“Keep it simple. I’m sure Jameson doesn’t want all his secrets shared.” His face morphs in shock at my knowledge of his National President’s name.
“I don’t feel comfortable discussing any of this with you.” I tilt my head and stare at him.
“Don’t trust me?” He snorts and leans in as the kettle starts to whistle.
“Honey, I don’t even trust the hair on my ass to keep me warm in assless chaps.” That’s oddly specific, and I’m sure there’s a back story, but fuck if I’m asking it.
“Ok then.” I grab two mugs and place tea bags into them before pouring in the hot water.
I push the milk and sugar at him and watch as he mixes it to his liking, wondering how I’m supposed to gain his trust. Honesty only goes so far, and I can tell that the young man I knew isn’t the man sitting in front of me today.
I guess that can be said about me, too.
“I don’t want anything from you, Joel. I thought you deserved the truth. You were under the assumption that we had some crazy romantic one-night stand before you sailed off with the Navy, but that’s not what happened.” I take a second to sip my own tea.
“It really wasn’t you?”
I shake my head sadly.
“She apologized before she died. If it helps, I believe her, for once.” I watch the emotions play across his face.
“It doesn’t, but I won’t speak ill of the dead.”
I click my tongue.
“But you want to. She was a bitch and owned it. I got my revenge in a way.” A memory of Apex floats through my mind, and I grin into my mug so Joel doesn’t see it.
“You fucked her man as payback?”
I tilt an eyebrow and nod.
“Her husband, actually.” Well, fuck is a strong word, but I came on that man’s tongue so damn hard.
“Jesus, you two had a fucked up relationship.”
I place the mug down on the counter with a frown.
“She was already dead,” I add as if it would make that much of a difference.
“Sure, that makes it better.”
Ok, I can see that this conversation has taken a left turn.
“Yeah, well, staying a virgin all these years didn’t sit well with him.” Or me, for that matter.
“Wait, what?” Joel stands suddenly, and I back up.
Stupid Haven!
“Forget I said that. I’m gonna get going. I’ve got work to do.” I high-tailed it to the hall where I left my purse and keys.
“No, you don’t.” He grabs my arm, spins me around, and shoves me into the wall.
He runs his nose up my neck, and I shiver, but leave my leg ready to knee him if I have to. He ain’t the only one with trust issues after all.
“You can leave after you answer one question for me.” His lips stop just shy of my lips.
Fuck, if he kisses me now, I may just beg him to fuck me against this wall. Nineteen-year-old Joel was sexy, but this adult version is dangerous to my libido.
