“Hmm, sounds like you might see the light at the end of the tunnel after allowing a few days of misery first.” She’s analyzing me, and it’s irritating but spot-on.
Glancing to my open kitchen, I’m tempted to pour a fresh round. “Want a drink?”
“Oh, uhm, maybe water?” Not what I had in mind, but sure, I need her hydrated if she’s planning on staying any longer, because I do need her support right now. In a way that only she can offer.
Into the kitchen I go and straight to the fridge to grab a water bottle, and when I turn, she’s there. We bump into one another when she reaches for the bottle, and the touch of her hand blasts a carnal need to bend her over the counter behind her.
“Thanks.” She takes the bottle from my hand, causing our fingers to skim with a friction of energy crossing. I’m tempted to capture them and pull her to me tightly.
Isla twists the cap then takes a long drink. “I think you’re not in the mood for conversation.” She sounds near deflated.
“That’s obvious? Great.” My tone is mundane, and it causes her to raise her brows, not exactly pleased with my attitude. I don’t care and trap my sight on her lips then slip my gaze down to examine her breasts again which only makes me harder.
“I have to be honest. I came here hoping we could talk, have a few snacks and… never mind. This was a mistake for me to come here.” She begins to turn to leave, and as she walks away, I’m trailing hot on her heels until her hand is on the handle of the front door. Isla’s barely been here and now she’s escaping, that’s just not fair. I’m quick to grab her arm, causing her to glance at me sidelong before her eyes draw down to examine my hand on her arm.
“You came here for something. In fact, I’m confident you knew the risk of what would happen when you did.” My tone is serious, I’m not going to play games.
Her breath hitches slightly. “Trust me, all scenarios have crossed my mind.” Why does it feel like she has her own version of tonight that I’m not familiar with? How could she not expect that it was dangerous showing up at my door?
Our gazes connect, and a wistful glaze shades across her eyes. “You’re really not in the best of ways, are you?” She states it more than she asks.
“Again, I’m allowed to have a bittersweet goodbye to my career and sulk a little.” I don’t let go of her arm.
“Vaughn, I’m not sure what to say to make you feel better. I can only bring you complications if I open my mouth.” Her sentence causes me to ponder for a mere second. “Anyway, I need to get out of here. This was a horrible idea. I’ll go downstairs and order a cab.”
Everything inside of me sinks to the ground with disapproval. I have whiplash over what the last few minutes were. I could pin her to the door and make her admit that she wants what I desire in this moment, but her eyes seem to plead for me to give no such attempt.
I do the next best thing.
“I barely drank… let me drive you back to your hotel.” Being a gentleman, that is a turn of events I wasn’t expecting.
She sighs but then nods that it’s okay. I grab my key fob from the side table, and we head out in a silence, the entire elevator ride down with tension sharp between us and our gazes fixed. We’re both probably thinking a dirty thought and simmering in an attraction that isn’t good for me.
Heading out of the elevator, my Ferrari beeps when I unlock it, and we get in the car, where she tells me the hotel, and I type the address into the navigation. But before I start the engine, she speaks again.
“I wish I could help you right now.” Her authenticity is strong, and she’s looking forward, lost in a thought.
“You’re a confusing woman, Isla. The queen of mixed messages. Yet still you manage to keep me on this thin tether which is fucking annoying.” I’m getting aggravated.
Her eyes dart to mine. “A tether is a connection, you know.” Her tone is simple.
“We have a sort of fucked-up one, don’t ya think? Somehow, I have no regrets either.”
Her mouth opens and a sound croaks out of her lips. “I’m not sure… maybe I might be a regret for you soon.”
My eyes squint as I try to figure out what in the world is going on with her. “You’re speaking in tongues. You have me at a loss.”
She nibbles her bottom lip and appears to be debating with herself. “I’m sorry. I just… Forget it. You’re right, I’m all over the place, but so are you currently.”
“Thanks for highlighting that.”
A deep breath escapes her. “I shouldn’t say anything anymore, it may just send us down a hell of a night.”
We stare at one another for a few beats. It’s intense but somehow profound. Two people glued to an inability to end the gravity that keeps us close.
Which is why I snap.
I yank her arm. She yelps in surprise and immediately turns to me with knowing eyes. “I meant what I said Isla. I’m only good for one thing right now, and if you can’t help me with that, then I now realize this drive is going to be far too excruciating.”
