Page 52 of Quarantine Crush
She’s still on the balcony when I storm back into the living room. My blood boils as I catch sight of her cleavage spilling out of her dress as she stands, hunching over the table while she clears her plate, and I know one thing with absolute certainty: there’s no way I’m letting that prick steal my girl. I have no idea if her date is over, but I don’t care.
Sliding the door open, I march right up to her and grab her elbow. She spins, her mouth frozen in a small “o” of surprise. I don’t wait for her to ask me what’s happening. I just pull her out of the view of the camera and press my mouth to hers.
16
Embry
The minute Knox’s lips crash against my own, all rational thought flees my mind. All I can think about is the feel of his rough hands against my skin as he trails them up the backs of my legs before cupping my ass. He pushes me back against the railing, and I gasp as he grinds his erection against my stomach.
“Embry? Are you okay?”
Reed’s voice breaks through the haze that has settled in my brain, and I push against Knox’s chest. He stumbles back a step, his brows furrowing in confusion. Rage sweeps through me, and I slap him across his face.
“How dare you,” I seethe. “I’m not a fucking plaything that you can use while you’re trapped here away from your girlfriend.”
Knox’s jaw ticks with barely controlled fury, and he steps closer, backing me against the railing once more.
“I don’t have a girlfriend, Emy,” he whispers against my skin. “The only one playing with multiple hearts here tonight is you.”
My mouth falls open in surprise as he steps back and turns. His angry strides carry him into my apartment faster than I would have thought possible.
“Emy?” Reed’s voice calls again.
Guilt trickles through me at the sound of his voice. I hadn’t thought I was using him, but the fact that I let Knox kiss me–even if for only a minute–means that, at the very least, I’m not good enough for him.
“One sec,” I call, taking a second to straighten my dress and hair. I cross back to where my iPad is propped and shoot him an apologetic smile. “Hey, sorry about that. Knox needed something.”
Understanding lights in his eyes, and he nods. “I see.”
“Oh, no–” I rush to assure him, but he cuts me off.
“It’s okay, Embry. I’ve seen the way you look at him, and as much as it pains me to admit it, you’ve never looked at me like that. Not even tonight. And this suit once got me an offered freebie from a very high-class escort.” He grins, letting me know he’s joking, and I laugh.
“Oh my gosh, I hope that’s a true story,” I say with a snort. My eyes soften. “Reed, you really are the nicest guy I’ve ever met.”
“Ouch,” he says, gripping his heart. “Not exactly what a guy wants to hear.”
“Ugh, I know. I’m so sorry. It doesn’t make it any less true though.”
Reed surprises me by chuckling. “It’s okay, Embry. I had a great time tonight, but there weren’t any sparks on my end either. Now, whether that’s because I’m not even in the same room as you or because this has been such a big buildup, I can’t be sure. But it definitely felt more like a friend thing.”
I shoot him a nervous glance. “Do you hate me? Because I don’t think I could bear that. Also, I’m gonna need you to recommend a new Italian place that I can go to in order to drown my sorrows if this is the end of our friendship.”
Reed laughs and shakes his head at me. “We’re good, Embry.”
“Oh, thank God,” I say, letting out a relieved sigh. Even though the spark wasn’t there with Reed, it doesn’t mean I never want to speak to him again. He’s a great guy, and getting to know him this past year has made me realize how much I’ve missed having a male friend. Speaking of male friends… My eyes dart to the door where I know Knox is waiting for me, and I bite my lip before turning back to the camera.
“Well, thank you for tonight, but I better let you go. It’s getting late.”
Reed smiles and raises a glass of wine to the camera. “I’ll see you around, Embry. Ciao!”
“Night,” I say, leaning forward to end the call.
“Oh, and Embry?” Reed says before I have a chance to click the end button.
“Yes?”
“Good luck.”
