Page 22 of Collided (Dirty Air 2)

“I may have traded kid costumes for ball gowns, but I never gave up on the sneaker trend.” She drops the hem of her dress again, my eyes lingering on her hidden legs before meeting her gaze.

Damn, I enjoy her presence way too much. My reaction to her is screwing with me because I can’t remember the last time I had this easygoingness with a girl.

Like a knee-jerk reaction, the memory of Johanna draws a sharp pain straight to my chest. Fuck that. Not going there.

I ignore the sensation, pushing away the idea of Sophie reminding me of Johanna. “Quite the pair, you and I.”

She scoffs. Fucking hell, no charms work on her.

“Are you always such a flirt?” Her eyes twinkle, light reflecting off them like she stole the stars she loves so damn much.

“Usually, but I’ve been keeping myself locked up this season. This is my no-no square. No girls can touch me here.” I gesture toward the lower half of my body while shaking my finger at her.

Sophie drops her head back and laughs. She’s a beautiful sight, her cautiousness abandoned, the curve of her throat gaining my attention. Shame I can’t see more of her out here. I rely on my other senses, breathing in her scent of coconuts. Is it her lotion? Her perfume? And why the fuck does it turn me on?

“You should wear a sign, so everyone knows you’re not up for grabs. It’ll get the message across better for unsuspecting women. You know, because you’re…” She waves over my body like that explains everything.

“Are you trying to hint at how you find me good-looking?”

Her face snaps forward as she shakes her head. “Uh, no. You’re not my type.”

“So, you’re not into handsome men?”

She snorts. Fucking snorts. I can’t believe I find it cute. It’s unlike any other woman who hangs around me, groomed to perfection and putting on a show.

“No, I am. But I also like good guys.” Her hands fidget before she grips the handrail.

I can be a good guy when I want, and compared to Noah, I classify myself as a saint. Well, a saint who sins, but a saint nonetheless.

“You know what they say about nice guys is a lie, right?” I enjoy the look of surprise on her face a little too much.

Her eyes enlarge and her lips part as her ice queen façade melts away. “What do you mean?”

“Unlike nice guys, bad boys always finish last. Every. Single. Time. And there are plenty of repeats.” My hand has a mind of its own, running down her arm and leaving goosebumps behind.

Her breath catches at my words, encouraging me to get more responses from her. Fuck the repercussions. Touching isn’t fucking, so I’m not breaking my deal yet. My skin buzzes when my knuckles graze her face.

A sigh escapes her lips, tempting me to kiss her, to put our connection to the test. Uncertainty bubbles inside of me, not quite sure what to make of my attraction toward her. I’m dancing on a fine line between giving into my desires and holding true to my promise of behaving.

I pull away to avoid kissing her.

“Bad boys are overrated.” She rolls her eyes, clearly ignoring her response toward me.

“But I thought you wanted to branch out. Especially with your list and all.”

Her fucking list. My dick stirs at the thought of some of the items.

Sophie has the innocent look down, all dimples and almond-shaped eyes, but her list tells a different story I want to know better. I want to feed my craving to explore her body. To learn more about the woman who loves the night sky, who stares up at the stars and makes wishes, unfortunately very aware of things lurking in the night. Bastards like me who want to seduce her and bring her to the dark side. I’d fuck her under her precious sky, making sure the only thing she wishes for is my cock and multiple orgasms.

My mind runs faster than my race car. I miss half of whatever comes out of Sophie’s mouth.

“…No one else knows about it, so you need to keep quiet. Do not tell anyone. You weren’t even supposed to find out, but since you’re too damn nosey for your own good, now you know.” She shifts her weight about, showing how flustered she is about her error. What a fantastic mess she made.

A grin crosses my face. “I’m going to enjoy this little secret between us.”

“You really aren’t going to let my list go, are you?”

“Nope. Now tell me, why did you create this dirty list of yours? Did you get tired of fingering yourself at night, hoping for a better tomorrow?”