Fool Me Once

by Katee Robert

  He growled under his breath. “Even if I was comfortable enough in my masculinity to be down for taking anything a lady can give me, that doesn’t make me a bottom, peaches. Far from it. And glory holes are fucking disgusting.” He forced himself to relax his hands and take a deep breath. “Though if you have a hole you’d like me to glorify—”

  “Gross. So much gross.”

  There they were—on solid ground once more. As tempting as it was to go back to silently stewing, that way lay madness. He had to keep her talking so he could remember that this was Aubry, red as the devil and mean as a snake. She might have a hot little body that he’d kill to get his hands on, but it wasn’t worth the price he’d have to pay when it came to her. Forgetting that was inexcusable. “So what’d you have to do to get a fancy invite to play this game?”

  “Be better than everyone else.” She’d said it without a trace of ego. It was just her truth.

  A truth he had a hard time believing. “I know you spend a terrifying amount of time holed up in that apartment of yours, with only the online game for company, but there are a few million other people around the world who do the same thing.”

  “And I’m better than all of them.”

  “Who decides that?”

  She sighed. “What makes it so hard for you to wrap your puny brain around my being one of the best out there? The fact that I’m a woman? Or is it that you’re standing in the face of greatness and it makes you feel less like a man?”

  That startled a laugh out of him. “Neither. I’m talking the odds, plain and simple.”

  “Well, take your odds and shove them. There were exactly ten invites that went out for this alpha test, and I’m one of them. That speaks for itself.”

  Yeah, he guessed it did. It was still weird to think about. “So someone ran the numbers and decided that, what, you’ve killed enough people in this game that you deserve a medal?”

  “You can phrase the question as many ways as you want to and it’s not going to change the outcome. The short answer is yes. I’m very, very good at murdering people. Within the game, of course.”

  “Of course.” He drummed his fingers across the steering wheel. “I guess I better watch my back around you, huh?”

  …

  Aubry didn’t know what Quinn was trying to pull, but she was over this conversation. All she wanted to do was bury herself in her book until the humiliation passed. Add in the fact that he felt the need to point out he didn’t actually want her and, yeah, she wasn’t getting over that anytime soon. Since she couldn’t physically walk away from him, mentally doing it would have been good enough.

  Except he seemed to want to talk, even if it was to tell her how unbelievable it was that she had actually gotten an invite in the first place.

  She put her headphones on again, but froze when the engine made a weird clanking sound that she could hear even over the country music he insisted on playing. “What was that?”

  Quinn was too busy cursing to answer her, and the truck gave a death knell as he guided it to the side of the road. Aubry just sat there for a minute, trying to process the reality that they were, in fact, broken down on the side of the highway in Texas in the middle of June. She closed her eyes, counted to ten, and then opened them again, but nothing changed. “Please tell me this isn’t happening.”

  “Oh, it’s happening.” He threw open the door, letting in a blast of heat that threatened to melt her on the spot, and moved around the truck to open the hood. She watched a cloud of white smoke escape and groaned. What were the odds of this happening to her right when she was the most desperate to be anywhere but in the same vehicle as Quinn?

  Oh, right. They were in the junker he’d insisted was reliable. The odds were fantastic.

  She waited a minute, and then five, but when Quinn didn’t come back around with an update, she climbed out of the truck. It shouldn’t have been possible to be hotter outside than it was in the truck, but it was just this side of searing. She shoved her hair out of her eyes and marched over to where he was talking into his cell. “What’s going on?”

  He held up a finger. “Yeah, on Highway 10 just east of Clint. Yeah, that works. Thanks.” He hung up and turned to face her. “The tow truck will be here in ten.”’

  “Tow truck.” She looked around. There was nothing as far as the eye could see. “If we’d taken a rental, this wouldn’t have happened.”

  “Now’s not the time for ‘I told you so.’”

