Page 68 of Meant to Be
Chapter Thirteen
They madeidle conversation on the drive back to Mitch’s. In some ways, Sydney was glad. Delivering a baby was exhilarating, but in the hours afterward, she was often tired. Partly because so many babies came after regular work hours. And partly, it took a lot of energy to be “on” and ready for anything. As routine as having a baby was, things could go wrong in a hurry.
“You okay?”
She turned to Mitch’s question. He cast her a quick glance before returning his gaze to the road.
“Yes.”
“Everything went okay with the delivery?”
“Yes. Why?”
“You’re quiet.”
“It’s been a long day.”
He drove in silence. “I’m sorry… about earlier.”
She was about to say it was okay but decided to tell him what she really thought. “Maybe before you kiss me again, you can sort out your feelings, because I’m getting whiplash from your hot and cold behavior.”
His jaw tensed, and he looked out the side window for a moment. “I’m sorry. This situation is complicated.”
“It’s not, Mitch. You either forgive me and we can friends, with or without the benefits, or you don’t and we stay away from each other. It’s actually simple.”
He gnashed his teeth. “I’m trying to do what’s right.”
“For who? Not for me, you’re not. In fact, based on your reputation, your constant rejection of me is insulting.”
“How do you see this playing out?” His voice was tense. The conversation was clearly not going in the direction he’d wanted.
“It’s like a high school reunion. We catch up. Learn what’s the same, what’s different, what’s changed.”
Lots had changed. He had to have new skills in the bedroom. Thinking about what those large hands and magnificent lips to could do to her made her shift in her seat. He, on the other hand, might be disappointed. She hadn’t been a nun, but she also hadn’t had the benefit of multiple lovers to practice new tricks on.
“Are we talking about bedroom games?”
“Sure. I imagine you have many new moves.”
He pulled in behind her car in his driveway. He stopped and put the truck in park. Then he turned to her. “I’ve got many.” He studied her, and she wondered if he was waiting for her to react to the fact that he was throwing his experience in her face. Was he trying to scare her off? Was it a test of how committed she was to following through? After all, of the two of them,hewas the one who kept changing his mind.
His head tilted to the side. “Do I get a second chance?”
“What happens if I say yes?”
“We go into the house. Within about thirty seconds, we’ll both be naked. If we don’t make it to the bedroom, we can use the couch.”
Heat flashed over her skin, and he hadn’t even touched her. He didn’t have to. His words, the intensity of his eyes promising she’d not be disappointed, made her blood run hot straight to her center.
“Are you going to change your mind when things heat up?”
His lips quirked. “No.”
“One more chance then.”
Sydney wasn’t sure how she managed to make it up the walk and steps. Her legs were Jell-O, made even more difficult when Mitch rested his hand on her lower back. Just that. The heat of his hand, the feel of his palm, his thumb rubbing gently, nearly melted her into a heap.
The only indication that he was affected was the slight shake in his fingers as he unlocked the door.
