"It suits you."
"No, it doesn't." I sound offended. He knows nothing about me. I'm the least problematic person.
"Yes, it does. You're trouble." He walks slowly over to me. "Since the moment I met you."
"That's not fair. I had no idea who you were."I can tell he wants to say more, but he doesn't. Instead, those stormy green eyes continue to glare at me.If he is going to hold that night against me, then that isn't fair. If I could change things, I would, but I can't. It happened. Get over it."You know what? I'll just wait in the hallway." I huff, storming off toward his front door.
"Don't." He catches my wrist.
16
JOELLE
Iturn and look down at where his strong fingers are wrapped tightly around my wrist.
"Why not?" My question is barely a whisper escaping my lips.
"Because ..." He trails off as he looks at where he's touching me. Then his thumb slides over my pulse, ever so softly. I can hear it beating steadily in my ears. Tingles slide across my skin. "Stay."
"Not sure if that is a good idea." I hate the way my body is reacting to him. My skin feels like it's on fire, and I want to claw out of it or I want him to put the fire out.
"Why?" His voice is soft and yet still deep and domineering.
"You're confusing me."
Those thick brows pull together. "How?"
I lick my lips, they feel parched. "You're hot one second and cold the next. But then ..." I stop, shaking my head.
"Then what?" he asks as he subtly pulls me closer to him.
I'm unable to deny the movement and go willingly. He's so tall. I have to strain to look up at him, but I do. I take in the crinkles around his eyes. His tanned skin. His thick lips. Ones that I remember make me lose my mind. Those green eyes thatburn me from the inside out. The short, scruffy beard that he won't shave all season because of some superstition. His dark hair has dried under the cool air-conditioning of his apartment and starts to flop.
"Never mind." Knowing we are moving into dangerous territory.
"Trouble ..." There he goes with that damn nickname again.
"Forget it," I say angrily.
"Joelle."
"I said forget it."
He steps closer, too close, and reaches out with his other hand and cups my face. I still under his touch.Oh no.
"You think I can forget what happened between us?" he confesses darkly, his voice dropping low.
"You have to."
"I'm trying. But it's so damn hard."
"Try harder." My heart beats uncontrollably in my chest.
"Believe me, I am." His eyes drop to my mouth, then move back up. "But you're wearing my name on your back, and it's fucking with my head."
Oh. Right. That. "I can take it off." My own voice sounds more seductive than I ever thought possible.
Those green eyes darken. "I like seeing you in it."