  “On the contrary, there was never a better time. You said this thing was reliable.” She marched over and kicked the wheel, and then cursed when her foot screamed in pain. “I hate you, and I hate your truck, and I wish I’d never agreed to this stupid plan.” She made a beeline for the passenger door. “In fact, I’m going to call Jules and tell her what a shitty plan this is, and that I fully expect pie to make me feel better when I get back into town.”

  “Whoa, hold on.”

  “There will be no holding onto anything.” She batted at him when his arm came around her waist, bringing her up short. “Get your paws off me.”

  “You can’t call Jules.”

  “I can and I will.” She tried to take a step but ended up just scraping off what felt like half her flip-flop on the asphalt. “Let go.”

  “She’s with Adam on a plane right about now.”

  Just like that, all the fight went out of her. He was right. She couldn’t call Jules, not when her friend was going to be focused on Adam and grieving. I am possibly the worst friend ever. She pinched the bridge of her nose. “If I say you’re right, am I ever going to live it down?”

  He didn’t answer, and she opened her eyes. Their reflection was slightly distorted in the passenger window, but even she could see he had a seriously tense look on his face. She belatedly realized that they were pressed together, her back to his front, and that he was…

  Oh my God. She couldn’t resist leaning back into him, just a little. Yep, that’s not a micro penis. A shiver worked its way through her, leaving goose bumps in its wake, and her nipples perked right up, showing through the thin fabric of her T-shirt. There was no way he didn’t feel her reaction, not with his arm creating a band across her ribs, his forearm against the underside of her breasts.

  Even as she noticed, he started to release her, his hand sliding over her stomach, but he stopped when he hit her hip, his pinkie finger dipping below the waistband of her shorts, just a little. It wasn’t anywhere near anything vital, but that little intrusion made her moan all the same.

  “Fuck.” The word was barely audible, but she felt it in the way his body tensed behind her.

  She shivered again, torn between telling him to back off and getting the top button of her jeans all undone for him. If she didn’t make a decision—and fast—he was going to back off again. It was written all over the tension she could feel emanating from his body.

  Aubry started to reach for his hand, still undecided on whether she wanted to encourage or threaten him, but he moved, bending down to brace one hand on the truck in front of them, the other still on her hip. The move brought his mouth against her ear, and his harsh exhale made her shake.

  She arched against him. She couldn’t help it. Her body took over, a primal part of her knowing he could give her all the pleasure she could handle, and was only too happy to extend an invitation by rubbing her ass against his hard length.

  His grip on her hip tightened, but he didn’t try to stop her. “You’re playing a dangerous game.”

  She knew. They had to stop for so many reasons, the least of which was that they were on the side of a freaking highway and it was only a matter of time before a car drove past.

  But she didn’t want to stop.

  Apparently Quinn didn’t, either, because he moved his hand, sliding beneath her shirt to splay across her lower stomach, his fingers still just inside her shorts. They weren’t anywhere close to where she wanted them, but it felt unbearably intimate all the same. He exerted the sligh
test pressure, guiding her back against him, silently urging her to roll her hips again. So she did.

  He rewarded her by sliding his hand a little further into her shorts, his fingertips just beneath her panties. “Undo the top button.”

  She obeyed with shaking hands, half sure she was dreaming this whole thing. But no, this was Quinn, his big body wrapped around hers, his hand dangerously close to pushing her over the edge and he hadn’t even done anything yet.

  He nipped the back of her neck as his hand slid the rest of the way into her panties, every nerve she had tightening as he leisurely stroked her once, twice…

  So close.

  The sound of tires on the asphalt snapped her back to herself. They were on the side of the highway. She looked over to see the tow truck approaching, the driver’s face clear enough to see his wide eyes as he took in the scene they made. Oh. My. God.

  Aubry shoved away from him. She did her best to ignore the way her body shook from denied pleasure. She couldn’t believe she’d been so stupid as to give him a clear invitation again—let alone undo her button for him—and it was that same stupidity making her want to tell the tow truck driver to get lost.

