Page 35 of Lennox Lane

Lane’s mouth opened, and nothing came out.

His grin spread. “Exactly.”

“You are so annoying,” she huffed.

“And yet.”

“And yet what?”

He lowered his head slightly, eyes on hers. “You’re still here.”

The music shifted again, softer for a moment before the next track came in. Lane’s smile faded, not into sadness but into caution. The walls began moving back into place, and Lennox saw them. He hated them even though he helped build some of them, and that knowledge was a bitter thing.

“I’m here because you kidnapped me with better music,” she said.

“I didn’t kidnap you. I brought you here to have fun instead of going home so you could text Cae and Nova about murdering me,” Lennox corrected.

“I still might, and don’t look at me like that.”

“Like what?” He wanted to know.

“Like you forgot every reason I’m mad.”

“I didn’t forget.” His hand stayed at her waist, thumb moving once over the sequins. “I remember all of them.”

“Good.”

“I also remember why you shouldn’t go home alone tonight,” he shot his shot.

Her eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“I want you with me.”

“I am currently with you.”

“Tonight in my bed,” seduction oozing from his voice.

Lane stared at him, and before she could speak, the next song crashed through the speakers, pulling the room back into full movement, but neither of them moved.

Lennox held her gaze. “I’m not asking for what you think.”

“Bold of you to assume you know what I think.”

“I know what you’re thinking because your eyes have been cussing me out and undressing me in rotation for the last twenty minutes.”

“My eyes are victims of circumstance. They’re filing complaints against you.”

“They can file them from my house,” he was serious when he said it.

Lane’s laugh burst out before she could stop it. “You are so damn ridiculous.”

“I’m serious.”

That quieted her more than he expected.

He softened his grip immediately, giving her space without releasing her completely. “No pressure or expectations; you can even sleep in my bed. I’ll take the couch.”

“I just—” Lennox exhaled, dragging one hand over his jaw before returning it to her waist because letting go felt like punishment. “I don’t want another night without knowing you’re safe. Without knowing Jeanette can’t reach you in the dark and put that look on your face again.”