Page 9 of Take My Love

His nostrils flare. “Oh fuck, Posey. Why didn’t you tell me that beforehand? I would’ve waited until we were sober.”

“Why didn’tyoutell me you were a virgin beforehand?” I throw back at him.

We stare at each other, breathing heavily, and at a stalemate for who or what’s to blame for not talking about what happened almost two years ago. Clearly, our communication skills suck.

“I was embarrassed,” he finally says. “And then even more embarrassed when I assumed the worst and thought it wasn’t good for you.”

Rocking on my feet, I lock my arms behind my back to stop myself from reaching out and touching him. “I had no complaints.”

He arches a brow. “So if I had asked you, would you have said it meant somethin’ to you?”

My heart races as I contemplate how to respond. “At the time, yes.”

He steps closer, invading the space between us with his large build. “And now?”

I swallow down the lump in my throat, struggling to fullycomprehend what’s happening. “It’s hard to say after spendin’ all this time being angry about it.”

He tips my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his. “I remember every touch, every kiss and moan of yours, Posey. It haunted me in my dreams for weeks.”

My breath hitches, gasping for air at the words I never expected to hear from him.

“I do too,” I admit. “I already have bad luck with dating, so thinkin’ you had no memory of our night added to my insecurities.”

He rubs the pad of his thumb softly over my cheek and it sends a shiver down my spine. “I’m sorry you overheard me say that, but if I had known, I would’ve cleared it up immediately. Ever since your friend dared you to kiss me two years ago, it’s all I thought about. I didn’t know if the feelings were mutual, and you being my best friend’s little sister, I was too chickenshit to ask. I didn’t want Warren to find out and deck me for makin’ a move on you.”

“They were mutual,” I tell him, sounding braver than I am. “I’ve had a crush on you since middle school, but I didn’t know if you only kissed me ’cause you felt pressured or if you liked me too.”

His gaze moves to my mouth, and I stare at his, wondering if I’ll finally get to feel his on mine again.

When he leans in, I do too, but then he releases a deep, almost regretful, sigh and rests his forehead against mine. “After our night together, I thought we’d finally admit our feelings. But then we didn’t and I had to eventually move on.”

I step back, finding the remorse on his face. “Whaddya mean?”

“I’m datin’ someone now. It’s new, but I owe it to her and myself to see where it goes. I don’t wanna be the guy who cheats. You deserve better than that. So does Gwen.”

My blood boils with fury at the emotional whiplash. “Why did you bring it up then?”

“’Cause I wanted answers! Maybe that makes me a selfish asshole but there was no closure.”

“Closure?” My voice raises with frustration.

“I never knew why you left that mornin’ and acted like it never happened, so yeah…it was time we got it out.”

“I tried wakin’ you!” I push against his chest, annoyed with how close he is to me, but he doesn’t flinch. “Told you we had an hour to get down to the brunch, then I left to shower and get ready.”

“Okay,thatpart I don’t remember…” He frowns. “But everythin’ else I do.”

“Maybe it’s better this way. Warren needs us right now and being together would’ve made things awkward with Maisie leavin’.” I shrug, stepping around him, but he grabs my arm to stop me.

“I’m sorry I hurt you, Posey. I wish I could go back and fix it.”

And I wish he never told me.

I’d rather believe he had no memory of us than knowing he remembers everything because even now after admitting we had feelings for each other, I still get let down. If this ache in my chest is only a fraction of what Warren’s been going through, then I don’t want any part of it.

“Good luck with your new girlfriend.” I pull my arm out of his grip and walk away.

chapter two