Page List

Font Size:

A quick peek out the door is met with silence, so it appears the party is over. I glance at my phone and realize it’s almost two in the morning, which surprises me, because it doesn’t feel like it. I’m rather energized from my time with Edgar.

As we walk down the hall, I hear a noise behind one of the bedroom doors. It sounds like giggling, but I can’t make out much more than that through the heavy wood.

“I won’t be staying in that room.” I whisper to Edgar and point at the door.

“Someone is.” Edgar laughs, but keeps his voice low. “Think Amelia and Mark found their way back to each other, after all?”

“I don’t think so. She said she found a ride.” I shrug. “I guess we’ll see who joins us at the breakfast table tomorrow.”

“Will that be awkward?” He gives me a worried look.

“Probably, but I don’t care.” I shrug again. “It’s not like it’s some kind of dirty secret I can’t tell anyone about.”

“Hmm.” He narrows his eyes. “I sure hope not, because I do plan on seeing you again.”

I flash him a coy smile and walk towards the stairs. There are no stragglers left behind. Mark must have cleared everyone out before he went upstairs with whomever he lured into his bed. I’m torn between whether I’d like it to be Amelia or not. It might be awkward for a minute, but she would be a lot more shocked than me. I’d almost pay to see the look on her face.

We walk downstairs and find that Grimwillow Manor hasn’t been harmed. There are a few paintings crooked on the walls, and some spills that need to be cleaned, but it isn’t as bad as I expected, considering how many people were here.

“I know I promised you breakfast, but I’m could go for something right now. How about you?” Edgar motions towards the kitchen.

“Is there actually food?” I ask, looking in the direction he’s motioning.

“Yeah, I picked up some stuff on the way in.” He nods. “I didn’t want to have to go into town every time I got hungry.”

I follow Edgar into the kitchen and sit down at a long bar that seems to double as an island. The kitchen has had some updates since the house was built, but the aesthetic still matches the decor. Edgar looks around in the fridge and we settle on sandwiches. I watch as he makes them and then he gives me the option of water or beer. I may not be up for another glass of whiskey, but the beer is from a local brewery, so I decide to try it. It’s a lot better than what was served in the keg.

We talk while we eat. Edgar pushes me to finish the story that doesn’t seem important anymore, but I indulge him. I tell him more about my life, growing up in Willow Grove, and the trials and tribulations of high school. We talk about college, my plans for the future, and he tells me about his company. It sounds like a wonderful place to work. The bonus being that he’s the CEO. Unfortunately, I’ll always be a small-town girl, as long as my grandparents are here. The city isn’t that far away, but I’d go crazy if I couldn’t visit them regularly. I’ve never even been out on my own, and I love Willow Grove. It’s home.

After we eat, we fool around on the couch for a bit and my body burns for him again. I’m not sure I’m ready for what comes next if we continue. I felt like I was earlier, but I was in a lust fueled daze. Now apprehension is creeping in. I pull away, trying not to make my concerns obvious. If nothing else, I need to catch my breath so I can think clearly.

“I believe you promised me a tour of the rest of the house.” I look up at Edgar. “The party is over.”

“Now, really?” He has a hint of frustration in his eyes, but it goes away quickly.

“You said I had to tell you my life story for the tour, and I held up my end of the bargain.” I shrug. “You owe me.”

“That was for a tour of the upstairs.” He growls.

“What? My life story isn’t good enough for a full tour?” I give him a playful nudge.

“Fine.” He nods, helps me to my feet, and pulls me close enough for his lips to brush against my ear. “But you’re going to be mine, Bethany Brooks. And I’m not just talking about tonight.”

All of those apprehensions melt away. His words cause my emotions to swarm. I want to be his. More than I’ve ever wanted anything in my life. This night has been magical and I don’t care if the rest of the world would say it’s too soon. If I’ve made it this far without falling head over heels for anyone outside of my foolish crush on my history teacher, then I trust my judgment enough to give in.

That doesn’t mean I have to make it easy for him.

I’m enjoying being his naughty little girl way too much.

Edgar

I’mnotaswearyas I should be, considering the time.

Bethany is the reason for that. I thought we were close to spending the rest of the evening in the bedroom, but there was hesitation on her part. The tour seems like more of a distraction to keep things from going further. If she’s not comfortable with it, then I won’t push. I’ll let her decide if this night is going to end with us sharing the same bed. She’s intoxicating enough to hold my attention, regardless, and that won’t be a deciding factor in whether I come back to see her.

She’s pulled me in, captivated me, and there’s no way I can let her go. It’s already turning into an obsession. She’s in my head and I don’t want her to leave. Falling for her isn’t enough. I want it all.

She will bemine, even if it doesn’t happen tonight.