Page 29 of Make You Stay

“Are you?”

“Not especially. Likely a lousy lay, too.”

“I didn’t sleep with her.”

“Really?” She’s trying to remain casual, but I see her posture relax with my admission.

“Nah. Not my style.”

“I like your style. It’s refreshing to know there are men out there who aren’t just looking for a quick lay.”

“I’m not opposed to a quick lay, but I prefer to take my time. However, when you only have a few minutes, ripping off your clothes and bending you over the counter sounds like a fantastic idea.” My gaze holds hers, daring her to look away. Daring her to deny what is building between the two of us. What’s been building for the past month.

Now the flush is back, as she stands there, biting her lower lip and looking so damn good I’m having trouble containing myself.

She wants me. I want her.

“Admit it, Chloe.”

“What?”

“Admit you hated the fact I went on a date as much as I hated you going on one with Zeke.”

“It’s not my business.” But her face belies her words.

“Maybe you should make it your business.”

“What about your rules?” She skews her mouth to the side, those wide-set eyes regarding me with feigned indifference. But I see the spark, and I know she’s as tied up about this situation as I am.

“What about yours?”

The peal of her landline slices through the growing sexual tension like a hot knife through butter. Crossing my arms over my chest, I huff out a sigh, unsure how I feel about anyone daring to interrupt us. “Looks like you’re saved by the bell. But Chloe?”

“Yes?”

“I really hope Zeke was a terrible kisser.”

“I wouldn’t know.”

The god-awful ringing continues, but Chloe makes no move to take the call. Instead, she moves inches forward, every step bringing her closer to me. “Why would you hope it was a terrible kiss? Don’t I deserve spine-tingling, orgasmic kisses?”

Finally, the ringing ceases, her final question dangling like the ripest fruit, demanding to be plucked.

A question I’m finally going to answer with brutal honesty. “Absolutely, all over your body, but not from him. Never from him.”

As if in some technology-ridden nightmare, the damn phone peals out its ghoulish call again, determined to impede on our moment.

“They don’t seem to be giving up. You’d better get that.”

With a final bite to her lip, Chloe slips past me into the other room to answer the call, pivoting away from my heady stare. I’ve unhinged her, which is precisely my plan.

Time to drive my intentions home—in no uncertain terms.

Stepping to the edge of the room, I lean against the doorjamb, focusing my gaze on the ceiling. To the outsider, I appear at ease. My words, however, are anything by innocuous, flowing unbidden from my mouth. “Kisses covering every inch of your body, Chloe, but only from me. No one else.”

At least I voiced my feelings, even if she didn’t hear me.

With a last smirk in Chloe’s direction, I return to my work area, intent on settling my feelings and ever-present erection.

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