Page 39 of Stuck-Up Big Shot
“I’m sorry about that. But I can’t say I’m not glad it kept you from getting busy with those stupid teenage boys.”
I choke out a laugh, and the confession falls easily from my lips. I peek up at him through my lashes. “It didn’t matter, anyway. I didn’t have any boyfriends in high school, mainly because no other boy could ever measure up to the only one I ever wanted. But I couldn’t have him.”
His lips stop at the base of my neck, breath fanning out in a whisper, teasing my sensitive skin.
“Oh yeah? Who was that?”
Placing my hands on his shoulders, I push him back so I can look into his eyes.
Shaking my head incredulously, I ask, “You seriously don’t know how bad I crushed on you?”
His blue eyes expand wide in surprise. “You did?”
I give him a mocking eye roll. “Oh my God, youweretotally oblivious to me. You starred in every one of my teenage fantasies. I waited a long time, hoping you’d finally look twice at me, and you’d be my first.”
“I was a stupid, oblivious boy, and I want to apologize to your younger self,” he says, bending forward and kissing the tip of my nose. “But maybe there’s a way I can make it up to adult Sutton?”
Miles plants his mouth over mine, gently kissing me in ways I’d always dreamed he would. It’s surreal he’s touching and holding me now, after all the years of wanting and yearning.
But the past or the way he treated me then can’t define how I feel about him now.
He’s here and wants me now, and teenage Sutton is pretty damn happy by this spectacular and unexpected turn of events.
22
Miles
I don’t knowwhat I expected when I came knocking on Sutton’s door tonight, but it wasn’t her ending up in my lap, confessing our teenage fantasies and kissing the fuck out of one another.
It shocks me to know there has always been this connection between us, even back when we were young and didn’t understand how hard life can be. When Mel was still alive. If she were here today, what would she think about Sutton and me? Would she want us to be together?
The thought has me reconsidering where this is going tonight. While I would love nothing more than to sink inside Sutton’s body and fuck her tonight, I also want to respect the fragile boundaries we’ve forged within our newly minted status and reunion. She also needs to understand that I’m no longer the guy she believes she once knew.
No, I’m definitely not that guy. He died a long time ago, right along with my sister.
I pull back and lift Sutton off my lap, setting her on the couch next to me. She seems confused as I swing an arm around her shoulder and pull her tenderly into my side. It feels unbelievably natural to hold her in my arms as if we’ve always been doing it.
I place a kiss on the top of her head, as she snuggles in tighter, raising her legs, so her heels are curled up under her butt.
“Sutton, we need to be clear on something. Or rather, I need to be clear.”
The statement has her tilting her head to look up at me inquisitively, her large green-gray orbs staring at me with warmth and unwavering trust.
“What is it?”
“We have a shared history, through Melodie, and that in and of itself binds us together. But just because we have a past, doesn’t mean we can have a future. Do you understand what I’m trying to say?”
I watch as her eyes narrow, growing darker in recognition and understanding.
She moves from my hold, staring down at her hands clasped on her lap.
“Not entirely, no. But it sounds like you’re getting ready to reject me by implying that you’re not the man I need or deserve.”
Taking her hand in mine, I thread my fingers through hers and squeeze.
“I want you, Sutton. But that’s exactly what I’m trying to say.”
I adjust myself so I can look her in the eyes, placing my finger under her chin to lift her gaze to meet mine.
