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He didn’t want me.
Nate is sitting on the coffee table across from me, leaning forward, with his elbows on his knees and his hands folded together. His face is strong, and his jaw has a dusting of dark stubble. It makes his eyes appear brighter, bluer. I could look at him forever. The man is a masterpiece of beauty wrapped up in an irresistible body. Then there's his mind, painting abilities, and his sexy smirk. He’s completely swoon-worthy, even after repetitive rejections.
Nate tips his head and points at my glass. “Drink up or you’ll have a nasty hangover. You won’t be able to tell off your ex tomorrow.”
My mind is still on a conversation from a few hours ago. “Were you sucking face with that woman? She wanted you.”
“I know.” He doesn’t elaborate.
I frown. “Why won’t you tell me?”
“Because it doesn’t matter. I was there for the same reason you were.”
“Beer?”
He laughs, “No, to forget all the shit that didn’t go right and stop thinking for the night. I knew you guys went drinking, but that place isn’t the norm for college kids. They usually go further up the street.”
“We heard the place was haunted.”
“Of course. You were looking for ghosts. Well, my night was progressing fine, but then I saw you and—hell. What was I supposed to do?”
“You were supposed to keep me with you. You were supposed to get rid of the redhead and suck face with me.” Holy fuck, why did I say that? I blink rapidly, not believing the room is still spinning. I pinch my forehead and try to put the water down.
Nate shoves it back into my hand. “I’m going to force-feed you that if you don’t swallow soon.”
With a droll expression on my face, I say, “That’s what he said.”
“Kerry!” Nate tries not to laugh, but can’t help it. “You have no idea what you do to me.” He cups my face between his hands as he says it, looking into my eyes.
Unfortunately, I can’t hold his gaze long without the threat of ralphing on his shoes. “Likewise.”
“Here,” he’s more gentle this time and holds up the glass, lifting it to my lips. “Only a little at a time.”
Before I can say no, he tips up the glass and cool water rushes past my lips. Some spills down my chin and drips into my shirt while the rest slips over my lips and into my mouth. I swallow softly and remain perfectly still—wondering if he’ll do it again.
He keeps the glass by my lips, and with his other hand, smooths the water over my neck. “Sorry, that must be cold.”
I’m lost, watching him, wishing for more and knowing I’ll never get it. Why do I keep chasing men who are bad for me? Nate is bad for me. Isn’t he?
“Here, ready?” I nod. He lifts the glass again. When he lowers it, he wipes his thumb over my mouth, removing any beads of water still clinging to my lip. “That’s not so bad, now is it?”
I don’t answer. I watch him as he helps me again and again. The way his hands move and his gentle touch are crave-worthy. He smiles and speaks softly, his voice comforting. When his hand is on my neck and he tips the water to my lips, I nearly melt. I think about him trailing those warm hands down my throat and to my shoulder. I want him to pull me close and kiss me like he never wants to let go.
“What are you
thinking about?” he asks. I’ve been quiet too long.
“Love. I used to think it was real, but I don't anymore.”
His eyes cut to the side as he answers. “What made you decide that?”
“Because the concept of forever is flawed. Love is supposed to be this everlasting thing. If there is no forever, if nothing is certain—not even the love of a mother—then the entire concept is a lie.” I blink slowly, watching him set the glass down across from me. “I don’t like lies.”
“Neither do I.” His tone darkens, and he looks at his hands carefully. “I’d say you shouldn’t judge your mother so harshly, but I see no point in that.”
“Why?”
“Because mine did some atrocious things. Things horrible enough to stain the few memories I had of her forever. Ah, but there’s your certainty of love. If hate can last for eternity, then surely love is possible.”
