The tension in the air mounts to suffocating levels.
Her raspy voice cuts through the silent kitchen. “Why exactly is it that you don’t like me?”
“I have never said I don’t like you,” I immediately deny with a frown.
She lets out a bad-mannered snort. “Well, that bitchy face you make whenever you see me says it loud and clear.”
Shit. I thought I was better at hiding my feelings. “I just…” I let out a primal grunting sound of my own. “You’re impulsive. And you’re obnoxious. You’re too spontaneous…and…and…”
At a loss for how to explain the strange feelings this infuriating human being makes me feel, I rake my fingers through my hair, messing it all up.
Crap.
I quickly smooth a palm over my now-disheveled strands, trying to slick my hair back in order.
Jules laughs at me. I ignore her.
Spending the past ten years in the corporate world has taught me that having a clean image at all times matters, regardless of how many sloppy-looking fuckers will try to tell you that it doesn’t.
I march past her, pretending to check out the snack buffet on the counter. In reality, I’m just desperate to put some space between us.
Usually, I’m in control. I’m solid. I’m steady. But Jules makes me feel…all over the place.
“Whatever. I’m a good time. And you want me.”
“What?” I start choking on the swig of soda I just took. “Are you crazy? I donotwant you!” I glare at her like I’ve got a point to prove.
She stands there, smirking. Like she knows the exact effect she has on me. “Oh yes, you do, Mr. Button-Up. I can see it in your eyes. You may notlikeme, but youwantme.” Her voice drips like melted caramel.
My eyes betray me, momentarily shifting to the red T-shirt stretched too tightly across her perky chest. I’ve seen her wear that red T-shirt before.Life is better without a bra,it announces.
My mouth salivates.Yeah? Tell me more.
I rip my gaze away. I shake my head. I shake it again, and I just keep shaking it. “Jules, trust me. You’re delusional. I don’t want you.”
Undeterred by the rejection, she steps closer to me. So close I can smell her scent. Coconut. Ginger. Sweet leather. Those are the fragrances that come to mind.
“Prove it,” she dares me, those pretty brown eyes glinting under the overhead lights.
I swallow hard. “How?”
Jules glances around the kitchen, as if to confirm that we’re indeed alone. Then she steps even closer, her chest brushing against mine.
“Kiss me.”
3
JULES
Holy shit.I just said that. Out loud.
My heart rate picks up at the realization that I just demanded this asshole to kiss me. Right here at a party with our closest friends standing on the other side of that wall.
Jeez-zus. Why are you so reckless, Julissa? What the hell is wrong with you?An exasperated voice scolds from inside my skull.
Oh, I have a sneaking suspicion what’s wrong with me.
I’m still pissed off at all the drama that unfolded at family dinner. I need a distraction from the fact that my trust fund is now in jeopardy and my plans for the future are hanging in the balance.
