Page 35 of Wish You Would

“I’m thinking that pink is my new favorite color.”

“So that means you like my dress?”

“Hmm.”

A grin takes over my entire face. “Holden?”

“Yeah.”

“We’ve slept in the same bed every night this week and you haven’t tried anything, not once. I figured you weren’t attracted to me.”

Eyes still on me, he doesn’t hesitate. “I think you’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen and...” he pauses. I watch his Adam’s apple as he swallows.

“And what, Holden?”

“And I’m not sure that anyone has ever turned me on the way that you do.”

My cheeks flame. It feels good to finally hear him admit his attraction to me. But where do we go from here?

“Bee, I am so attracted to you, but—”

“I’m not looking to start anything serious either,” I interrupt.

I know it could be complicated with Holden, but for one night, I’d like to feel wanted. I’d like to give in to the need that I’ve felt coursing through my veins for this man ever since I moved in with him.

One night.

A few hours of no-strings-attached sex.

We can have a little fun, get it out of our systems, and then go back to the way things were. I’m pretty sure Holden would want the same thing.

“Briar.” He lets out a frustrated groan. “You aren’t making this easy for me. Just so you know, if you want—"

Behind us, a throat clears. The tension between us suddenly snaps and we pull away to see Grayson is back at the table.

“Hey. Sierra is talking to Miles and Rylee. They’re getting ready to go so she wanted to catch them before they left.”

Gray lowers himself into his chair and picks up his half-empty glass. I inch my body away from Holden’s just slightly, taking the opportunity to take a deep breath as he chats with Grayson. A few minutes later, the rest of the group returns to the table, bringing Miles and Rylee to join us for a photo.

We all move to one side of the table and Everly passes her phone to the waitress so she can snap a picture. I’m back nestled into Holden’s side for the photo, trying to hide the goosebumps that have erupted over my skin. The kiss Holden and I shared this week did nothing to temper the lust running rampant in my body. If anything, it only makesme want him more. And after tonight, all I can think about is how good his lips felt against mine and how badly I want to feel that again.

My nipples pebble under my dress.

Relax, Briar.This is not the time and place to be this turned on.

The music thumps from the crowded dance floor as our group settles back in around the table. Holden is soon deep in conversation with Tucker and Jake, so I take the opportunity to escape to the bathroom to clear my head.

Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I take a deep breath. Whatever this is between Holden and I, it’s starting to feel dangerous. What are we doing? I didn’t move back to Reed Point to start a relationship. Especially not with my roommate.

I have to get out of here.

I dig out my cell phone to send a text to Daisy to tell her I’m suddenly not feeling well and am taking an Uber home. Then I slip out into the restaurant, bee-lining it for the door.

I make it as far as the hostess stand before a big hand circles my waist. He pulls me towards him, desire pooling in his green eyes. “I was worried about you, Bee. Everything okay?”

No, everything is not okay.

Holden has made it clear he’s not looking for a relationship right now, and neither am I. I’ve learned the hard way that loving someone is a weakness. You open up your heart only to have it crushed, then you convince yourself that they didn’t really mean to hurt you and pick up the pieces after they’ve left. I’ve made excuses for a man before—over and over—and I swore to myself I wouldn’t do it again. I’m working on myself. But the temptation to spend one steamy night with Holden is overwhelming, and it only intensifieswhen he inches a little closer, his hand on my waist drawing me to him.

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