Page 14 of Miles Apart
“Emma?”
“Sorry. What did you say?” Spiro is classically handsome—square face, thick brows, aquiline nose—but he’s no match for Miles.
A shiver massages its way down my back. What the hell is wrong with me?
Focus.
Spiro’s smile widens, his white teeth in contrast to his olive tone. “Where are you from?”
“Alexandria, Virginia. You?”
“Greece. My family moved to Long Island when I was little. Interested in a nightcap? Our time is almost up.” His fingers stroke over my hand. The touch is smooth, but it doesn’t spark the urge to go back to his room.
“It’s still early. Let’s see what happens,” I say.
The hostess calls time, signaling for Spiro to move to the next woman who might show more enthusiasm for gelled hair and a gold Rolex. Have I fucked bankers before? Sure, but I’m not adding this one to the roster.
Faces blend into each other as the speed dating event winds down to the last two chances to make a connection and go on a private date. I want it to end so I can get out of here—to the opposite side of the resort, where I won’t see Miles or those damn muscles wearing the hell out of that turtleneck. I need to take the edge off, preferably by edging myself to an orgasm so intense, it puts me to sleep for the rest of this trip. These hot flashes are ridiculous.
Terrence all but power walks over to Justice. They can’t take their eyes off each other, caught between silent longing. My friend did not come to play in her black blazer and curve-hugging ankle pants. The black shapewear underneath looks like a bra, a far cry from Justice’s usual look.
I try to ignore the strange ache at their reunion. There’s desire and then there’s devotion. What they found in each other is rare, the kind of love to pull at your heart with the promise of eternity.
Marriage is not in my vocabulary after growing up in a home where status trumped love and intimacy. My parents were tolerable as individuals, but as husband and wife, they were far from #CouplesGoals.
“They look good together,” Miles says, taking in the same view.
“They do.”
We put our differences aside to watch our best friends finally have a discussion and not an argument. The hurt of their early pregnancy losses and Terrence’s international work schedule made it hard to hear each other. Hard to heal. We stood by them eleven years ago when they exchanged vows, and we watched their love grow during the better times until the worst became too much to bear.
Miles takes a seat. He sighs and clasps his hands together before facing me. A smirk curls his mouth, and the weight of our tension settles back over us.
“You owe me.”
The statement hangs in the air, held up by his nerve and my curiosity.
My brow dips. I’ll bite—figuratively and literally, depending on his response. “Owe you?”
His jaw tightens, his eyes firm. “You think you can play with me without consequence?”
The silken thread of the warning tightens my nipples. Miles is playful, heavy on sarcasm, and I never take him seriously. But the edge in his tone knocks the breath out of my lungs.
It’s a good thing we’re in public. I wouldn’t trust myself not to climb over this table and maul him otherwise.
No.
Miles might pique my interest—more than any man, Carter included—but no one will have a hold on me. “You must have me confused with someone who gives a damn,” I throw back.
“You like games, Em. Let’s play—tonight.”
Don’t do it.
“What do you have in mind?” I do like games, especially the ones that tie you up.
His eyes drop from my lips to my cleavage and drag up the base of my neck. “Meet me at Ravenous in two hours. No one else. Just me and you.” He tips his head to the side. “Can you handle that…kitten?”
“Handle what?” Temptation reaches for my throat and squeezes.
