“Like always, I fell to another wicked scheme.”

“What do you mean? Wait,” he said before she went to answer, “Why don’t we go have a seat, I’ll get us some hot chocolate and we’ll talk.”

Audrey nodded slowly, “That would be nice.”

Audrey settled herself on the porch, while Tate ran through the house getting together two cups of hot chocolate. He had finally finished getting the condo decorated with his things, he probably should have invited her inside, but she seemed happy to sit on the porch. It was chilly but it was still a bright beautiful morning.

When Tate came outside, Audrey was sitting on the top step, wrapped in a blanket and she had a coat on, too. He had thought she would be cold when he saw her in her short shorts and tank but he guessed her adrenaline was running on high and she didn’t feel the chill. She must have now. Tate sat down beside her, handing her a bright purple Assassins’ mug before settling in beside her.

Audrey took a sip and smiled over at him, “This is good.”

Tate smiled widely. It was his mom’s hot chocolate recipe from back home. He loved it and he loved it even more that she liked it. He continued to grin, his body filling with warmth from the girl beside him and for some reason he wasn’t shy about his smile around her. Maybe it was the way she would smile when he did. It made him feel good, like he didn’t need to hide the gap between his teeth.

“So, wicked scheme?” He knew he said scheme wrong. It sounded more like schewe when he said it. Oh well, she must have gotten the point because she nodded.

“Yup, like always. I always take shit from idiots.”

“So, in other words you haven’t found the right guy?”

She laughed as she nodded, “Nope, but I’ve found every wrong one on the way.”

Tate nodded, “So, what did this idiot do to cause you to burn stuff?”

Audrey ran her finger along the rim of her mug before looking up at him, “Why is it so easy to talk to you?”

Tate was a little confused by her question. He grinned while shrugging his shoulders, “I’m not sure, but I’m glad I am.”

Audrey eyes soften as she nodded, “It’s nice.”

Tate continued to grin, “It is. Now tell me.”

Her smile fell as her hand slowly went up to a piece of her hair. She started to twirl it slowly around her finger as she stared over at the pile of burnt mess. “I went home with someone who I have been sleeping with for the past eight months when I knew I shouldn’t have. He doesn’t love me. He doesn’t want to be with me, but for some reason I keep hoping for something that is never gonna happen. I woke up to him getting dressed and he proceeded to tell me, he only wants to have sex with me, he doesn’t want to be with me.”

Tate cringed. The dude was an idiot! But all in all, his loss was Tate’s gain.

“Did you try?” he asked.

Audrey looked over at him, and nodded, “Yeah.”

“Did you give him everything you had?”

“Yeah, and he used me.”

“Then forget him, he doesn’t deserve you. You deserve someone who will love you, not some jackass that doesn’t know his ass from his head.”

Audrey covered her mouth as she giggled, “Everyone tells me that.”

“Then maybe you should listen,” he said with a grin.

She grinned back before nodding, “Maybe I will.”

For some reason, he got the vibe she was flirting with him. His heart rate picked up as his dick hardened with the beautiful memories of her naked. She was hurting and he was a dick for thinking of sex, but he couldn’t help it. She was so sexy and gorgeous. At the right angle he could see perfectly down her shirt. He couldn’t help it. For some reason he found himself thinking about her naked and sex when he was around her. He had wanted her since he watched her leave the hotel room. It had been a long week and he was ready for a repeat and more.

Tate turned up his charm, channeling his inner Lucas before grinning over at her.

“Maybe a good guy is in your future.”

“Maybe,” she grinned as she stood up, suddenly, “thanks for the talk.”

“Anytime.”

Audrey handed him the empty mug as he stood. He looked down at her; a little closer than needed but he wanted her in his arms again. Nothing was said for a moment as they stared into each other eyes. Her eyes were so dark with pretty little spots of honey. She was beautiful, so beautiful. Audrey pointed behind her, just as her eyes fell to his lips. She looked away quickly and muttered, “I gotta get dressed and go buy a couch and mattress before Aiden gets here.”

“Yeah, Lucas told me Aiden is staying with you for the week.”

“Yup,” she nodded, taking a step back from him.

“He told me to help out but to know that you probably won’t need it.”

She smiled, “No, Aiden and I are good, but thanks.”

“Sure,” he said as she reached the door. He didn’t want her to go so he said, “I’m home alone for the week, if you guys want company let me know.”

Audrey smiled, her eyes brighter than they were earlier, “Will do. Thanks again, Tate.”

“Anytime.”

She went inside and he leaned against the brick of the condo, taking in deep breaths. She did something to his heart and he didn’t understand it, but he liked it. He liked her.

“Hey.”

Tate came off the wall, a quick smile on his face for Audrey. “Yeah?”