Page 38 of Not So Happily Ever After (British Bad Boys)
“Sure.” He’s staring at me as though I’m an unexploded bomb, and I can’t say I blame him. “I’m so sorry.” There’s a gentle note in his voice I’ve never heard before, and he caresses my leg in what I imagine he thinks is a comforting manner. But even through the sheet, the warmth of his hand is sending frenzied lust-drunk signals careening around my body.
Except, although I appreciate his apology, the whole bedcovers over the head thing was never the main reason why it went so bad between us. I’ll cut out my treacherous tongue before I tell himthat.
“It’s fine. It’s—honestly, I’m so over it.” Because I don’t know what else to do, I hand him my half-drunk cup, and thankfully he takes it without a word. I hitch up the sheet and cross my arms. “If I wasn’t, why would I have dropped my jeans last night?”
It’s not one of my best lines, but at least he’s no longer giving off awkward vibes.
“I thought Christmas had come early. You were like a sexy present, with those ribbons on your knickers.”
He’s grinning, so obviously it’s only me who has a flashback tothatChristmas.
“Glad you noticed them. I don’t usually strut about in lingerie that costs the earth.”Why did I say that?It sounds like I wasexpectingsomething to happen last night.
His hand slides farther up my leg. “I liked what was underneath it a lot more.”
“Sweet talker,” I mock, and allow the sheet to slip a little so there’s a glimpse of my natural cleavage. Which isn’t nearly as impressive without the bra, but whatever.
“Do I need to sleep in the car tonight?” His tone is teasing and totally slays me.
Is it a good idea, spending a second night with him?
The answer’s a no-brainer. “Not unless I’m in there with you.”
“Might be tricky, parked right next to the lodge. But I could always drive to a secluded cove.”
Is he still messing around? It’s hard to tell. “It might be safer to keep our fornication confined to the pod.”
“I love it when you talk dirty.”
I snort with laughter. “Are you coming back to bed?”
His face sobers. “Can’t. There’s a partners’ meeting in half an hour. It shouldn’t take long. An hour tops. Then I’m all yours.”
“I like the sound of that.” A happy glow envelops me, and it’s not until a wary frown creases his forehead that I realize I’m smiling at him in a totally gooey way. Reality crashes through me like a blast of icy water. He’s told me the reason why he doesn’t doserious. I don’t want him freaking out, thinking that I expect more than a couple of sex-fueled nights with him.
Except…
Brooklyn’s voice echoes in my head.You need to get him out of your system once and for all.
I told her the fuck buddy idea was a disaster. But we’ve crossed that line now.
Am I seriously considering this?
Why not? It’ll only be for a short while. My last fling until I graduate. My heart hammers and mouth dries.Why is it so hard to say?We just spent all night shagging. It’s hardly going to shock him. And besides, once I explain what I mean, it’ll wipe that frown off his face. “You know. Nothing serious. Just until I go back to Uni. We could do a friends-with-benefits thing.”
Is it hot in here or what?
“Friends with benefits,” he repeats, like the concept has never occurred to him before.“Us?”
What does he mean by that emphasis? I’ve no clue if he thinks it’s a great idea or the worst one ever. Not that I can back out now.
Brazen it out. I’m good at that. “Yes. Why not? Are you going to hold out for a better offer this weekend?”
He grins and gives my knee a gentle squeeze. Which shouldn’t be such a turn-on, but let’s face it—all he needs to do is look at me, and I’m metaphorically at his feet.
Only until I go back to Uni.Because by then, I’ll have bonked him out of my system.
“I’ll never get a better offer than that.”
