Page 134 of Hard Rock Tease

“I know him as Neil. We’ve been messaging each other online for months. Neither of us had any idea who the other was. It wasn’t until I posted something I’d told him about in real life from my personal account that he figured it out. That time when you saw him kiss me, that was the first time we’d properly met in person. I had no idea he was going to do that. It took me by surprise, too.”

The tension in his body slowly melted away, but the frown stayed. “You were dating him online?”

“No! No, not at all. We were just friends.”

“That didn’t look like a friendly kiss.”

“We had agreed to meet up for drinks at the end of summer. I guess he was more into me than I thought.” And I was more into him, but I didn’t say that out loud. “I know we both agreed there could be nothing between us, but I got the feeling you might be upset about the whole situation. I wanted to apologize.”

“There’s no need.” Jayce flicked his eyes away from mine and looked out the window. “It’s not like we’re together or anything.”

“I want you to know that I wasn’t with Neil when we kissed. Or anyone else for that matter.”

“It’s fine, Ailey.”

I hesitated before pressing on. “I just want to know that things are okay between us.”

“We’re cool. Are we done here?”

“Yeah.”

He stood back up and stalked down the aisle until he reached the front, pounding down the stairs with a heavy gait.

Things weren’t fine between us at all.

Chapter Thirteen

My phone pingedand I rolled over, groaning. After a few late work nights, I’d finally gone to bed early. I should have turned off my alerts, but I was always worried I’d miss something.

It was Neil.

You asleep?

No. Not anymore.

Sorry. Did I wake you?

It’s okay.

Are you in bed?

Yeah.

Are you wearing sexy little pajamas like I’m imagining?

Athrillof excitement swept through me. I decided to be bold.

What if Itold you I didn’t wear anything to bed?

Then I’d wish I was there with you.

What would you do, if you were here next to me?

First off, the sheets would have to go. I’d want to see you lying naked on the bed.

If that’s what you want, I’d throw the blankets to the floor.

I’d drink in the sight of you, take in every inch of your skin.