“What’s the problem with that? Or are you just upset because he’s hot?” I return his stare as if we’re in a country-western standoff with guns blazing. “I’m so over this. Excuse me,” I utter, pushing past him. I’m hoping to mask my disappointment at how this pathetic plan turned out and make my excuses to Mitchell and Jason before going home.
However, I’m again stopped short as I feel his strong hand clamp down around my arm.
“Come here,” he growls, pushing me against the wall as he slams his mouth over mine. My heart rate is in overdrive as his wet tongue pushes through my lips, searching for a connection. I’m spinning at this abrupt change in direction. Anchoring myself to him, I dig my fingers into his dark hair and hold on as he presses his pelvis into me. Trevor’s hands grip my ass firmly, holding me steady against his body as he rocks into me. I know we’re in a public place, but it’s either this or begging him to take me back into the ladies’ room, and I’m not willing to waste that much time.
Trevor pulls back slightly, his penetrating blue eyes fueling my aroused state.
“I didn’t think you wanted me,” I whisper, still trying to wrap my head around this. His position shifts slightly as he grabs my hand and moves it to his enormously hard dick. Gulping to suppress my shock, I try to calm myself down.
“Does that answer your question?” He presses himself into my hand, and I grip his erection reflexively, eliciting a slight groan above me. “One night, cupcake. That’s it. If this is what you want, I’ll give you one night.”
Wait. Did I hear him right?Quickly removing my hand from his groin and pushing it firmly against his chest, I glare back at him. “What do you mean I’ll give you one night? Do I look like a whore to you? Do you think I’m so desperate for you that I’d be willing to take whatever you’ll give me?” I now use the palms of both hands to push him away from me in complete disgust. “Did you miss the part where I said I wanted someone who’d make me feel special? You’re a jackass, Trevor Laurence.”
“Addy,” he says, grabbing my wrists and holding me in place. “I’m sorry. This isn’t about you. I’ve been fighting my attraction to you since we met. Seeing you with that guy…” He pauses, shaking his head. “I’m just not the guy you need if you’re looking for a relationship. One night is all I’m capable of.”
“That’s bullshit, and you know it. We’ve all been hurt before. But it doesn’t give you a free pass to be a dick. I deserve a man who’s as brave with a woman as he is with a five-alarm fire. So put up or shut up, Laurence. Because I’m going home.”
Chapter17
Addy
“Addison, I’m glad you could make it,” my mother greets, her affect as flat as ever. “Your brother will be glad to see you.” Really? I doubt he’d notice I wasn’t here unless someone asked where I was, and he had to come up with an answer on the fly.
“Hi, Mom.”
“You look beautiful, dear. That color suits you.”
I peer down at my conservative A-line silk dress with capped sleeves in a deep plum. I’ve been to enough of my parents’ parties to know it’s all about impressing the guests. The food, the location, the attire. Why have a festive backyard barbeque to celebrate someone’s accomplishments when I could be miserably uncomfortable talking to people I’m not interested in ever seeing again? And forget wearing something fun and exciting. That would only garner a lecture.
Grabbing an unidentifiable cocktail off of the tray of a passing server, I quickly toss back half the glass in an attempt to dull the pain of the agonizing evening before me. I’m making a concerted effort to support my brother, but I’m out of here the minute I can escape this hoity-toity soiree. These events always have a way of turning sideways. The stench of pretentiousness tends to leave me feeling claustrophobic. It’s as if the walls of self-importance are closing in on me. Once I start feeling overwhelmed, my polite façade comes down, and I’m libel to tell someone what I really think of this whole shindig.
“Addison, really?” My mother huffs.
Several older women, adorned in frumpy cocktail attire, enter the country club ballroom and greet my father. As my mother spots them, she heads in their direction without another word to me.
Hell’s bells. I hope they keep her distracted for the rest of the party.I meander down a hallway, taking in various pictures of celebrities who’ve played the club’s course as I sip the remainder of my cocktail. I anticipate there’ll be plenty more of these before I can repair my evening with a long hot shower and a good book.
“Excuse me. I’ve gotten turned around. Could you point me in the direction of the main ballroom?” a handsome man, probably in his early seventies, with a kind smile, asks. “Sure. It’s just down this hallway.”
“Thank you. It doesn’t take much for me to get lost these days. My eyesight isn’t what it used to be.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“My dear June used to lead me around. Alas, since she passed away, I’ve been trying to find my way in the world alone.”
My hand flies to my heart, this precious man. “Well, I don’t have a date this evening. Would you mind if we try to navigate the rest of the evening together?”
“I’d be honored, young lady,” he replies, a bit of a twinkle in his eye. “You’re attending the party in the ballroom?”
“Yes, Brad’s my brother.” I’m proud of him, even if I’m a little jealous that he was born with the academic genes I’d missed out on.
“Well, you come from quite an academic family. My late wife was a professor at Duke with your father for several years before he moved into research. Did you attend university nearby?”
“I’m afraid I don’t have much in common with my family. I didn’t go to college.” I pause, the familiar warmth of insecurity washing over me. “I’ve, uh…”
This kindhearted man stops in his tracks, giving me his undivided attention. He makes me feel as if I’ve known him for years.
“I have pretty severe dyslexia. I’m not cut out for that environment,” I say, wondering why I’ve shared this with him when I hide it from almost everyone else in my life.
