Handcuffs and Lace 27 -Brass Balls by Mia Watts Read Free Book Online Page B

softly. “I’m quite happy to have missed the discussion about which of you wants to pitch first and how hot you both are.”
“You think he’s hot,” Peterman said. “That’s interesting, because he thinks the same of you.”
Oak sat up. “I know you missed the very subtle memo to you, but I’m interested in you. Apparently that’s something else Owen and I have in common.”
“Not exactly.”
“I’m done talking. G’night, boss.”
Oak hung up. He felt a little churlish for doing it, but he’d just had his emotional ass kicking. His number was closed for business tonight. To make a point of that, he turned off his cell when Peterman tried to call him again. Maybe he was just a kid. He didn’t think so. He didn’t think any man would lay himself out for another round after the last one was so unsuccessful.
He got up, pulled off his shirt and threw it in the clothes basket. Kicking off his shoes first, he then took off his socks and dropped them in too. He unbuttoned his jeans and stopped to look at himself in the mirror.
“You look tired,” he told his reflection.
A noise downstairs caught his attention. Had he locked the back doors? He couldn’t remember anything beyond getting home and going upstairs. He listened again. Oak moved silently to his dresser and withdrew his gun. Cocking it, he eased down the stairs, careful not to hit the squeaky step.
He turned the corner, ready to shout police , when he saw Peterman standing in the lower hallway. Peterman’s gaze raked over him slowly.
“Good form,” he murmured.
“Fuck,” Oak clicked the safety on and tucked his gun in his back waistband. “I could’ve shot you. Haven’t heard of knocking?”
“I knocked. You didn’t answer. I also called and got hung up on.”
“I turned off my phone. Most people recognize that as a clear hint to piss off.”
Peterman smiled the captain smile. The one that said he’d just delivered an assignment he knew the guys would hate, but they’d have to do it anyway.
“What do you want? Oh, wait. I know. You’re out of condoms.” Oak said.
He reached into his back pocket, pulled out his wallet and retrieved a foil packet. He raised his brows and held the small square up between his first two fingers before flicking it at Peterman’s chest.
Peterman caught it. “I came to talk . I haven’t done much of that and I think I’ve been unfair.”
Oak lifted an eyebrow. He folded his arms across his chest, using one of the captain’s favorite stances when he waited for an explanation.
“We could sit down,” Peterman suggested.
“Or stand here. I think it encourages a speedier resolution and keeps you from getting too comfortable when I’d rather be alone.”
“Would you? I could leave,” Peterman offered.
Oak frowned.
“That’s what I thought,” Peterman said. He continued. “Owen and I aren’t together. I know what it looked like, but that was just a kiss.”
“Some kiss.”
“He was suggesting a hook up. It’s tempting. He’s a great-looking guy, and there aren’t any complications with him.”
“This is going to feel like less of a taunt in a minute, right?” Oak wondered.
“I should start over.”
“So I can hear how stimulating Owen is again? No, thank you.”
“Stop snapping long enough to hear me out,” Peterman barked. “I wasn’t expecting you, ya know. You kind of came out of left field. One minute you’re John’s kid—kinda cute, a little scrappy, a total snark-ass. The next minute you’re this man I’ve known forever who’s kissing me and asking me to risk everything. You didn’t give me a lot of adjustment time.”
“A snark-ass?”
“Shut up,” Peterman told him. “I’m talking here, and until I’m done, you’re going to hear every word I say. Got it?”
Oak stubbornly stood his ground, glaring at the captain in stony silence. Oak really wanted him to leave and let him sort out his thoughts. The kiss with Owen had been a stinging reminder than the captain didn’t