Page 57 of Beautiful Distraction

Too soon, Kellan pries his lips away from mine, his handwithdrawing from my body.

I open my eyes and find him staring at me. He’s just asbreathless as I am. His eyes are dark, full of desire. His gaze is penetratingevery layer of me, reaching my core. “I’m not a patient man, Ava. But I canwait if something’s worth waiting for.”

“Don’t do this.” My voice is shaking as I push him away andstand, disgusted at just how desperate this man makes me. I have to get away,but where could I possibly head without appearing like I’m running from him?

His fingers brush the back of my arm, and my breath catchesin my throat.

“You sound upset. I’m sorry,” he whispers. “I shouldn’t havekissed you.”

Coming from someone like him, his apology takes me bysurprise. I want to tell him that there’s no need to apologize. That I enjoyedkissing him. But I can’t. I’ve been hurt so often that opening up is not anoption. I brush my fingertips over my lips. They’re still tingling, remindingme of how good it felt to have his mouth against mine. They remind me that hispresence does something to me. My resolve is crumbling. I fear he’ll pull me tohim and I’ll give in, just because I miss the intimacy of having another bodyagainst mine, inside me.

It’s been too long.

The attraction I feel for him reminds me of that.

I can feel the shift inside my head.

It’s not like I haven’t hooked up with guys before.

It’s not like I want him to put a ring on that finger.

I’m available. He’s available. Except, is he? Who’s theblond woman in the picture on the fireplace? Why don’t I believe that she’s hissister?

Because he won’telaborate.

Because the one man Iloved in the past lied to me. Told me the same bullshit story.

“Ava?” Kellan’s voice is a deliciously hoarse rumble.

What’s the harm indeed?

I’m not a cheater—that’s the harm. I won’t do toothers what others have done to me.

“I was in love with someone,” I whisper at last.

The words are out before I can stop them.

My reply has his instant attention. His shoulders tense; hiswhole body does.

“He cheated,” I continue as I glance up at him. “He was myfirst love. My first in everything. I gave him my whole heart, and he brokeit.” I take in Kellan’s face, expecting nonchalance, but there’s nothingnonchalant about his expression. “Now you know why I reject you. It’s because Iwon’t go through something like that again,” I say. “I’m sorry. It’s notpersonal. It’s not you. It’s me. I’m so sick of guys who play with youremotions. I won’t ever get hurt again.”

“I had no idea.”

I shrug and turn my back to him. “It’s okay.”

“Do you want me to beat him up? I’m good at it.”

His question takes me by surprise. “You would do that?”

“Give me his address and I’ll get it done.” He smirks.“Actually, I don’t even need his address. His name will do.”

I let out a laugh. “You can’t be serious.”

He returns my smile. “You might want to say it one more timeand see what happens.”

I sigh and touch his hand, squeezing it gently. It feels sogood, rough, as if life has shaped him, too. “No, thank you. But I doappreciate the offer.”

“You sure?” He cocks one eyebrow. “You’re not saying thatbecause you have pity on him?”

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