Page 25 of Absolution

I avert mine and murmur. “I haven’t dated in a long time.”

“That’s a shame.” His voice is so close, I whip my head around to find him standing next to me.

“Not really.” I quip.

He slides closer and the hairs on my neck prickle. “It’s a waste.”

“Of what?” I’m affronted.

Creed’s arm brushes mine as he steps in front of me, trapping me against the hood. “You, Scarlet.”

“I-I don’t understand. What do you mean, I’m a waste?” My forehead wrinkles in confusion.

His eyes follow the movement of my lips, heat fills my cheeks, and I look away. “I didn’t say you’re a waste. I said you’re the kind of woman a man shouldn’t waste.”

“What should a man do with me?”

He leans in, his lips sweep past my ear with a low growl. “Everything, Scar.”

“Yeah?” My chest heaves, swaying my breast. His scent permeates my pores, seeping into my skin, and marking me with it. Desire swims in his eyes, and all I can think of is jumping in the deep end.

Until my phone beeps.

I’m rooted to the spot with his lip’s mere inches from mine. Moving from here should be considered a crime, and by god, it might lead to one if this damn phone doesn’t stop. Creed’s head tilts, as the tip of his tongue wets his lips. I can already taste him.

“You might want to get that?” He glances down at my ass as my cell chimes from my back of my pants.

“Sure.” I yank it out as he steps away. It’s a text. And its Amy.

Amy: DAMN!

Amy: Get it!

Amy: Now, my coochie needs TLC!

I roll my eyes, shoving it back where it came from. Creed watches me, waiting for me to say something, but I don’t. There’s no way I’m sharing her texts, though there’s a helluva chance my coochie needs him to care for it.

Don’t tell Amy.

He turns to his truck, smiling. “I gotta head out.”

“Sure.” I back toward my door. “Umm, call if Doc needs anything.”

“Will do!” He smirks, waiting for me to climb in before waving as I drive away.

I peek in my mirror as he hits the hood of his SUV and then runs his hands through his hair. “Wonder what that’s about?”

I struggle to stay focused on the twenty-minute drive to my house. Creed on my mind, and the moon plays off the ocean setting a breathtaking scene. I'm so ashamed I rarely get out to the beach living this close, but who has time to live anymore.

Most of the time, conversations like Amy brought up today, roll off my back, and I keep moving. But I can't let it go this evening, it plays over and over in my mind. They both have me scratching my head, and wondering what in the world is going on around here.

"Maybe I'm tired of wrestling with everything, I don't know, but I do wish I could move on. The man that decides to be with me better own a warehouse with all the baggage I come with." I mumble, cracking myself up when I do. Which is all I need for it to give me the giggles the rest of the way home.

Turning the corner into my neighborhood, I spot my salvation. My front porch light glows like a beacon, welcoming me home with open arms. I can already feel the heat from a hot shower.

As I pull into my driveway, my entire body begins to relax. I suppose there really isn't anything like being home. God knows I hate leaving each morning and spend every waking moment smiling within these walls.

With a renewed energy, I bound from the SUV and take the steps two at a time. The door opens as soon as I turn the key, and I'm thrilled to shut out the world, leaving it behind for now.