’t for work or school. Not even Collins. She knows I dream of writing, but I figured I’d end up doing research or working for a museum of some kind, maybe even a library. One of my professors actually offered me a job after graduation but I turned it down. My plans were always to go back to Collins, but now she isn’t there anymore.
“You think about it while I cook.” This time I see his cocky grin. “But I always get what I’m after,” he finishes before giving me one of those killer winks and walking into the kitchen.
I have a feeling he’s after more than reading my stories. The problem is this is real life. A man like Vaughn could leave me broken hearted since happily ever afters aren’t guaranteed.
Chapter Five
Vaughn
“How could you do this to me?” Berkley moans as she rubs her belly.
I laugh as I set the last dish on the drain and wipe down the counter. She’s laid out on the couch pretending to be unable to move while I clean up the kitchen.
“You didn’t complain when you had it in your mouth.” Her eyes pop open and I wink at her before she scowls at me. “It’s okay if you like it.”
“I would say something just as smart-mouthed back to you, but I’m too stuffed with good food to be witty.” She throws her arms over her head dramatically as she stretches and points her toes. Her couch is so tiny even she hangs off the edge of it and can’t lie on it fully. There’s only one bed in this studio flat and there’s no way either of us could sleep on that couch comfortably.
“So, about the sleeping arrangements.” I dry my hands and walk over next to her and wait. After a moment she tucks her feet and makes a small space for me to sit down.
“Wait, you’re staying in my apartment?”
I laugh and cock my head to the side. “Where did you think I was going?”
She shrugs and then looks around as if the answer will pop up. “I guess I just thought you’d get a hotel or something.”
“You trying to get rid of me?”
She rolls her eyes but I see the tinge of pink in her cheeks. “No.”
“Not after that dinner, right?” I feel the grin pull at one side of my mouth and she tries to hit me with a pillow. I grab it from her and lean in close. “You’re not kicking me out, and I don’t trust anyone but me to keep you safe.”
She swallows before she raises her chin in defiance. “Awfully sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
“I’m sure that no one is more concerned about your safety and well-being than me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” She licks her lips and I follow the smooth silky trail the moisture leaves behind. “My sister cares about what happens to me.”
“Oh sweet thing, I know she does.” I lean in and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “But I have no plans to ever take my eyes off this body of yours, so where you go, I go.” She looks up at me through her lashes as I lean in a little closer. “Believe me, Berkley, you’re not going anywhere.”
“So if you’re not leaving, where are you going to sleep?” I feel her breath against my lips as I move just inches from her.
“I think we both know the answer to that question.” And instead of kissing her like my body is screaming for me to do, I place my lips next to her ear and whisper. “On your sofa.”
She playfully smacks my chest and I sit back on the couch, giving us both some much needed space. Jesus Christ, the air between us has a magnetic pulse like there are bolts of lightning crackling between us.