Last night wasn’t particularly bad, especially after I finally stopped watching Hayden flirt with what felt like everyone. Nick’s company helped, and I didn’t mind getting to know him better.
But after Hayden joined us, the night went downhill. It was painful to watch the color drain from his face when Nick brought up Owen, to see the way his hands trembled as he balled them into fists. After that, I couldn’t imagine he’d want to stay, and I couldn’t ask him to just because I was having a good time. So, I parted ways with Nick, and then I waited for Hade to return from the restroom.
I sip my coffee, barely tasting it as I replay our conversation in the car last night. I snapped at Hayden when he mentioned me flirting with Nick. The comment felt unfair, considering the way he’d spent the previous three hours, though once he explained himself, I couldn’t help but feel like an ass for jumping to the wrong conclusions so easily.
How I wentfrom being pissed at him and myself to masturbating, imagining him holding the vibrator, is beyond me. The whole thing played out like a movie in my head. He opened my bedroom door, watching me from afar at first. Little by little, he moved closer until he was settled between my legs, his tongue playing with my clit. My orgasm was so fucking strong, I had to hide my face in my pillow to muffle the sounds.
“Very mature, Riley,” I scold myself.
As I’m setting my now empty mug on the table, Hayden steps into the kitchen, wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt.
“Morning,” he rasps without looking my way.
Nervous butterflies flutter to life in my belly. “Morning. There’s coffee in the pot if you want.”
“Thank you.” Mug in hand, he climbs onto the stool across from me. Only then does he meet my gaze. “Listen, about yesterday. I shouldn’t have asked about Nick. You said you wanted to go home, and that should’ve been enough for me.” He sighs, setting the mug in front of him. “I’m sorry. I hope I didn’t ruin another night for you.”
“Thank you for saying that.” I cover his hand with mine. He tenses slightly, so I pull back.
Shit. Looks like we’re back to square one.
“And don’t worry,” I say, ignoring the disappointment blooming inside me, “I had a nice time.”
He quirks an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yup. Watching you was fun. The way you control the crowd is impressive. It’s like you make them play by your rules without them even realizing it.” I smirk. “Though with the intense eye contact, I’m shocked no one leaned in and said, ‘So…what are we?’”
He frowns. “What are you talking about?”
I set my elbows on the table and angle forward, keeping my eyes locked with his. I slowly lick my lips, and, like I knew it would, his gaze drops to my mouth. Shivers run down my spine, a pleasant anticipation forming in my stomach. When he saw me with Nick last night, I thought he might be jealous, though I realized it was wishful thinking.But with the way he’s looking at me now, as if I’m a snack, I believe I’m onto something.
“So, what arewe?” I tease.
He snorts, shaking his head. “Okay, now I get it.”
I settle back, relaxing in my seat.
He does the opposite. He holds me captive with his gaze, giving me an even more intense look than he did yesterday.
I shift, crossing my legs. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Isn’t this what you’re talking about? The look I was giving customers yesterday?” He arches a brow.
“Yeah,” I lie, my stomach flipping. “But for the record, a guy shouldn’t look at his best friend’s little sister like that.”
“You’re right,” he admits. “But”—his tone is suddenly husky, making my center throb—“trust me, you don’t want to know why.”
“Why not?”
He shakes his head. “Because it’s highly inappropriate.”
“I’m an adult. I can handle it.”
He stands, abandoning his coffee. “ButIcan’t handle it, Ry baby.”
Without allowing me time to respond, he’s gone, leaving me alone, my thoughts in total disarray. Something is shifting between us, I can feel it.
But clearly, he’s scared of our chemistry.
