“DoIneed to file a restraining order?”
She studies me for a beat, and the spark returns—our previous tension warming back to life. “Depends,” she breathes.
“On?”
Cora smiles, uncrosses her legs in a fluid motion,and stands up. She rounds the cluttered coffee table. Stumbling, she almost lands in the middle of it.
She giggles and sits—or rather falls—beside me. Fuck, gulping down her wine wasn’t the best idea.
Not that I ever cared about a woman drinking too much, but somehow I feel responsible for pushing her over her limit. With my stupid gift.
Cora angles her body toward me and puts her hand on my chest.
Her touch burns through my T-shirt, threatening to incinerate my common sense. Our gazes collide. Our breathing stutters.
I shift to face her. “Cora, as much as I—”
She slides her hand lower, not grabbing my dick, but massaging over the bulge in my pants. I groan.
“I can think of a better birthday gift.” She bites her lower lip.
I circle my fingers around hers and bring her hand to my mouth, dusting her knuckles with my lips.
“Coraline, believe me, I want to, but you’re drunk, and I don’t want to be your regret tomorrow.”
She pouts adorably. “You’re not living up to your reputation.”
“And believe me, it pains me.” I stand up, and she slides down onto her side, mumbling protests and closing her eyes. Covering her with a blanket, I kiss thecrown of her head. “Goodnight, Coraline, and Happy Birthday.”
With one last look at her, I step out gingerly like the floor is barbed wire. She doesn’t look at me, shaking her head like she is regretting tonight.
I almost change my mind.
Almost.
The door closes behind me, and I stare at its wood with the slightly chipped paint, like staying here will somehow balance out the score… What score? Fuck.
Have I just refused sex?
With a woman I crave?
The worst timing ever to grow a conscience.
Chapter 9
Cora
Celeste
How is OD?
Lily
OMG, who overdosed?
Celeste
Operation Dating! (laughing emoji)
