Page 42 of How to Break My Heart

This isnothow first kisses should go.

Thankfully, Marco picks up on my vibe and doesn’t pressure me into one.

My apartment is two blocks over, so I say goodbye and walk home, enjoying the brisk night air. It’s something I do often when I need to clear my head, and after the way tonight ended, plus Aston’s gate-crashing, my head needs to be cleared. Cinnamon Springs is one of the safest towns in the county, so I’m not afraid of strolling at night by myself.

That is, until I get to my apartment.

Is that a shadow?

My heart begins to race, panic setting in as I try to get a better look at the man standing near the door. God, I don’t even carry mace or anything to protect myself. What good are a tampon and some breath mints when I’m in danger?

As I step a bit closer, the hands running through the curly hair appear to be familiar.

I take larger steps, eyes wide in disbelief.

“Are you stalking me?” I accuse in a high-pitched tone.

Aston raises his brows, pursing his lips. “I would hardly call it stalking.”

The guy is relentless. It’s bad enough he put me in a sour mood this morning and earlier tonight, but now he just keeps going like he’s bored and has nothing better to do than to annoy me.

“Why are you here, Aston?”

“To prove a point to you,” he states matter-of-factly but then glances around. “I’m right. Though, your doctor friend is missing. Not enough game, huh?”

I shake my head in confusion. “Right about what?”

“A man and woman can’t just be friends,” he reminds me smugly.

Not this again.

I drop my gaze to the ground, granting myself patience to deal with whatever Aston is about to throw at me. One minute, I think he’s somewhat pleasant and cares about his sister, but the next, he acts like some jealous boyfriend who won’t let me play with other boys.

My head begins to spin, thanks to the margaritas. “I’m tired, okay? Just go home.”

He places his hand against the brick wall, blocking my way. As he stands this close to me, I smell his aftershave. How can a man as infuriating as him smell so… so…delicious?

I refuse to look him in the eye in case he can read my questionable thoughts, but he inches closer anyway.

“You’re telling me you didn’t consider inviting him inside?”

“No…” I shake my head, still unable to look at him, and manage a lie. “I told you, I’m not into one-night stands.”

Aston remains silent, but I know he’s watching me. My breathing is ragged, and I’m sweating beneath my coat despite the cold night air.

Slowly, I lift my head to meet Aston’s intoxicating gaze. Unwillingly, I swallow the giant lump inside my throat, unable to turn away. I should be angry he’s invading my privacy, but I can’t seem to gain any clarity, and my heart is beating way too fast for me to focus on anything else.

He tilts his head slightly, leaning into my ear to whisper, “And when he leaned in to tell you how beautiful you look tonight, you didn’t envision him removing this sexy dress of yours until you’re naked in front of him, begging to be fucked?”

The intensity of his words causes me to bite my lip. My legs press together to stop the desire between my thighs, which, thankfully, is hidden beneath my coat.

“No,” I choke.

“Hmm… interesting.” He touches the pendant hanging from my necklace, then runs his finger down my chest, stopping just shy of my cleavage. My stomach flutters, and beneath my clothes and bra, my nipples harden at the touch of his fingers against my skin. “Your body appears to be betraying you.”

“Perhaps you’re reading it all wrong,” I say, finding my voice and fighting off this overpowering urge to do something Iwillregret later. “See, if I want something, I go for it.”

With a satisfied smirk, he murmurs, “A woman who knows what she wants.”