Page 56 of Reconciling With the Rival

I open the door to my apartment and throw my purse on the hook before I head to the beverage cart and grab two glasses.

“Is tequila okay?”

He took his jacket off, and now he’s rolling up his sleeves. It is a bit warm in here, but for some reason, seeing Leo’s forearms is making my body feel weird. “Yeah, that’s fine.”

I pour him a shot before I hand it to him, and the two of us congregate on the couch. I grab my glass and take a sip, needing to feel something besides weird that Leo is currently sitting in my apartment.

“Why do you look so glum, Ella?”

“What?”

“You look like you’re about to burst into tears.”

I sigh before I roll my shoulders back, trying to appear more confident. “Well, I was hoping to go home with someone tonight, but things don’t always work out how we want them to.” I take another sip. “And don’t pretend like you know my emotions. It’s weird as fuck.”

“You did go home with someone.” I raise my eyebrows at him, confused. “Me.”

I shake my head. “I didn't go home with you.”

“Well, what do you call what we’re doing now?”

“Having a drink. Nothing more and nothing less,” I say as I finish mine off. “Now, drink yours so you can leave.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

“Yes. I have a date with my dildo, and I’d rather you not be here for that.” I get up and place my empty glass in the sink. I’ll wash it out tomorrow. I’m too exhausted to deal with any of the dishes right now.

“Oh, do you?”

“Yes,” I say as I turn around, but he’s way closer to me than I thought. He stares at me while he takes one long sip of his tequila, and I see his throat move as he swallows.

I must be really horny, because that was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen. Or maybe I’m drunk. Let’s go with that.

He sets his glass next to mine in the sink before he backs up and leans against my counter. I didn't bother turning the light on, and for some reason, that makes me all more aware of his body in my kitchen. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You just did.”

“Stop being a smart arse, Ella.”

“Fine,” I say. “But if you get one, then I get one.”

“Go ahead then. Ask me whatever it is that’s on your mind.”

I step toward him. “What is it about you that makes girls lose their panties? I’ve been racking my brain about it all semester, and I don’t get it.”

He smiles at me. “Well, besides my dick and my willingness to eat pussy, I’m not quite sure.”

“Ah, makes sense, I guess.” I roll my eyes at him, hoping he can’t see me, though I wouldn't care if he did. He sees me do it all day long at our internship while he’s sitting in on meetings and I’m running to get coffee and bagels. “What did you want to ask me? Where do I get my slutty outfits from?”

He steps closer to me, invading my personal space more than he usually does. “Did you like it when I called you that earlier?” His voice is lower than normal, and if I was clinically insane, I’d think it’s because he’s turned on.

I let out a breathy laugh. “What? No.”

He steps closer to me, and I can feel his breath on my face. “See, I think you’re lying to me.”

“I’m not lying.” I don't even believe what I’m saying. I can’t control my voice right now for some reason, and it’s pissing me off. My guard is down, and I don’t know how it got to be that way. Normally, it’s always up, always three layers thick, but something shifted tonight, and now, all my defenses are down.

He reaches an arm behind my head, and before I can register what’s happening, he takes my ponytail around his fist and pulls. A moan slips out of my mouth before I can stop it.

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