“You bet it is,” he says as serious as a heart attack.
I smile. “I’ve wanted you just as much.”
Taking my hand, he links our fingers together. “I picked fights with you to push you away. I’ve been fighting this attraction and losing. When I think I can take the next step with you, I remember the past and I run scared. I’ve given you mixed signals. I’m sorry. Sorry for the hurt I’ve caused.”
Seeing the vulnerability on his face and hearing the sorrow in his voice squeezes my heart. Rachel has caused more damage than she will ever know. Not that she’d care. I’d like to slap her for the pain she’s caused. Also, a part of me wants to thank her for removing her wickedness from Hayden and Lily’s lives.
“There is nothing to be sorry about,” I say. “What you went through was difficult. I’m glad I know the truth. I’ll stop being snarky with you now.” And stop putting him in situations where he feels the urge to cross the line.
“I made you snarky?” he says.
“Yes, you did. It happens when I’m horny and unsatisfied.”
He gives a surprised chuckle. “I put you in that condition?”
Shuffling closer, I playfully slap my hand on his shoulder. “You know you did.”
His lips tilt into a crooked grin. “How are you feeling now?”
Staring straight into his eyes, I say, “Horny and unsatisfied.” Hey, if he’s getting things off his chest, so can I.
His smile and all amusement drop from his face. A flair of heat burns from his eyes. “I want to help you with that.”
A sudden rush of heat hits between my legs, making me squirm. “I’d be more than happy for your help. Although, I don’t want you to think you owe me anything. If you’re not ready, I’ll understand.”
“I promised myself I’ll never have a one-night stand again.”
My shoulders deflate with disappointment. For a moment, I’d hoped now that things are out in the open, he could get past what’s holding him back. I was wrong. I stare at our linked fingers, wishing things could be different.
“I want more than one night with you,” he says.
My head jerks up. “What are you saying?” I hold my breath, waiting for the answer.
He rubs his thumb over my wrist. “I’ve never had a relationship. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing. All I know is that I want you—needyou in my life. If what I’ve said has scared the crap out of you and you never want to have anything to do with me again, I get it. But if you want to give me a chance, I’ll do everything I can to make you happy.”
The vulnerability on his face makes my heart fill with emotion. It’s taken a lot for him to let his guard down. It’s sweet and sexy. How can I refuse? I’ve never felt like this about anyone before. I need him too.
When I don’t answer, he pulls his hand away. “I shouldn’t have said all that. This isn’t what you want—”
I straddle his lap, clasp his face in my hands, and kiss him. His body sighs with relief a second before he wraps his arms around my waist. I pull back to say, “I want this. I want you. Not just in bed but out of it too.”
His lips pull up into a sexy grin. “You’re already in my bed, how about we get started with this first?”
With his erection pressing against my sex, I know physically he is ready. What about mentally? I don’t want to rush him. “Are you sure you want to do this? We can wait—”
Slamming his lips on mine, he hooks his arm around my waist and flips me onto my back. “I’m ready. Wait…” Then he stiffens. Oh no, is he getting scared again? As hard as it’s going to be, I have to be patient. “You’re sick. You need to rest.”
My body sags. He’s not getting scared. He’s worried about my health. “I’m fine. Great. Never felt better.” It’s true. Whatever bug was in my system has gone.
He searches my face. “Are you sure?”
I blow out a frustrated breath. “Put your hands on me, Hayden Alessi.”
“Are you always so bossy, Twinkle Toes?”
I squirm under him. “Are we going to talk or fuck? Because there are parts of your body I want to put my mouth on.” I slide my hand between our bodies and hold on to his erection through his sweatpants. He sucks in a breath. “Especially your cock.”
His eyes darken. “I love it when you talk dirty.”
