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True, but they don’t think about ripping the others clothes off while they’re doing it. This might be a mistake, spending time with her, letting her in. I have to be careful. “Good, I’ll drop Liv off, and she can drive your Jeep home. We’ll leave from the Bean.”
Her hand lands on my upper thigh, and I nearly spit beer again. The blush sweeping across her cheeks tells me she didn’t intend to land so high up, and she promptly pulls her hand away. She’s nervous, but her eyes smile, and she stares at my lips. How can I pretend I don’t have feelings for her, when all I want to do is kiss her? “Can I ask where we’re going?”
I set my beer on the table, and turn to look at her, still amused by the color of her cheeks. “It’s a surprise. I just want to share something with you.”
She looks down. “I’m glad you want to share something with me. And I love surprises.”
The recess lighting above her casts a light directly over the swell of her breasts, enticing me. I move closer to her, lean in and take a deep breath. Our eyes lock, and I’m once again overcome with a desire to touch her, run my fingers all over her curvy body. I consider briefly going upstairs and getting her a robe to put on so I’m less tempted to pounce on her. I glance away, first to the right and then to the left, hoping she’ll move away from me. She doesn’t, and when I bring my eyes back to hers, there’s something in them that I don’t want to see. Something that scares the living shit out of me. She wants me as passionately as I want her.
She smiles her gorgeous smile, the one that creates a commotion in my balls. “I love seeing that smile on your face.”
I’m barely able to breathe, and then I do something I may live to regret.
I lunge at her, pushing her into the couch with my body. Pressing my lips to hers, I wait for her to shove me or smack me, something to stop me because I can’t stop myself. A fulfilled moan leaves her mouth, urging me on. Her lips part, welcoming me inside, sweet and warm, and way too alluring. My tongue swipes across hers. Another moan escapes her throat, and I nearly lose it. We kiss with a heated urgency that has me wanting more of her, wanting her naked.
Sliding my hand up the smooth skin of her thigh, I palm her firm ass under her shorts. Her legs wrap tightly around my waist and hold me to her body. I close my eyes, kissing the soft skin behind her ear, down her neck, and across her collarbone, I’m lost, intoxicated by her scent. Flowers, jasmine or violets, maybe. When I open my eyes to soft pink skin, I remember that this is wrong.
I stand up swiftly and walk to the window, pressing on my erection. My balls ache, and I struggle to clear my head so I can talk to her. When I can finally breathe again, I turn to face her. Her cheeks are glowing red, and her hand covers her trembling lips. Her eyes are glossy, her pale blue irises cloudy, and tears are about to spill. I sit down next to her, and pull her hand from her mouth. She sucks in a ragged breath, holding back tears. “I’m so sorry, Tori. I crossed a line. It was wrong, and I promise I won’t let it happen again.”
Her eyes look down at our joined hands and I swallow the lump in my throat, afraid of what she is about to say. “It’s okay. I crossed a line, too.”
A sigh of relief rushes out of me. As much as I’m wrong for her, I can’t live without her. “Thank you. We’re finally friends again. I don’t want to mess that up.”
“I don’t, either, Brady.” She stands and smiles up me. It’s a weak smile, but nonetheless I’m grateful for it. “I’m going to go up to bed. Goodnight.”
“Goodnight.” I watch her slip away up the stairs until I hear her door close. Day one, and I’ve nearly screwed up the second chance she’s given me.
Quiet isn’t good. Quiet means I have to listen to the manic voices in my head analyzing, worrying, and judging. Some argue with me to give into my desire, regardless of the consequences, while others remind me I don’t have the courage to stand up to my mother, and until I do, I’ll only wind up hurting Tori. My plan to keep my distance and just be friends is quickly going to hell.
Chapter 10
Tori
Just before eight, I walk through the door of The Ocean Bean for my first day of work. Harrison’s already there and smiles brightly. Smiling back, I blush…again. Ugh, goddamn those dimples. I’m a sucker for dimples.
Harrison gives me a white polo with the Ocean Bean logo on it, along with a red apron. After changing in the restroom, I go to the back room and put my clothes and purse inside one of the empty employee lockers. As I’m closing the locker door, something peeking out of the side pocket of my purse catches my eye. I pull it out and can’t stop smiling.
It’s a tissue. In Brady’s handwriting it says, Thank you for forgiving me, again. Good luck on your first day. B. He’s even made a smiley face. Smile wide, I stuff the tissue back in my purse. Last night replays in my mind, Brady’s full, soft lips kissing me, his hands exploring my body so intensely. I can’t stifle the blush. As my cheeks warm, I know without a doubt that if he hadn’t pulled away, I would have slept with him. He ignites a passion in me that honestly scares and captivates me. I have no idea how he was able to stop, but I’m grateful he did. I want his friendship more than anything, and if things had gone further, I would have lost it forever. Brady’s obviously going through something incredibly painful. He’s not ready for any kind of romantic relationship. Pushing things with him would be detrimental to both of us.
When I finally clock in for my shift, Harrison patiently walks me through the operation of all the levers and knobs on the equipment. In no time flat, I’ve got it down and am making drinks for customers. Harrison’s understanding is greatly appreciated when I spill more than a couple of drinks. Each time I do, he laughs quietly, winks at me, and then discreetly makes new ones. When the morning rush is over, the place is pretty much deserted. We spend our time cleaning up, chatting, and restocking the napkins and straws.
Harrison begins wiping down counters. “So, what do you thi
nk? Not so hard, huh?”
I pick up a rag and start helping him. His gaze follows me from table to table. “No, it wasn’t so bad. I think I’ve got the hang of it.”
He stops and smiles. “Good. I’m glad you stopped in yesterday. It’s nice to work with someone when I like their company.”
I giggle, snapping my mouth shut the second I let it out. What the hell? “Thanks, Harrison. I like working with you, too.”
While he looks at me, the little tingles from yesterday make a return appearance. They’re not quite the sparklers-under-my-skin kind Brady ignites, but they’re definitely present.
Harrison is stocking cups when he stops and smiles softly, shooting me a nervous glance. I know immediately what’s coming, and I have no idea what I’m going to say. “Would you go to dinner with me?”
Like always, Liv was right. “I’d rather…” I start, considering spitting out a joke. A smile creeps up my cheeks as I hesitate. I can’t think of something painful I’d rather do than go out with him. In fact, I think I might enjoy a date with Harrison. The whole first-date hurdle is just not something I’m ready for. It’s the fear of letting anyone get close again that holds me back. “I’m not sure, Harrison.”
“Okay, that’s cool. I understand.” His soft brown eyes gleam with disappointment before he looks away, and stares into the box of cups.
