“Me too.” She walked beside me, still graceful in the sky-high heels.
When we reached the door, we stopped. I had to fight my natural instinct to grab her face and kiss her. I wanted to push her into the door, caging her in while I devoured her. But I held back—barely.
“I’ll pick you up at six on Saturday.”
“Sounds good.” She stared into my face. Her gaze moved to my lips for a moment. She immediately averted it and acted like she wasn’t staring. But I knew she was. And I knew what she was thinking.
My hand moved to her lower waist. I rubbed her gently, feeling her out. She didn’t pull away but her breathing hastened. I wanted to pull her to my chest but she’d feel my massive erection. I was about to blow any second. That’s how beautiful this girl was. She floored me with her beauty. It was so natural but fantastical at the same time.
Her hand immediately pressed against my lower stomach. She flinched when she felt the muscle underneath. When she didn’t pull away, I knew she liked it.
“Are your roommates home?” I whispered.
“I’m sure they are.”
“Well, I don’t have any roommates.” My meaning hung in the air.
Her hand didn’t leave my lower stomach. “What do you want with me if you don’t want a relationship?”
“The exact same thing you want.”
She stared at my chest and fell silent.
“Let’s discuss it on Saturday. That’ll give you time to think about it.” I dropped my hand and returned it to my pocket.
She seemed winded when my touch ceased. She recovered instantly, hiding her true longing. Her eyes gave her away, slightly changing color when her emotions emerged. “Okay.”
Unable to stop myself, I grabbed the nape of her neck then pressed my lips to her cheek. I knew I wasn’t getting any tonight, but I wanted to feel her in some way, even if it was just her soft cheek. Her hand immediately touched mine, the one resting on her neck. But she didn’t pull it away.
The juvenile touch left me winded, which surprised me most of all. It was just a taste of her, but it was the best I’ve ever had. I desperately needed more. It only fed the beast inside me, the creature that was insatiable for this vision. I pulled away then gave her a final look. “Think about what I said—long and hard.”
Chapter Nine
Prudence Clearwater
Cash Matthews really got under my skin. But I liked it.
His confident and cool exterior continued to draw me in, although it probably shouldn’t have. When I felt the hardness of his stomach, I immediately became aroused. I didn’t need to see him naked to know he was all man underneath.
And I wanted to be underneath him.
I felt more like a slut with every passing minute.
The only guy I’d been with ended up breaking my heart into a million pieces. I thought I was over that relationship, but I don’t think I am. I was ignorant to his malicious ways, and blinded from the truth by my own stupidity. Those were years I’d never get back. And they only confirmed what I knew about men. They were liars, manipulators, untrustworthy, and heartbreakers. My dad was no exception. In fact, he was the biggest culprit of all. I’d never forgive him for what he did to Jeremy and I. And I certainly wouldn’t forgive him for what he did to my mom.
This reflection made me realize I wasn’t ready for a relationship. Being single for the rest of my life didn’t sound so bad. But not getting laid was unthinkable. Cash Matthews was gorgeous, charming, and sexy as hell. I definitely wanted to be under him.
Shit, I wanted to be on top.
But could I be intimate with someone I didn’t love? I wasn’t sure if I could. When Isaac and I were together, I thought I was in love with him. We were supposed to get married after college. I thought my fate was sealed. But that was all a lie. So was it worth it to sleep with someone I thought loved me, but didn’t care about me at all? At least Cash was honest with his intentions. It didn’t seem like he was hiding anything, only his private self. Which was fine with me. I didn’t want to break down all my problems. I doubt he wanted to either.
A purely physical relationship with minimal emotional attachment didn’t sound so bad. There was no possibility of getting hurt because I knew we weren’t serious. He could just be that booty call when I needed it. He could even be a friend. It was a lot to think about, and I decided to take my time like he suggested. But Desi wanted to give me an earful first.
“He doesn’t want to be anything serious?”
“No.” I leaned against the wall while I sat on my bed. It was late but neither one of us could sleep.
“Is it because you’re leaving in a few months?”
I knew that had nothing to do with it, but that seemed like a good excuse. “Yeah.”
“You should go for it.”
“Are you serious?” I asked.
“You just told me you weren’t ready to be with someone. This sounds perfect for you. It can take you on the road to recovery. You’ll totally get over Isaac after Cash rocks your world.”
“I am over Isaac.”
“You’re still covered in his bruises.”
I hated that.
Everyone knew I was damaged goods after our breakup. My brother was more livid than anyone else. I remember when he beat the shit out of Isaac. It gave me a slight satisfaction when Jeremy broke Isaac’s nose. After that, I returned to being hollow and empty. My brother never mentioned it again, but he was constantly next to me, silently supporting me. He was my closest confidant. The idea of not seeing him again broke my heart…I loved my brother.
“I’m past that relationship,” I said quietly.
“But you aren’t past your past,” Desi said. “You need to let it go.”
I was tired of hearing this too. It was easier said than done. I was constantly getting my heart broken, constantly being let down, and I was sick of it. Wouldn’t it be easier just to be with someone where there would be no possibility of heartbreak? There would be no lies, no deceit. It sounded perfect to me. The more I thought about it, the more I wanted to talk to Cash about his proposition.
I pulled back the covers and lay in bed. “I’m tired.” I’m a horrible liar. I don’t know why I bother.
Desi got under the covers and set her alarm. “Gavin is pissed.”
“I don’t care what he is.”