Page 71 of Alex

“There’s something happening between the two of us. Tell me you don’t feel it. Tell me you faked every orgasm.” His eyes darken as his voice gets huskier.

I shake my head. I can’t lie to him, but I also can’t admit how strong my feelings are for him.

He stares at me, making me feel like he can see the truth in my eyes.

My nipples harden and I squeeze my thighs together as arousal leaks out of me, coating my panties.

Alex continues. “Tell me you’re not wet for me right now. Tell me you don’t want me, and I’ll leave you alone. I’ll forget how your body reacts to my touch. I’ll forget how you feel when you come around my cock.”

My heart races as his fingers trail up my thigh. I gulp and shake my head again, refusing to speak. I need him, want him, crave him, but I can’t tell him that. I need my questions answered first.

His tone is harsh as his stare pins me in my spot.

“No, you won’t tell me those things because they would be lies? Or no, you don’t feel the same way that I do? Tell me, Elise, because I don’t want a repeat of Bianca. I don’t want to fall for you if you don’t feel the same way.”

I hate that he’s been hurt by falling in love, but I can’t promise that we will be together for the rest of our lives.

No one can guarantee that.

What if he gets tired of me working long hours? What if I get tired of his carefree, go with the flow attitude?

“I might not be able to predict the future, but I know I’m not playing with your feelings, Alex.”

The vulnerability shimmering in his eyes causes me to lean toward him and press my lips to his before he can speak.

Our lips slowly move as our tongues slide along one another. This kiss is slow, like we’re savoring each other.

Like we’re trying to remember this moment.

The moment we practically told one another, “I love you.” Just without speaking those three little words.

His hand tangles in the hair on the back of my head, pulling me closer to him. I let out a small moan as his tongue delves deeper into my mouth.

His lips demand control, and I willingly give it up to him. He pulls away, and I instantly miss his closeness.

“I’ll drive you home so you can unpack and wash your clothes, but can I see you later tonight?”

My smile turns into a grin. “Yeah, I’d love that. Maybe I can make up for yesterday.”

Alex’s smile disappears for a few moments. “You don’t have to make up for anything. You needed time and space to think, and I respect that. We can see this as a soft restarting point.”

I give him a quick, chaste kiss. “That sounds perfect. Now take me home so I can pick out something extra sexy to wear for you.”

I don’t have anything particularly sexy, but I do have some basic lingerie and lace bras and thongs. That will have to work for tonight.

Alex grins and drives a couple of miles to my apartment. His hand stays on my upper thigh the entire time.

For such a small gesture, it makes me feel wanted, desired, and, yes, even loved.

I turn up the music and sing along to an upbeat, happy song. Alex glances my way and begins to shake his head, but abruptly stops.

His face pales and his eyes widen with shock as he stares out my window. I follow his gaze.

When did we get to my apartment building?

Why are there fire trucks blocking the parking lot?

A loud gasp comes out of my mouth as my eyes narrow in on the huge flames engulfing the side of the building.

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