  Clearly the heat had boiled her brain.

  For his part, Quinn recovered faster than she did. He met the driver halfway between vehicles, and they walked over to stare at the no-longer-smoking engine. She had half a thought that neither of them knew anything about engines at all and they didn’t want to admit it, but it was entirely possible she was acting as uncharitable as her mother always accused her of being.

  She grabbed her computer out of the truck as the men seemed to come to the conclusion that they’d actually have to tow the vehicle into the nearest actual town—which she learned was El Paso. It was a good twenty miles away, which would make for a truly delightful ride since she could smell the tow driver from five feet away, and he seemed to be missing half his teeth.

  This is why I go out of my way to rarely leave the apartment. Shit always goes sideways at the first available opportunity.

  She stewed the entire way into the mechanic’s, and the only saving grace of the driver’s stink was the fact that it kept her distracted from the fact that she and Quinn were forced to press together from shoulder to knees. Or the fact that every time she looked at his hands, she could feel them sliding into her shorts…and lower. And it sure as hell didn’t distract her from the fact that she wanted his hand back between her thighs, coaxing her into an orgasm.

  Or that she didn’t want it to stop with his hands.

  Chapter Six

  “What the fuck do you mean it’s going to be in the shop overnight?”

  The mechanic, an old, grizzled man that was about half Quinn’s size, shrugged. “I’ve got to order in a part, and even if those dipshits over there manage to get me the right one today, I’m not paid enough to stay open late for the likes of you.”

  “How much?”

  The guy—Larry, from his name tag—laughed. “More than you can pay, sonny.” He leaned in and lowered his voice, shooting a glance to where Aubry stalked around the front of the shop, glaring at everything. “Here’s a tip that I won’t charge extra for—there’s a nice little B&B round the way. Take your lady and put some effort into loving away that foul mood she’s got going.”

  He’d be lying if he said the thought of sex chilling Aubry out hadn’t occurred to him—especially when Jules had accidentally let it slip six months ago that Aubry didn’t date and hadn’t had that particular itch scratched in what might be years—but he wasn’t the man who’d be able to manage that herculean feat.

  Except, after how things had gone down next to his truck, he kind of wanted to. Quinn shook his head, trying to focus on the man in front of him rather than the woman pacing in front of the dingy window like a caged animal. “Pretty sure that’s just her personality.”

  “In that case, my condolences.” The man patted him on his shoulder. “And there’s a bar next door to the B&B that has half-priced margaritas from now to closing.”

  That was going to be a necessity if they weren’t getting out of here tonight. Quinn scrubbed a hand over his face. “You’re sure you can’t get my truck fixed up before closing?”

  “I’ll call Sue over at the B&B and let her know you’re coming.”

  Guess that was that. Now all that was left to do was let Aubry know about the delay. He headed to the front of the shop and planted himself in front of her, forcing her to stop her pacing. “I have bad news and I have good news.”

  “What’s the bad news?”

  “Why am I not surprised you don’t want to start with the sweet?”

  “Because you’re not as dumb as you look.” She snapped her fingers, looking all the world like a queen deeming to notice an ant beneath her boot. “Now—the bad news?”

  “They can’t get my truck fixed up before morning.”

  “Are you kidding me?”

  “It’s fine.” He glanced down and blinked. “You’re looking a little pale.”

  “I can’t…” She pressed a hand to her chest. “Give me a second.”

  His forced amusement vanished. Holy shit, she was having a panic attack. He recognized all the signs. “Come on, peaches.” He half carried her to a faded plastic chair and guided her head between her knees. There was no telling what would ground her, because she hadn’t told him when he’d asked, but he’d try what worked for Jenny and adapt as needed. “Breathe, yeah, just like that, in, hold it for one, two, three. Now exhale. Good girl.”

  Ten breaths later, she lifted her head. “Sorry.”

