Page 34 of Someone to Have
“But you want that little pissant Bryan Connor to notice you, right?”
She grimaces. “I wouldn’t call him a pissant, but yes, I want him to notice me.”
“We can do that, too.Ican do that.” Truth be told, I don’t want to do that part. But maybe—hopefully—if Taylor digs deep and gains some confidence, she’ll set her sights on a guy who isn’t such a limp-dick weasel.
She stands and takes the plate over to the sink to wash it. “Why are you so into this?”
“Because I’m a nice, confident guy.”
“Bullshit,” she says over her shoulder.
“She can swear. I like it.”
“Answer the question.”
I run a hand through my hair. WhyamI so into this? There’s no doubt it’s getting me revved up, which is as much of a surprise to me as it apparently is to her.
“I’m a confident guy,” I repeat, then pause before revealing more of the truth. “I’m also a guy used to being in control and getting what I want. I skate. I do it well. I’m a fan favorite in the German league. But here...” I shrug. “I’m out of my depth, and I don’t like it.”
“So coaching me will helpyoupass the time until you go backto Germany.” She turns and places her hands behind her on the edge of the sink.
I know she’s not doing it on purpose, but she thrusts her chest forward.
“Jesus Christ, you’re not wearing a bra. How did I not notice that before now?”
She immediately hunches forward, cheeks flaming. “Why are you noticing now?”
“Because your nipples just stood up and waved at me.”
“Nobody’s waving,” she insists.
I have to turn away because I’m suddenly hard as a rock.
“You should put a bra on,” I say at the same time she mutters, “I’m going to put a bra on.”
She rushes past me toward the hallway that leads to her bedroom.
As soon as she’s out of view, I adjust myself in my jeans and give my cock one quick caress. Then mentally kick myself in the nuts. Now is not the time. At all.
I’m not going to lie and tell you I don’t think about my across-the-hall neighbor like that. But she’s off limits. Her brother would kill me. I made a promise to my sister. And Rhett likes her. That part is most important. The part where I know that I’ll screw things up is also important. Because Taylor is all about fairy tales and true love, and I’m not a fit for either of those.
I lower myself to the sofa, and she returns a couple of minutes later and takes a seat on the opposite end. Smart girl. Her skin is flushed, and this time it’s not just her cheeks. I can see the color spreading down her throat and disappearing under the collar of her shirt. If I had to guess, I’d say I’m not the only one keeping the other in mind when I get busy with myself.
She sneaks a look at me, and I command my mind to stop thinking shit like that. If I don’t, I’m going to pop off like a teenager, which is almost too embarrassing to believe. Besides,Taylor probably thinks about floppy-haired Bryan Connor when she’s alone with her hand between her legs.
Shit. Donotthink about her like that. It’s both arousing and irritating as hell. Apparently, there are two areas of my life where I’m not resoundingly confident: my ability to look after my nephew, and knowing if Tinkerbell wants me like I want her. The second is destined to remain a mystery. Off. Limits.
“What’s the strategy here?” I ask as I hand her the playbook, trying to keep my tone all business.
“We have to do one monologue and a song. Bryan wrote the play, so he’s keeping the details under wraps until auditions are over. It’s not a musical, but there are a couple of songs the cast will perform so–”
“Sing something for me.”
“No.” She looks horrified at the idea.
“I’m your confidence coach. Singing for me will give you confidence for the audition. Imagine you’re on the ice.”
She frowns as if I’ve just told her to stand on her head. “Auditioning for a play is nothing like being on the ice.”
