Page 27 of Rebound

“I don’t hate you, Trick.”

“I love when you call me that.” He breathes deeply, forehead pressing to mine. “Well, you treat me like you hate me.”

I close my eyes, hating the way he sounds. I didn’t care for so many years and now all of a sudden, he’s in my life and I care. I care so much it turns me into this monster.

“I don’t hate you. You infuriate me.”

“Because of my good looks and the thing I do with my cock, right?”

I push my fingers into his stomach hard and he yelps, stepping away from me. I shift on my feet as he smiles, but I don’t return it. I can’t. I don’t want this man thinking he’s got the drop on me. Right now we’re two people trying to navigate this mess we find ourselves in. A mess we both want, separately.

“You can tell me all about it when we talk tomorrow,” he says and adjusts his shirt.

“I have to work.”

“Go in late.”

“Could you go in late for a practice?” He makes a face and I roll my eyes. “You can wait.”

“I can swing by your office.”

“Absolutely not.” I don’t need people at work knowing I’m connected to him. “Fine. Bring breakfast,” I say, realising the only way out of this is through, as painful as it may be.

He nods. “I’ll bring you anything you want, Lo.”

“Lo? Really, Patrick?”

“Patrick is what everyone else calls me. You only call me Trick.”

I snort, unable to hide the laugh that spills out after. His face transforms instantly; it goes from a playful smile to a full one. If he was handsome before, now he’s gorgeous.

“I hope our baby looks like you.” I’m surprised the words come out of me; they were supposed to stay inside my head.

“Fuck no. I hope it’s a little girl and she’s a copy of you.”

Exhaling, I stare as Patrick takes a step forward, slowly closing the gap between us. Here’s the problem in being alone with this man, I need to climb him. I know what it feels like to be held, touched, kissed and fucked by him. And I want it again.

“I’m glad you’re here,” I admit softly. It’s not a lie; it’s a hard truth to admit. I know I can handle this pregnancy on my own, especially with all the people willing to support me. But having the father of my baby here makes a difference.

“Me too, baby. Me fucking too.” The words are low and dangerous, making my body hum.

We stare at each other, my arms finally lowering to my sides. I wonder if it’s the fact that I’m not in a defensive position anymore or if he sees the longing in my eyes. One minute he’s a foot away and the next Patrick’s mouth is on mine. There’s barely any hesitation on my part. As his hands grip my hip and tug me closer, I slide mine around his neck. The height difference means he lifts me off my feet, one hand sliding down to my ass as the kiss deepens. This is exactly what I was afraid would happen when I’m around Patrick. He’s irresistible even when he’s infuriating.

My lips part against his and his tongue sweeps into my mouth, one hand cupping the back of my head. A moan echoes between us and the kiss changes, harder and more intense now. His beard scrapes against my skin and I’m levitating. I don’t even think about how effortlessly he’s lifting me up. All I can focus on is how good it feels to have his strong body pressed against mine.

This is what kissing should always feel like.

“Oh good, you haven’t killed each other yet.”

The kiss breaks and I curse myself for letting go so easily.

“Go the fuck away,” he tells whoever it is. I squirm in his arms and he reluctantly sets me down, but before I can step away, his mouth captures mine again. The kiss is filthier now, but I press my hands to his chest and he finally pulls away. I slide out from between Patrick and the wall, ignoring Elias’s wide-eyed expression.

“If you’re done, we’re heading out.”

I nod as Patrick touches my hand. “What do you want for breakfast?”

“Pancakes,” I reply and when he smiles, I do too, even though I hate myself for it.