  It was on the tip of his tongue to make a smart-ass comment about the fact she’d never once apologized to him before now, but he bit it back at the last second. She might be a pain sometimes, but she still looked pretty shaky. He’d known a panic attack could bring down the strongest person, but there was something about seeing Aubry so shaken that made him want to yank her into his arms and hold her until she was herself again.

  No wonder she didn’t want to go to that damn convention by herself. If one unexpected delay was enough to set her back on her heels, what would being around a couple thousand people do? He realized he was still covering her hands with his and forced himself to let go of her. “You ready for the good news?”

  “Sure.” She managed a smile, though it wasn’t anywhere close to convincing.

  “There are half-priced margaritas.”

  “Well, damn, Quinn. You should have led with that.”

  He helped her to her feet, telling himself that he was just worried she’d take a nosedive, but the truth was that he kind of liked touching her. She smelled good despite the hellish day they’d had, like citrus and the warm summer sun. She must have noticed him watching her, because she took two large steps away, putting herself out of reach. “I’m fine.”

  “Didn’t say you weren’t.”

  “No, but you’re looking at me like I’m about to take a concrete nap.” She shoved her hair out of her face. “Did you find us a place to stay? Equally important—can we walk there?”

  “Yes to both.” He led the way outside and down the block in the direction the mechanic had instructed. Aubry kept pace, but she was still looking a little peaked around the edges, so he walked slower than he normally would have. It wasn’t being nice. It was making sure he didn’t have to carry her ass in this heat.

  Sure it is.

  The B&B was a cute little thing tucked back from the street and was charmingly decorated in bright colors. It was manned by a cute little old lady with an accent thick enough he was glad for his sort-of-fluency in Spanish. Once she realized he could converse in that way, she switched over with a grin. “What’s brought this handsome man through my door?”

  “I’m looking for Sue. Larry said he’d call and let her know we were heading this way.” Quinn grinned right back. She kind of reminded him of Daniel’s aunty. She was as gently forceful as she was short, and she usually wore the same amused look tha
t this woman did.

  “Ah, yes, overnight stay for the happy couple.” She accepted his card and passed over an honest-to-God key with the number four attached to it. A few signatures later and they were headed upstairs.

  Aubry opened the door and stopped, halfway in the hall and halfway in the room. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

  “You keep saying that.” He nudged her the rest of the way into the room…and broke out laughing when he saw how it’d been decorated. There was a heart-shaped bed he was almost disappointed to find didn’t seem to vibrate, and everything was done up in ways that suggested love and romance—from the heart-shaped candles scattered about to the curtains with their little hearts printed on the fabric. It was truly impressive.

  He walked over to look in the bathroom and whistled. “Check out that tub.” It was big enough to fit Aubry and him.

  He turned around before that thought could take root, but it was too late. All he could picture was her straddling him, bubbles sliding over her skin, her red hair wet, and her eyes with that same expression she’d had by the truck before they’d been interrupted.

  Back when he’d almost taken them off the deep end.

  Quinn spun on his heels and nearly ran over Aubry. “I’m going for those margaritas.” He didn’t wait for a response. He just grabbed the second key and walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind him.

  It didn’t help. He could still smell her on his skin, which shouldn’t have been possible, and it seemed like his control had splintered the second he got into the damn truck cab with her. Now he couldn’t get the damn images out of his head, and with her showing interest there wasn’t a whole lot standing in the way of burying himself in her until he could feel her coming around him.

  Nothing but the fact that they weren’t dating, weren’t friends, and could barely stand each other.

  …

  Aubry stared at the door and then looked around. Quinn hadn’t acted like he thought she was more of a freak than he normally did, but maybe her practically shoving his hand down her pants, followed by a panic attack, had been the last straw. She couldn’t help losing it. She’d been so focused on just surviving the trip that hearing the trip was actually going to take two days instead of one sent her into a tailspin.