Page 15 of His Red Carnation

Sloane flashed a quick smile at her mom. “I can take care of myself. But thanks,” she said coolly, leaning against the couch beside Ana, now facing me.

“He won’t get in your way, honey. He just has a job to do,” Jake added.

Sloane shot me a grin, and as fucked up as it was, I was excited to get some extended alone time with her.

She bit her lip, crossing her arms. “Fine. But you’ll have to take me to Crepeaway again.”

7

Sloane

It was so easy to keep breaking Callan’s walls down. I knew exactly how he’d react when I sent that picture, so I was ready for the call. I knew he wouldn’t be able to resist watching me play with myself. And when he told me he wanted me, my stomach swirled with butterflies.

I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was about him that made me want him so badly. Sure, he was hot—sofucking hot—but it was more than that. He had the foulest mouth and the toughest exterior, constantly trying to close himself off. Was it just the toxic masculinity he’d been taught to hide behind? Every time I chipped away at those walls, I felt a little victory. But really, I didn’t know him all that well, did I? Maybe he just needed time to open up. Maybe trying to jump his bones at every chance I got wasn’t the best way to get to know him…

The thought of my parents being gone for two days filled me with excitement—I wouldn’t have to leave Callan’s side. The real question was, would he want to stay by mine?

We spent half the twenty-minute drive to Georgetown in silence. As we stopped at a red light, I glanced over at him and instinctively placed my hand on his thigh. It felt natural, my palm resting on the fabric of his pants, feeling the muscle underneath. He quickly gave me a sidelong glance, offering a small smile.

“Hi,” I said, suddenly feeling shy.

He smiled back. “Hi.”

“We don’t have to stay long. I don’t really want to go to Georgetown. I’m just going on this tour to appease my parents.”

The light turned green, and he accelerated smoothly.

“Where do you want to go then?” he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Anywhere you are.

“Berkeley. Or Stanford.”

He nodded. “So, you’ve got your heart set on California?”

I shrugged. “I don’t really know. I want to take my time deciding,” I explained.

He smiled briefly, glancing over at me before returning his focus to the road. “Didn’t take your time deciding on me,” he joked.

I laughed. “You’re about the only thing I’ve ever jumped into. Or onto,” I teased.

He swallowed hard, giving a small nod. “And why’s that?”

I turned to stare out the window. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”

The car fell into silence for a moment. “You’re wasting your time on me, Sloane. You could have any man you want.”

I rolled my eyes without meaning to. “I don’t want just any man, Callan. I want you.”

He sighed, the weight of his breath heavy. “I’m the only man you’ve ever had. How do you know you don’t want something else?”

My cheeks grew hot. “So…what? You want me to go fuck other guys before I can decide on you?”

His jaw tightened, and he shook his head. “I don’t even want youlookingat another man, Sloane. But it’s not about what I want,” he growled, his voice rough.

My pussy clenched, and I could feel the wetness soaking through my underwear. “So it’s about what I want? Haven’t I made itabundantlyclear what that is?” My heart raced with frustration, my voice trembling slightly.

He stayed quiet for a moment before finally speaking. “We’re here.”

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