Giselle is still staring at me as her words settle into my bones. She’s not incorrect with her assumption, but is there really anything wrong with my choice to not date?
Who wouldn’t want to protect themselves from potential heartbreak? It’s only natural.
I don’t see why Giselle and I can’t have a good time together without the need of making things more complicated?
“Hudson, you could have had your pick of any of those women at the pub tonight. Why aren’t you back at one of their apartments instead?”
“Because I don’t want any of them,” I say without taking my eyes off of her. It’s the truth. I don’t want to look at other women, I don’t want anybody else. I haven’t fucking slept with anybodysince that redhead a couple of weeks ago, because every time I even contemplate the idea my cock seems to rebel. “I wantyou, Giselle.”
She shakes her head, her pin straight sheet of black hair bouncing over her shoulders. “You can’t have me, Hudson.”
“Why not?” I argue, feeling my stomach roll at her words. I’m pretty sure she’s attracted to me too, so why is she fucking fighting it? “I’ve told you to ask anything you want to know about me, Giselle. I’ll tell you, right here, right now. I’ll call my mum and you can run a background check on me if you want. Giselle—”
“Because not everything is always as black and white as that!”
“It can be if you want it to be. Not everything has be complicated!”
Giselle narrows her eyes at me as our conversation grows more heated once more. “Sleeping with someone isn’t as simple for me as it is for you, Hudson.”
Her comment doesn’t sting. Mainly because she’s telling the truth; I do find no strings attached sex to be easy.
But it’s Giselle’s declaration that rings in my ears like a drum.
Taking a step forward, I dig my hands into the back of her sofa to avoid grabbing what I really want; her. “I’m sorry, Gee. Really. I didn’t come here to argue with you or—”
Giselle’s shoulders slump at my apology, the fight draining out of her. “I don’t want to argue either. It makes my skin crawl.”
I nod, swallowing thickly. “I’ll go if you want…”
Peering over her shoulder, Giselle looks out at her apartment windows; the vast sprawl of London town spread out beyond. Although, I’m not sure how much she can really see. It’s so dark outside now that her windows reflect the golden glare coming from inside her apartment, highlighting her pretty silhouette and the empty coffee cup, stained with a lipstick ring, sitting on her coffee table, sans coaster.
When her head swings back around, it’s to settle her gaze one me once more. “How long would it take for you to get back to your apartment?”
I shrug my broad shoulders. “Twenty minutes or so.”
Top teeth sinking into her plush bottom lip, Giselle nods slowly. My thumb itches to reach over and pull her bottom lip free, but I tuck my thumb into my palm instead, lest she fucking bite it off. Honestly, after the way we’ve been shouting at each other tonight, I wouldn’t put it past her.
“You can stay here.”
I drag my focus from her lips.
“What?”
“You may as well stay the night. Save you having to get a taxi home.” She drops her arms and walks past me, brushing my torso with her hand. “I’ve got some spare sheets and a pillow. I’ll make the sofa up for you.”
That doesn’t actually sound like a half bad idea. It would save me the cash and the agonising, most likely cold, ride back along the streets of London.
“Are you sure?”
“Mhm.”
She returns with an armful of white sheets, unfolding one and spreading it out over her sofa. It won’t be the best night’s sleep I’ve ever had, but I’m not going to be picky.
“Bathroom is down the hall. I don’t have any spare clothes, but—”
“I’ll be fine.” I find myself smiling softly at her. “Thanks, Gee.”
“You’re welcome.” Turning on the heel of her foot, I watch as Giselle double checks the lock on her apartment door and then pads down the hallway to her bedroom.
