Page 11 of His Reward
“I need a favour,” she says after her laughter fades.“You can say no.I’ll understand.”
“What do you need?”
“A ride back to Toronto.”She folds her arms, an uncomfortable look on her face.“I was going to ask Dad, but I don’t want to anymore.”
I don’t need to ask why she doesn’t want Paul to drive her home.I saw what happened at the party last night.Her father was being a little too friendly with a woman who wasn’t her mother, and it upset her.
Paul was a cheater before I joined the army.After the fire, he sobbed in front of me, terrified that Nicole would leave him and take the kids.
He swore he would be a better husband and father if she stayed.It’s disappointing to return many years later and discover that the leopard hasn’t changed its spots.
Then again, I can’t climb up on any high horses.I’m a bastard who wants to fuck my buddy’s daughter who’s almost half my age.
“Yeah, I can do that,” I say.
“You sure?It’s a long drive.”
“That’s not a problem.”
She exhales.“Thanks a lot.That’s a seventy dollar bus ticket I don’t have to buy.”
“What time do you want to leave?”
“Around four.”Her face lights up.“Oh, Daph, Nate, and I are going to the beach!Do you want to come with us?”She grins.“We can play chicken fight like we used to.”
I want to say yes more than anything.I’d get to see even more of her gorgeous body, and I’d have her pussy against my neck.
No.Definitely not a good idea.
The fact that other men will enjoy seeing her in a swimsuit and not me sets me on edge.I resume peeling away the silicone, yanking a little harder than I need to at the strip.
“I can’t.I want to get most of this done before I take you home.”
“OK.See you when I get back, then.”
I catch her parting smile out of the corner of my eye.She turns and goes back inside, and I watch her through the window as she walks down the hallway.My gaze lingers on her ass, then I look away, disgusted with myself and my shitty willpower.
Promises to myself just don’t stick where June’s concerned.Last night, my simple mission to find a woman at the party went tits up before it even got started.
I spent every minute focused on her, never letting her leave my sight.When she stepped outside, it was as if I was tethered to her.I was practically on her heels, lurking like a fucking creep while she chatted on the phone.
At least there was some good in my questionable behaviour.I protected her from that fucker who put his hand on her.But I almost undid my good deed after she kissed my cheek.
All my years of training to maintain self-control in difficult situations were put to the test.I just barely resisted pinning her against the railing and giving her more than a kiss in return.
I should’ve said no when she asked me for the ride home.Toronto is a two-hour drive from here.We’ll be alone in my truck, in close proximity.Who knows what other temptation tests I’ll have to endure, and if I’ll pass them this time.
No.I can’t fail.
I’ve never been a boy scout, but I’ve also never been the kind of guy that would make a woman arm herself with pepper spray.I’m not going to start today.
Besides, this is it.June is leaving.I just need to get through the drive.My crazy obsession with her will disappear once she’s finally out of sight.
When late afternoon rolls around, June and I set off for Toronto.I’m two hundred percent committed to being on my best, most honourable behaviour.I turn on the radio to avoid conversation.
I sense June’s occasional glances, but I keep my eyes and my focus on the road.The long, winding drive eventually lulls her to sleep, and it’s my turn to throw glances at her.
She looks so peaceful.So beautiful.During stops at red lights, I’m tempted to slide the backs of my fingers against her cheek to experience her softness.I tighten my grip on the gear stick in resistance.
