Page 19 of The Hang Up

His eyes drifted down to my mouth and then back up. “Then you’ll tell me?”

“Yes.” I tried to look innocent, but I was a mess. He clearly wanted me, but what if he rejected me again?

“Batting those beautiful eyes doesn’t work on me.”

“Okay,” I said agreeably, biting my lip.

“Fuck. I give in, okay? You’re clearly the better negotiator.”

Normally, that wasn’t true. But today? Today, it might just be true. I felt giddy, but I held in my giggle. He stared at me for so long that I almost gave up hope. Then he wrapped his fingers in my hair and pulled me closer. He stopped, our lips a whisper apart. “Tell me if you don’t want this.”

Instead of replying, I crushed our mouths together, not giving him a chance to change his mind. The kiss felt awkward at first, and I wasn’t sure why, but then Joshua opened his mouth and kissed me like he couldn’t get enough.

Oh. This is what it’s supposed to be like.

The kiss went on forever. Joshua drinking me in. Tasting me. Taking more and more of me until nothing was left. When he finally pulled away, he looked stunned. He searched my face, and then his lips found mine again. Kissing me slower. Sweeter. His other hand circled my neck possessively, his thumb brushing against my pulse.

This time, when he pulled away, he avoided my eyes. Was he ashamed? Was he going to reject me again? After such perfect kisses, I couldn’t bear to hear those words.

“Angel’s treatments are expensive.” I blurted the words out. “My mom is drowning in debt. And I’m trying to help her.”

He hesitated for only a second. “I’ll take care of it.”

“What? No.” Oh God. Did he think I wanted him to fix everything for me? “That’s not why I texted you.”

“Brock—”

“I was going to borrow the money from you. And pay you back. Look, let’s forget about it, okay?” I squirmed to get down, and he let go. The couch was a ratty old thing, barely big enough for three people, but I scooted to the edge. Far enough to not be tempted. Yeah right. I could be thousands of miles away and still be tempted.

“Shit.” He rubbed his knuckles over the short stubble on his jaw. “Sean called me a few months ago. Wanted an advance on his money.”

“He did?” This was news to me. He swore he wouldn’t do that.

“God, I’m an asshole. I reminded him it wasn’t his money, and if he wanted his own, he could damn well get a job.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “Fuck, Brock. He didn’t tell me why he needed it. I assumed he was going to blow it like he usually does. If I’d known—”

“Hey, it worked out. He’s got a job now.”

“He still hates me.”

Pulling my legs up, I wrapped my arms around them. Joshua looking upset made my heart ache. He loved his son, but it was also a reminder that nothing could happen between us. Nothing more.

“I’ll do everything on my end to encourage Sean to see you. Within reason, of course. He’d catch on if I was suddenly Team Joshua.” Oh God.Shut up, Brock.

His laugh reminded me of freshly baked cookies right from the oven. He leaned in, removing the distance I’d put between us, and for a brief moment, I thought he was going to kiss me again. Instead, he brushed his lips over my cheek, his stubble grazing my skin.

And then he was gone, and I was left with regrets.

I’d done the right thing, but it didn’t fix Angel’s medical expenses. It didn’t fix this stupid crush that had suddenly taken on new life, like kerosene thrown on a fire. But I had indisputable memories.

Joshua’s kisses. His hands touching me.

His arms around me. Gently taking care of me.

Joshua holding me in his lap and getting hard.

Because of me.

Take that Teenage Brock.

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