His Curvy Secret (Security Guards of Appleridge #3)

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

Rowan

Fuck, did she have to be so goddamn gorgeous?

I scrubbed a hand over my face and beard and tried to focus on the football game on the TV, but my mind was elsewhere.

“Whoa, shit, did you see that, man?” Julian asked before he started cussing at the game.

“Crazy pass.” I muttered before my thoughts ran off again…directly upstairs to the root of the problem- Mila.

“Pass? Bro are you even watching the game?”

“Of course, I’m sitting here aren’t I?”

Julian side eyed me and the intensity of his stare, something that usually didn’t bother me or throw me off, had me definitely bothered. I didn’t fucking understand why because like I told Mila, I didn’t care what Julian said, I’d take what I want. And Julian would just have to deal.

Our friendship had been tested plenty of times while serving in the military together and we always came out stronger. While I knew the reasons Julian felt protective over his sister, fuck I would too if I had one, but he also knew I would never do a damn thing to put her in arms way. If anything, she’ll be doubly protected with both of us around.

“Then you would’ve known I wasn’t complaining about a pass. It was the damn ref’s call!”

“Guess I’ve had a few too many.” I tipped my nearly empty beer bottle towards him. “Mind if I crash in the guest room tonight?”

“You know the answer’s always yes.”

“Thanks. I think I’m going to turn in early. Crew’s got a new job lined up for me tomorrow.”

“Nice. I’ll be hitting the streets, trying to convince the local businesses they need our security cameras.”

I stood up and stretched. Little did Julian know, the last thing I had on my mind was sleep. “Good. Hopefully, you get lots of hits. See you in the morning, man.”

“Hey, Row, real quick,” Julian’s tone grew a lot more serious, and I already knew what he was about to say. “I don’t have to worry about you around Mila, right?”

“No, of course not. We’re family, brother.” I offered him my fist and he bumped it. It was the honest truth. Julian felt like a brother to me, the closest version I’d ever had of one anyway.

Growing up as a single child comes with its advantages like never sharing the spotlight and having your parents dote on you, but it also comes with a price- no siblings.

Besides, he didn’t need to worry. I’d never hurt Mila. I’d protect her with my life.

And once I claimed her heart like she already had mine, I’d spend my life chasing one clear goal- making her happy.

The guest bedroom was directly across the hall from Mila’s bedroom and as badly as I wanted to knock on her door and barge my way in, I wasn’t an asshole.

So instead I waited.

I sat patiently on the guest room recliner chair with the door open until I heard noise in the hallway. It wasn’t Julian, who would never stop watching the game before it ended, and there was at least two more hours left.

As soon as I saw her prance down the hall in her pajamas, her hair gathered into a messy bun on top of her head, I got up and watched her disappear downstairs.

Shit, there went my chance.

But I wasn’t defeated. Nope, I’d just wait some more.

Sure enough, five minutes later she was back, this time with a full glass of wine in one hand.

When I stepped out of the room, my eyes drank in her sexy, curvaceous frame, her pjs leaving little to the imagination. “Hi,” I grunted, my voice deeper than expected.

Mila jumped and screamed at the same time, her glass crashing to the floor as wine flew in every direction. “Shit! You scared me half to death!” Her loud laugher bounced between us and damn, it was contagious.

I couldn’t stop my own laughter from sneaking out. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. Let me grab a towel and help you clean that up.” I jogged over to the hall linen closet, grabbed a couple of towels, and handed one to her while bending down to wipe up the mess all over the floor.

“I’m more sad I have to go downstairs again.” Mila said as she wiped off her face and pjs. “My show was just getting good and my bed is so comfy.”

“I’ll get you more.” I picked up her glass and disappeared down the stairs before she could say no. I snuck in and out of the kitchen quickly without Julian suspecting a thing.

Now I had an excuse to go in her bedroom.

I hopped up the stairs with a definite pep in my step and I found Mila in bed, the covers pulled up to neck. She sat transfixed by the TV and when I saw what she was watching, I instantly knew why. The Ozarks was an amazing show.

“Here you go.” I handed her the glass and our fingers brushed as she took it from me. My dick jolted to life, the poor guy on snooze for way too long.

“Thank you.” She smiled up at me, her eyes shining bright, and I became transfixed.

Oh, sweet, gorgeous Mila…

My eyes dropped to her plump lips and all I could think about was kissing her.

Inch by inch, I closed the gap between us as I placed my hands on the bed for support, and when our mouths nearly collided, Mila shook her head and leaned further back. “Rowan, I…this…it can’t…”

“I don’t care what Julian thinks.”

“But maybe I do.”

I backed up. “You’re right, I’m sorry.”

“He wouldn’t like this. The last thing I need is complications. My damn life is a complication.” Mila sipped her wine before placing the glass on the the end table next to the bed.

A pit formed in my stomach at the thought of not having her, or kissing her, or having the chance to love her. But I had to respect her space and her decisions. If only I could have one little taste of her…maybe then, I could put this whole situation out of my mind.

“Can I ask one favor before I go?”

“Sure, what is it?”

“May I kiss you one time? It’ll be our little secret.”

“Rowan…”

“Please?”

“Okay, but just one, small little peck on the lips.”

I nodded even though we both knew there was no way I’d only give her a peck.

I’ve wanted to taste her since I saw her walk through the door.

And I wasn’t about to hold back.