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Oh, how well I knew it. How many times had I wanted to kick myself for ever letting the words come out of my mouth?
“So, do you have a favorite from the group?” I forced myself to ask. “Ashley seems nice.”
Garrett watched me as he said, “I suppose she is.”
“What is that supposed to mean? Do you like Hayley or Jasmine better?” I ground my teeth together, hating that we were discussing how he felt about other women—even though that was exactly what we should be talking about.
He shrugged noncommittally. “I guess my opinion is still undecided, but getting to know them better will definitely help moving forward.”
“Right.” My voice was tight and clipped. I tried to smile, but I just didn’t have it in me.
“Why do you seem upset by that?” he asked. “I’m doing what you asked. I’m getting to know them. Just because I don’t have a favorite doesn’t mean I’m not trying. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
“Yes.”No.
“Then why don’t you sound like it? Would it make you feel better to know that you were still there in the back of my mind? That I wondered where you were and what you were doing?”
I gave him a stern look, despite his words making me feel warm and fuzzy. And even though I should have been happy that he was actually putting effort into this date, I had to force myself to remind him, “You shouldn’t have been thinking about me at all, Garrett.”
He leaned in, his eyes darkening with desire as his lips came so close that I could feel his breath. “How am I not supposed to think about you when the only thoughts that fill my mind, day and night, are what it was like to have sex with you?”
I shouldn’t be so turned on by that, but it took every ounce of willpower I had to move away, putting even more distance between us. It would be easy to give in, let him kiss me, and see where it led.
Overriding my growing desire, I gave him a pointed look. “Garrett, you have to start taking this more seriously. We’re down to eleven women—ten after you make your decision tonight. Speaking of which, who do you think you’ll send home?”
He shrugged, frowning. “I honestly hadn’t thought about it.”
I sighed in exasperation. “Come on, Garrett. This is important. Who did you like most of the three? What about Hayley? She seems really sweet, and she’s beautiful with that chocolate skin. I think you two could really get along well.”
“Maybe.” His tone couldn’t have been more disinterested.
“Well, I’m rooting for her to stay.”
He scoffed. “You can’t root for another girl.”
“Oh really?” I arched my brows, even though my heart agreed with his statement. “I’m rooting for a successful Contention—for you and Holden to achieve your goals. That’s the whole point here. Besides, I can do whatever I want. It’s not like we can be together once this whole thing is over.”
His expression darkened. “I never wanted this to begin with.”
I threw my hands up, exasperated with him. “Well, it’s a bit too late for that, isn’t it? Here we are, and there’s nothing you can do about it now.”
“Is that so?” His voice was low, his eyes glinting dangerously.
“Yes, and if you think you can—”
He silenced me with a kiss. Soft and teasing, his lips brushing against mine. His tongue traced my mouth then parted my lips, sliding inside in a sensual stroke that reminded me too well how amazing he was at kissing.
He wrapped a hand around the nape of my neck as he took my wine glass from my hands and set it on the table. I moaned into his mouth, my body responding before my brain had time to catch up.
Wait. No.
Pushing at his chest, I broke the kiss. “Stop, Garrett. We can’t do this.”
He frowned. “What do you mean? Of course, we can. I’m not mated yet.”
Yet. But he would be, all too soon. Part of me wanted to use that as an excuse to spend this time together, to get my fill of him before I couldn’t have him anymore. I knew that would only lead to heartache, though.
I shook my head, standing up before I thought better of it. “No. You should go.”
