Page 29 of Lock

“I don’t.” I frown.

“Had . . . sex,” she whispers so low I barely hear her.

My head rears back. “Really?” I say far too loudly.

“That’s what I said!” she rushes. “But don’t tell anyone. It’s a secret. Shhhh,” she pleads, a finger over her mouth.

My chest warms. She trusts me with her friend’s secrets.

“I won’t tell,” I promise.

Leading her into her bedroom, I release her waist just long enough to click the door closed.

Turning, I find Shelby facing me, her plump lip caught between her teeth.

“I have a secret too, but I didn’t get to tell her.”

I raise a brow. “Oh yeah? What’s that, baby?”

“Shhh,” she shushes, a finger covering her mouth again.

“Arms up, cutie.”

Shelby does as told. Stripping her sweater off, I throw it into the hamper. Her clumsiness from the wine should start to wear off soon. Two glasses don’t make her so inebriated that she can’t function. And my special mix is for memory and drowsiness.

I want her with me here and now. I just don’t want her to remember tomorrow.

“I don’t think I have a boyfriend.”

My hands still on the button of her pants.

“No?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “A lover, a friend with benefits, a fuck buddy.” Shelby gives a sharp nod. “A fuck buddy,” she decides.

“That’s not what we are, Shelby.” I tell her, my tone sharp.

Her body rocks as I snap her jeans open, her head snaps up.

A deep chuckle rumbles out of my chest.

“You,” she whispers, her eyes filling with tears.

“Me,” I confirm.

Shelby pushes up onto her toes, her lips slamming into mine at the same time I dip my hand into her jeans.

“I can’t believe it was you,” she pants. “This whole time.”

My chuckle mixes with her moan. Easing two fingers into her, I nip the side of her neck.

Always so surprised. And eager.

I grin against her skin.

My hand is rough between her legs.

“I told you not to drink the juice tonight. Didn’t I?”