Page 81 of Last Date
Heat touched my face. “I never said that.”
He chuckled. “Admit it, you want me all to yourself.”
“You’re so annoying.” My heart was pounding so hard, I was afraid he could actually hear it. I got off the couch because he was so close, he was making me nervous.
He got off the couch too, and he surprised me by taking hold of my collar and tugging me against him. “I’ve waited long enough for you to notice me, Kip. I’ve been patient while you dated a bunch of losers who didn’t appreciate you. You finally see me, and I’m going to take advantage of that.”
It felt good pressed against his warm, hard body. I wasn’t someone who went in for macho bossy men, but I kind of liked the way Merrick was laying down the law with me. At least I finally knew what he wanted.
“You actually want to date me?” I said softly.
He nodded. “I definitely do.” He lowered his head and took my mouth in a warm, sensual kiss. We’d never kissed before, but his taste and scent felt so familiar. My feelings for him were a paradox. I wanted to pull him closer but push him away so I could breathe. He’d always been one of the most annoying people in my world, but also the center of it somehow.
I wound my arms around his neck and pressed closer still. He seemed surprised for one moment by my hunger, but then he responded, equally ravenous. It was hard to wrap my head around the fact that I couldn’t get enough of Merrick.Merrick. The guy who’d tormented me during my teen years now had me craving the feel of his mouth on mine.
Merrick broke the kiss first, and he pressed his forehead to mine. His warm breath wafted against my face, and he made a little rumble deep in his throat. “As much as I hate the words I’m about to say, I need to say them.” He swallowed and held me at arm’s length. “I have to end things with Peter officially before we can do any of the things I really, really want to do.”
I sighed with dissatisfaction but knew he was right. “He’s really going to hate me now.”
“Peter is a big boy. I’ve never lied to him about my feelings.”
“Still.”
“I’d have broken things off with him regardless. You’re not the reason I’m ending things with him. It’s just that we’ve been exclusive, so it would be wrong of me to… do things with you without breaking things off with him first.”
“You know he’ll still blame me.”
“Would you rather not be with me just so we don’t upset Peter?” He frowned.
I grimaced. “I’m not saying that.”
“Are you sure you want to date me? I’m not trying to force you.”
I took in his earnest gaze, and my heart squeezed. I did want to date him. I wanted to see where this would lead. It was surprising but true. “I want to explore things with you.”
He gave a satisfied smile. “That’s more like it.”
I hesitated, feeling more vulnerable than I liked. “Don’t use me, Merrick.”
“What?”
“Everyone thought Peter was the one. Now you’re dumping him.”
His gaze flickered. “Peter was never the one.”
I searched his face, looking for any sign that this was a game to him. “You never stick with anyone very long.”
He narrowed his eyes. “You really don’t know why that is?”
“Because you’re easily bored?”
His smile was strained. “We’ll take it slow so you can come to trust me.”
“All right.” I nodded. “Considering your reputation, I think that’s wise.”
A glimmer of frustration appeared in his eyes, but he quickly snuffed it. “Can I see you tomorrow night?”
“Sure.”
