“Since when?” I ask, trying not to let too much of the exasperation out in my voice because I feel like he’s fucking with me. That or he’s really changed his mind. Because Easton is the king of fucking on the first date. In fact I think it’s rare that Easton ever has a second date.
“Since I’m on a first date. That’s what this is, yeah? What you agreed to when I asked if you wanted to try the hateship out.” He honestly looks a tad hurt, and I’m taken aback a little by it.
“I guess it’s a date. I didn’t think you were serious about that. I assumed the hateship thing was just code for sex. You did say frenemies with benefits.”
“No offense, but if I just want another hookup you’d be bottom of the list. Right above Mac and Liv.”
“Wow. I guess at least I’m in good company.”
“You did just imply I’m a whore.”
“I didn’t mean it that way. I just meant… you know what? This was probably ill-advised. The hateship thing. We should probably just forget it and try to focus on the project and have fun with our friends.”
A stormy look flickers across his face, and something else I can’t quite read.
“Yeah. Fuck that.” He pauses the movie and turns to me. “I like you. I have fun with you. I want to spend time with you—away from the rest of our friends and without the excuse of a project. And I want you. You know that. I’ve told you how much I fucking want you. But I don’t want this week to just be about that, okay?”
“You don’t?” I stare at him, wondering what’s happening and how to make it make sense.
“Do you? I mean if you’re a secret nympho, you can tell me. I won’t hold it against you. I’m already keeping secrets for you, so…” he smiles and shrugs.
I smile, but I shake my head. “I’m just confused. I feel like you’re sending mixed messages.”
“How so?”
“I mean we’re watching a movie and eating candy, yes. But you’re also half naked and we’re watching the movie in bed so…”
“We’re in a hotel, watching the movie from bed is kind of the thing. And this is me over dressed because normally I sleep naked.”
“Of course you do.” I roll my eyes and he gives me a tight little smile.
“We both know that’s the reason you agreed to this at all. It’s not like you think I’m funny or smart.” He smiles but it doesn’t go to his eyes. I hate it and the prick of guilt I feel.
“You’re actually quite funny, and as I’m learning on this project way smarter than I ever gave you credit for.”
“And when you think about fucking me, you think ‘god, he’s so funny I just can’t resist him, and the way he can crunch numbers is just so sexy’?” He raises his brow at me.
“I don’t know. Maybe.” I shrug.
“You know I can see when you look at me, right? Where your eyes go when you watch me?”
“Are you complaining that I objectify you?”
“Maybe.”
“Are you feeling all right? Do you think it’s possible you’ve been body-swapped or something?”
He bursts into laughter then, and I can’t help but smile back because the man looks positively gorgeous when he’s amused. When his laughter slows, he runs his hands down the sides of my arms in a way that lights up little sparks in their wake.
“I’m just saying we’ve got almost a week. I have a lot of ideas and a range of talents. We don’t have to rush it.”
I’m gonna add having the campus manwhore tell me I’m moving too fast to my list of life experiences I never thought I’d have.
“Okay.” I start to pull away and move back to my side of the bed, but his hands grab my hips and pull me back down.
“I didn’t say I was done kissing you though.” He leans forward and nips at my lower lip.
I kiss him back, settling in his lap, letting my fingers trace over his shoulders.
