Page 24 of Connectio

“No, you don’t.” I go to leave, when he says my name, and for some stupid reason, I like the sound of it on his tongue.

“Elizabeth.”

“What?”

“I’m going to teach you how to box.”

“Box? What?”

He nods as if that’s all there is to it.

“Um… no, you’re not.”

This time, I do turn on my heel in search of Carly, Will following, his Gigantor arm reaching out to make a clear path through the sea of people before me.

“You need to learn how to defend yourself. You’re too small and delicate.”

“The only person I need to defend myself against is you.”

“Fine! I’ll teach you how to defend yourself against me then.”

The offer is almost too good to refuse.

“I’ll pass, thanks.”

“Sorry, no can do.”

Stopping at the edge of the dance floor, I spin to face him, when he bumps into me, his arms reaching around my back stop me from falling.

I gasp and grip the lapels of his shirt, my heartbeat escalating as our eyes bounce like tennis balls from each other’s lips to each other’s eyes. Will’s gaze drops to my neck, and my skin instantly heats.

“See?” I wiggle out of his embrace so I’m able to step back for much-needed space. “The only person I need to defend myself against is you.”

“Then I’ll teach you how. It’s settled.”

“No, it’s not.”

“You don’t have a choice.”

“No, you don’t have a choice.” Huffing, I wonder why I’m still standing here talking to him. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to find Carly then pretend this night never happened.”

Will smiles, greedy-like, then licks his luscious Brad Pitt lips. “It happened, sweetheart, and it will happen again.”

Swallowing hard, I take another step back and shake my head. “No, it won’t.”

* * *

“I meanwho does he think he is?” I move onto the pavement and hold the door of the taxi while Carly ungracefully climbs out.

“He is Will.” She giggles.

“He is an arrogant, pig-headed jerk.”

Carly sways as she stands, so I loop my arm around hers, bearing most of her weight as I lead her toward the front door of our house.

“Derek and I are,” she says, her eyes all dreamy.

I have no idea what she’s talking about. She’s been cooing and mumbling ever since she got off the phone with him. “Are what?”