Page 101 of Hate You Up Close

Seconds before we make it outside, I dip my head and bring my lips to the shell of her ear. I lower my voice, speaking in a husky tone.

“You know,” I rasp. “If you want to be my little whore, even if just for tonight…I promise to make it a night you’ll never forget. In fact, you’ll probably beg to wear that title around your neck after I’m done with you.”

We’re so close that I can see the goosebumps forming on her skin and the hairs standing up on the back of her neck.

“How does that sound?” I taunt, peaking my tongue out to lick her earlobe. “Just for tonight, you’re all mine.”

She rolls her eyes, trying her best to hide the red blooming along her cheeks.

“How romantic,” she scoffs. “Let me guess, I’m the twentieth…No, probably the thirtieth girl you’ve said that to in your lifetime?”

I wrap my arm around her waist and tug, pulling her impossibly close.

“I’m not trying to be romantic,” I growl. “I’m trying to make my intentions clear. I want to fuck you tonight, Roxanne. It’s all I’ve been able to think about today.”

Her eyes darken as her breath hitches.

“And I’m not the type of man who sits around and fucking daydreams about a woman all day. That’s not me. It’s never been me…until you.”

My gaze flickers between hers as my heart pounds against my chest.

“So, no,” I clarify. “I’ve never said that to another woman. I don’t even talk to the women I sleep with, much less take themon a fucking date. I’m breaking all of my rules for you, Roxanne.”

Her lips slowly tilt up in a sexy smile.

“So thisisa date?” she croons.

“Like I said, I’m breaking my rules for you,” I mutter. “Just for tonight.”

Her face falls at the last three words like I’ve wounded her. She looks…heartbroken almost. Like she wanted me to say that I’m a changed man and could promise her forever or some shit.

But I can’t give her that. I won’t destroy another life due to my selfishness.

Roxanne Taylor is the most special person I have ever met. I refuse, absolutely refuse, to bring her down with me.

She deserves a happy life. A life without misery and baggage.

We don’t say another word as we exit the hotel and step out into the breezy, night air.

“Amazing,”Roxanne coos, closing her eyes as she chews a bite of the Scandinavian steak and potatoes I ordered for her.

It was a fight, trust me, but she let me order.

“I knew you would love it,” I grin while sipping on my bourbon.

For a guy who doesn't date, I sure as hell picked a romantic as fuck restaurant. I’ve been here a couple of times in the past, but I don’t remember it being this intimate.

We’re seated in a dark corner booth, lit by the dim light of antique candles clustered in the middle of the table. Warm light dances off the brick walls as jazz music plays over the soft chattering of voices. The booth we’re in is shaped like a crescent moon, which means I have the luxury of having Roxanneright next to me. As soon as we sat down, I curled my arm around her waist and slid her body next to mine until our thighs were touching.

If I’m allowing myself to have her tonight, then I’m going to take every second I can get.

“So, tell me more about your family,” Roxanne says, distracting me from my thoughts. She takes a sip of her wine, washing down the steak and potatoes.

“I know you have a brother. Everett, right?” she adds.

“Yup,” I nod.

“Everett and Elliot,” she chuckles. “That’s cute. Clever naming choices from your parents.”