Page 37

“Are you trying to tempt me?”

“Maybe.” I shrug. “Then again, you can see it all up close and personal anytime you like, so maybe don’t waste your time with the window and just come straight to the source.”

“Straight to the source is my preferred method of entry.” His voice is smooth as silk, his words holding more meaning than one.

“Mine too.” I purr, testing his restraint.

“Fuck. This is going to be the longest hour of my life,” he grumbles and I smile, the action so wide it feels like my face might split in half.

“Then you better hurry up and get here.”

“And what will you do with me once I do?” It’s his turn to tease.

“I guess you’ll just have to find out. See you soon.”

Without another word, I end the call, fighting the urge to squeal like a child as I clench the phone to my chest, bouncing on the balls of my feet in excitement.

I can’t help it.

This man... God, he just makes me so deliriously...happy.

Chapter Nine

River

“What in the world am I going to do with you?” I prop my shoulder against the doorframe, letting my eyes travel the length of Charlotte’s body, naked and spread open on top of my bed, her upper body supported on her elbows, enhancing her perfect tits.

She was asleep when I left the bed. I assumed she’d still be asleep when I returned a few short minutes later. Happy to report, I was wrong.

“I can think of a few things.” She lifts a hand, shifting her weight to one arm as she hitches a finger at me.

My feet move before my brain even tells them to.

She’s been here for less than twenty-four hours, and already I’ve been buried inside of her more times than I can count. I can’t get enough of her. And given the way she’s looking at me, I’d say the feeling is mutual.

“You’re insatiable, Red,” I tell her, stalking up the bed until I’m positioned in my new favorite spot, directly between her thighs.

“And you’re wearing too many clothes,” she replies, grabbing my shirt and tugging upward. I dip, allowing her to pull the material over my head before I lift one arm and then the other, fully surrendering the article of clothing, which she quickly tosses to the floor.

Every reservation I had, every excuse I made to keep this woman at arm’s length, went straight out the window the day I kissed her for the first time. Since that moment, I’ve been caught in a twister, unable to fight against the torrent of wind pushing me toward her.

Even though every fiber in my body is saying there’s no way this ends well, there’s nothing on this planet that could stop me from being exactly where I am at this current moment.

I press my lips to hers, groaning at the sweet taste of her lips.

Charlotte O’Malley is my kryptonite. She dismantles every one of my defenses with a single look. She commands my body with a single touch. She brings me to my knees with a single press of her lips to mine.

I don’t stand a chance against her. I don’t think I ever did.

“What classes are you most excited about this semester?” I ask just as Charlotte shoves a too-big bite of lo mein noodles into her mouth.

She gives me an annoyed look, like how dare I wait until she’s got food in her mouth to ask her a question, which only further spreads the smile teasing at the corners of my mouth.

She was more than a little surprised when I told her to get dressed, that I was taking her out to dinner. I could see the question in her eyes without her ever having to ask.What if we’re seen...

I assured her it wouldn’t be an issue. Lyric is in Virginia. My parents are watching the girls tonight because Dalton and Avery went to the symphony, of all places, and there isn’t anyone elsearound that has a clue who she is. Even if I see someone I know, they won’t know her, and really, that’s all that matters.

I have no idea how long we’re going to keep this little charade up. It feels shady, sneaking around and lying to everyone. But at the same time, I can’t deny that I like having her all to myself.