Page 20 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
He opens the front door and goes inside, and Mac hovers on the doorstep, an unreadable expression on her face. But then she takes a deep breath as though she’s come to a decision.
“Thanks for tonight. It was fun.”
“Anytime.”
“Okay. See you around.”
I can’t figure out if it’s a question or an invitation, or just an empty expression that means nothing. I grunt, and she slowly closes the door in my face.
So much for going back to being friends only. The first time we’re alone and I can’t keep my hands to myself. I’ve just proved there’s no going back. Even though she’ll never share my bed again, I can’t forget that night. It’s branded in my brain. And now that we’ve moved past the weird zone of the last couple of years, my despicable need to touch her is like an impossible addiction.
There’s only one thing I can do.
I need to stay the hell away from Mackenzie Carter.
Chapter Six
Mackenzie
Do. Not. Call. Will.
The annoying mantra’s been reverberating around my head all day. It’s like a virus invading every thought, and Brooklyn’s solution—that I should have more sex with Will to get over him—haunts me.
Tried that once.Look what happened. Not going there again.
I groan and try to focus on the sketch I’m doing in the back garden. Although it’s September the weather today is gorgeous, and if there’s a choice, I always prefer being outside. Even though I should be going through the recommended reading for next term. God knows I need to. But I couldn’t concentrate, and drawing always calms me down.
Not today, though. I can’t stop replaying Monday night in my head.
It’s the kiss you can’t stop obsessing over.
This time I squeeze my eyes shut, but it doesn’t block the possessive gleam in his eyes or the feel of his hand on my face when we kissed. It was sexy and tender, just like our first one under the mistletoe, when I forgot everything but how right it felt being in his arms.
I forgot about everything last night, too. I don’t know how we ended up holding hands, and I should’ve pulled free. But I didn’t. Because his touch lights up something deep inside me, and it’s scarily addictive.
It’s insane, and so wrong, I can’t even, but it was like I’d been waiting for that moment for the last two years.
Get over yourself, Mac.It was a friendly kiss that hurtled out of control. And Dad turning up was a razor-sharp reminder of why being alone with Will is never going to work. Not if we plan on staying friends.
And Idowant to salvage our friendship.
Before sleeping with him, I’d kissed loads of boys. Some of them weren’t half bad at it, either. But all of them paled into insignificance after Will and I locked lips that Christmas night.
Although technically it was a one-night stand, it never felt that way to me. We’ve known each other nearly all my life. And while friends at Uni hookup and don’t think twice about it, I can’t get into it. Which means I’m not only going to be dateless for the next four years, I won’t be having any sex, either.
And stop thinking about his revelation. I don’t know why I’m so stunned by the fact he’s been in a serious relationship. It happened more than three years ago, and there’s no reason why he should’ve told me at the time. It’s not a big deal.
Yes, it is.
“Fuck.” I slam my sketchbook shut. “Fuck.” I hug the book to my chest and scowl across the garden. Which doesn’t help because it reminds me the reason it’s in such good shape is that Will’s been looking after it.“Doublefuck. And hairy balls.”
Swearing always improves my mood, even if thehairy ballscomment can’t justifiably be aimed his way.
Get your mind out of the gutter.He’s strictly off-limits when it comes to thinking abouttesticles.
My phone rings and I grab it, for some insane reason expecting to see Will’s name. It’s not.
It’s a text from Baz, Atomic Fire’s manager. God, I hope Jake’s all right.
