Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85270 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
I can’t say no.
“We keep this between us.” I need for him to agree to this. I don’t want whatever this turns out to be when it ends to also end lifelong friendships in the process. We hide it, and I keep my heart on lockdown, and we’re golden.
“If that’s what you want.” He shrugs like he couldn’t care less if our friends and family know about this arrangement he’s proposing.
The Weeknd’s “Earned It” plays over the speakers, and I can’t hide my smile. This song is sexy, and considering our conversation, I think it’s rather fitting. “Okay,” I agree before I can think better of it and change my mind.
“Tonight?” His voice is soft, yet he rushed to get them out.
I swallow hard. “Tonight?”
He applies gentle pressure to my back, which has me stepping in even closer. He’s hard, and there’s no use denying that I’m just as turned on as he is. “How?” I ask.
“When we leave here, you come back to my place.”
“My place is closer.”
“You can park in the garage at mine.”
“Good point.”
“Tonight?”
I nod. “Okay.”
I’m shocked when he leans in and kisses my cheek. “I can’t go back to the table like this. Can you walk in front of me toward the hallway?” He points to the long hall where the restrooms are located just about five feet from where we’re standing.
“Do you want another drink?”
“No. I’d rather you not have another either. I want you to be coherent enough to remember this.”
“I’m not drunk.” I was buzzing, but his offer sobered me right up.
“I’d like to keep it that way.”
“I’ll grab a water,” I concede.
“I’ll take one of those too. Now, lead me to the hallway.” Turning in his arms, I grab his hand and lead him toward the long hallway. I don’t stop, deciding I could use a few minutes of my own to freshen up.
“I’ll meet you at the table.” I don’t wait for his reply. I drop his hand and push open the bathroom door. I freeze when I see Ramsey standing at the sink washing her hands. “Hey.” My voice is wobbly. That was too close.
“Hey. Are you okay? Your face is all flushed.”
“Yeah, it was hot out there on the dance floor, and I think all of those sex on the beach drinks are finally catching up with me. I might head home soon.”
“We’re heading out too. We can drop you off at your place.”
“Oh, yeah, that would be great.” Fuck. I didn’t think about the fact that I didn’t drive here, and even if I did, I can’t drive to his place after I’ve been drinking.
“We’ll wait for you by the door.”
I wave, and as soon as she’s gone, I move to a stall and dig my phone out of my back pocket to text Brooks.
Me: I didn’t drive here.
Brooks: Ride with me.
Me: That’s not hiding this.
Brooks: Fine, I’ll come and get you.
Me: Then you’d have to take me back home.
Brooks: You could stay over. I can take you back in the morning.
Me: I don’t think that’s a good idea.
No way can I sleep all night in his arms and be able to keep my heart on lockdown.
Brooks: Your place?
Me: Yes. Just park in the back of the lot. It's late. No one will notice.
Brooks: How are you getting home?
Me: Deacon
Brooks: Okay.
I debate on asking him for a time, but I don’t. He’s here. He’ll know when I’m leaving, and if he shows up, great, and if not, well, this either doesn’t happen or gets rescheduled. Taking a deep breath, I exit the stall and walk straight out of the restroom to find Ramsey and my brother. I find them by the door just like Ramsey promised. However, I wasn’t expecting Brooks to be there too.
“Hey. Are we ready?”
Deacon nods. “Brooks offered to take you home since it’s on his way. You good with that?” Deacon asks.
I bob my head. “Oh, yeah, for sure. That makes sense. You two are on the other side of town.” I don’t look at Brooks, afraid I’ll give us away. Sneaky bastard.
“Yeah, and since I picked you up, we don’t have to worry about getting your car to you.” Ramsey is grinning like a fool. I know what she’s thinking. That this is my chance. I picked Brooks, and she has it in her head that I’m going to get the same happy ending that she’s getting. If she knew that Brooks is only looking for a fling, I imagine her smile wouldn’t be so wide, if it was there at all.
I nod. “I’m in.” If they only knew how in I was about to be.
CHAPTER
NINE
Brooks
She won’t look at me. That’s probably a good thing. I’m not sure I’d be able to hide my desire for her right now if she did. It’s been three weeks of nothing but this girl in my head. Then the day her car broke down, something else happened. She’s suddenly in everything I do. At work, there was this cute little boy who came in with strep. He was four and had the best personality. He told me I was his hero, and don’t ask me why, but I wanted to pick up the phone and call her to tell her all about it.