Page 12 of I Shouldn't Love This Way

Now you’re being childish.

No, I’m just acting my age :D

I was expecting another incoming message, but he didn’t respond until minutes later.

Well, at least you’re talking to me.

Technically, I’m not :/ We’re texting, not talking.

I hoped I was getting a rise out of him. And then came his last text:

Right. Later.

No I love you, no kisses or hugs. Our text messages had undergone a drastic change during the past few weeks, and it stung inside.

“Was that your dad?” Steph craned her neck toward my phone and talked into my ear.

“Yeah.”

“I need to tell you a secret!” She giggled, gulping another shot of vodka. “I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m buzzing as hell right now, so I don’t care!”

I gave her a queer look.

“Ireallywanna smash your dad!”

That was no surprise.

“Steph, you’re drunk.”

“No, I’m dead serious, Aria. He’s so sexy! I’m pretty sure you have the hottest daddy in California. I’ve wanted to sleep with him from the moment I saw him pick you up from school six months ago. I didn’t know he was your father until you got in the car with him.” She laughed.

“Quit grossing me out! I don’t want to think about the two of you doing the nasty!” I knew I was the last person to say that, but it wasn’t like I could sayhands off, he’s mine!

“I’m sorry! I have a weakness for older, married men.” She laughed. “Especially sexy ones like your pops!”

“Okay, I think you need to slow down on the liquor.” I shrugged her arm off my shoulder and moved her shot glass away.

“If you can just get me one night alone with him, I swear… I’ll use my trust fund to buy you brand new wheels—any car you like!”

I knew Steph’s family was loaded, but I highly doubted her intention to spend big bucks on buying me a Lambo or a Maserati. Even if she offered me a million dollars, there was no way I was going to “sell out” Noah like a pimp.

“You’re crazy, Steph.”

“And proud of it, bitch!” She knocked back another shot and stood up. “Oh, my God! I love this song!”

I was pulled on my feet by force, which almost caused me to spill my shot.

“Let’s see how many hot guys you can pick up tonight!” Steph yanked my arm toward the crowded dance floor. I had no choice but to follow.

CHAPTER THREE

Enigmatic Encounter

Aria had been dancing the night away with her friends, unaware that she was being watched by someone who had been eyeing her all evening like a night stalker. A sharply dressed gentleman sat by the bar, sipping on Irish whiskey. He couldn’t take his eyes off the entrancing beauty, dancing under the strobe lights. A crooked smile touched his lips as a flood of sexual images flashed in his mind while he checked out the gorgeous brunette in the strapless dress. Her outfit complimented her slim figure, he thought, and her black stilettos only heightened her sex appeal, accentuating her long, slender legs. Adjusting himself down below, he watched her snakelike movements as he strategized from a distance.

Can’t wait to tap that,he thought to himself.Fuck.

His thoughts had no filter, and his fantasies often consumed him within his twisted universe that revolved around attractive women. He wanted to pull Aria away from the dance floor and find a private place where he could do the most scandalous things to her.

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