“Thank you. I won’t be long.”
As Braden pulls me along, I swear he mutters something that sounds a lot like ‘Don’t hold your breath.’
“Excuse me?” I ask, snatching my hand back.
When we round the corner, he stops dead in his tracks and turns around, causing me to crash into him.
He grips my arms to steady me. “Were you seriously on your way to make out with someone who won’t even come close to satisfying the needIfilled you with?”
I cross my arms defiantly, but he doesn’t release me. “You have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Oh sugar, I’ve been watching you all fucking night. I know exactly what I’m talking about. I know you’re not attracted to him, the same way I can tell you want me like I’m your favorite dessert. I know every time you think about that kiss because your face says so, and your body tells me the rest. Like how your legs squeeze together to ease the ache…” One hand slides down to slip under the high slit of my dress and is suddenly at my core. “Right here.”
My mouth opens in a gasp when his other hand draws my head forward as our lips crash. I’m instantly craving more and ready to let him do anything he wants. I clutch his jacket to pull him closer. I’ve never responded this way to anyone. How is that possible?
“Are you done denying this?” he asks, breaking the kiss. “Admit you want me as much as I want you. Come on, Mouse. I’ll satisfy that ache so good.” He presses harder against my clit, and I melt, dropping my head to his chest and whimpering.
Leaning into my ear, he whispers, “Surrender yourself. Give me permission to fuck you and I promise you won’t regret it. Say the word and we’ll go to my room right now.” His finger continues the assault on my clit.
“Come on, baby. I’ll fuck you so hard and have you back before anyone notices we’re gone.”
I want it so badly. And while I have no idea what I’m doing, that’s what’s so appealing. I don’t have to think about anything because he’scontrolling enough to take care of it all for me. He’s perfect for my first time, and I bet he’ll make it good.
Decision firmly made, the answer comes out in a whisper. “Okay.”
His sigh of relief matches mine. “Thank fuck.” He kisses the top of my head. “I’m not sure I could’ve survived if you said no. Goddamn, do I need to be inside you.” He extracts himself, pulling me toward the parking lot. “Follow me.”
“Wait. What about what Cici needed?” I remind him, tugging his hand to stop.
He turns and smirks. “I just made that up to get you alone. I was waiting for an opportunity all night, but your friend and that other guy didn’t give me a chance. I wasn’t about to stand by and let you sneak off with another man.”
My jaw drops.
He continues on, talking over his shoulder as he drags me along. “Poppy, one thing you should know about me is that I’m used to getting what I want, and I’ve wanted you since I spotted you at the gate.”
We make it to the cart, and I’m not sure why, probably nerves, but I decide to call him on his shit.
“Is this how you always treat women? Picking one out at random and chasing them until they give in?”
He answers as he backs out of the space, then onward to our building. “Sugar, I don’t have to chase women. They come willingly. You, on the other hand, have been a challenge. It’s refreshing.”
“I’m honored,” I say sarcastically, then add, “So now that you’ve won the battle, you’ll be done with me?”
“You’re leaving tomorrow, so yeah. That’s generally how I work anyway.” He’s honest, I’ll give him that.
For some reason, my chest tightens at his declaration rather than relief at being left alone. I’m sure it’s because he’ll be my first, not because Ilikehim. Because I don’t. He’s crass. He’s vulgar. He’s the player of all players.
No. It’s just sentiment, and I’ll get over that. He’s simply a means to an end—a way for me to experience my first timewith someone who knows what they’re doing. The last thing I need is him reading too much into this, which is why he can’t find out I’ve never done it before. Plus, I don’t think it would be as good if he knew I was a virgin. Hell, he’d probably run the other way, afraid that I’d cramp his style.
Thank goodness I grew up riding horses. They say you lose your hymen from it. I’m hoping it’s not an old wives’ tale, or he’s in for quite the surprise. Fingers crossed the sheets remain clean, or rather, bloodless, because they better be dirty by the time we’re finished.
“Having second thoughts? It’s not like you didn’t know this was a one-time thing. Although if you had given in sooner, we might’ve had time to play out all our fantasies. Listen, I live here, you live there. I’d say it’s a perfect scenario for you.”
“How so?” I ask as we exit the cart and walk toward his room, since I’m sharing mine.
“Bozeman’s a small town, right? You’ve probably run through most of your options. I’m fresh meat. Someone to screw without overthinking whether I’m husband material or not.” He shrugs while opening the door. “Who knows, maybe this will be so much better than your supposedmeaningful sexthat you’ll go home and start living like the rest of the single population.”
“You’re delusional.” I shake my head at the ridiculous notion as we enter. Ridiculous because I have nothing to compare it to. I’m sure it won’t change anything, but I hope he’s right and it’s at least pleasurable.
