Page 17 of Chasing his Ex

I stroll around his apartment, trying to relax and wonder why he suddenly about turned.

I try to take in the modern furnishings, a low-backed L-shaped leather lounge in an off-white color, an oak topped coffee table. A matching oak dining table with six leather chairs around it sits on the far side of the large open-plan room.

My home seems so much different, less contemporary, more lived in. It’s also not mine. I’m renting a fully furnished home, but Stella and I have added some personal touches.

I can’t stop thinking of what made him change in an instant and stroll to the door to his bedroom, about to say something, but I don’t.

Finn is faced away from me, his arms spread-eagled on the wall, and his head hung low, contemplating.

I bite my lip to stop myself from saying something. He’s already regretting it, wondering the hell he’s doing. And despite the ache in my heart, I grab my bag and stride toward the exit.

It’s time to let the past stay in the past.

Why did I agree to come here in the first place?

This was a mistake and I know where it’s going to lead. It’s best we at least try to stay on the good terms we’ve finally found ourselves in. I shouldn’t have agreed to be in his apartment.

“Where are you going?” His voice is low and demanding.

This is going to be awkward.

“You looked like you needed me to leave,” I say when I turn to face him. “Like you’re already regretting me being here.”

He strolls across the room, coming to where I stand. But I can’t look at him anymore, and stare past him, gazing out of the window.

“I regret nothing.”

I turn clumsily to face him, not sure what to expect. But we just look at each other for a moment. I should leave, but my feet remain rooted to the spot.

“Come with me,” he says, taking my hand.

“It’s too soon,” I say. “For both of us, after everything.”

With his free hand, he takes my cheek in his palm. “There’s no rush.” His expression is soft and full of need, and I get it. I want him too ... but somehow it seems so wrong after everything.

“Just stay with me, no sex,” he says, as his thumb slides over my bottom lip.

“I should go,” I whisper.

Agony crosses his face. “Because of him,” he says.

“No, because of you.”

Chapter 7

Ava

He balls the fabric of my blouse in his fists and pulls me to him, crashes his mouth on mine. We kiss each other furiously, as though deep down we’re still angry with each other.

My shoe hits the floor with a loud thud as he walks me backward and then pushes me back onto the sofa.

My eyes burst open at the shock.

He drags off his t-shirt, and I catch my breath, seeing perfectly formed lean muscles on his towering frame. Solid torso with a six-pack, and firm, defined arms.

My hands move over his stomach, his hard chest, a body gifted by the Gods. But he’s the same man he always was. Now, like back then, he doesn’t even know how sexy he is.

He takes my hair, smoothing it to one side as he kisses my neck. A shiver skates down my spine. But it was always like this with him. He always knew how to strum my body and work me into a frenzy. Nothing has changed.

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