She sniffed and blew her nose, thankful that the people she passed on the sidewalk ignored her.
"Just concentrate on finishing this internship. Earn your degree. Find a job. That's all you can do," she said under her breath, wiping the last of the tears off of her face.
This was it—she was cutting it off with Carter. She needed to have more self-respect.
32
Carter
Aweek after the ball, Carter waited around for the office to clear out then cornered Allie. She had rebuffed him daily, and he could barely sleep from the pent-up desire.
"Why are you acting like this? I know you want me."
He grabbed her and pulled her to him. She smelled like expensive alcohol and citrus. He kissed her, but she didn't kiss him back.
"Allie," he said, "I need you."
"This isn't going to work between us," she said.
"You don't mean that." He cupped her face and smiled softly at her. Pulling her close, he felt her relax and finally kiss him back.
He pulled her with him to the print closet.
"We could get a hotel room," he offered.
"This is fine," she said.
Allie didn’t sound all that enthusiastic, but as he slowly undressed her and put his mouth on her skin, tasting the faint oaky taste of whisky, he felt the wetness between her legs and knew she wanted this. Carter felt almost light-headed and groaned as he buried himself inside of her.
"I think I could get drunk on you," he whispered. Her mouth was as smooth as bourbon, and he stroked her, wanting to see her face as she came. It gave him a high knowing he could undo her and break through the tough exterior.
She felt so tight as he eased inside of her.
"Relax," he said as he stroked her. He felt her wrap herself around him as he moved in her with slow, lazy thrusts.
Her nipples were taut and erect, and his skin burned when they rubbed against him. He bent down, grasped one in his teeth, and tugged slightly on it, making her moan.
Her hips rolled against him, and he bucked against her, needing release.
"Carter," she cried as he strained into her, sending them both over the edge.
When it was over, he held her close to him, basking in the heat and scent of her.
"I miss you," he said, kissing her cheek. "I never see you."
She looked away from him. "I think this is the last time we should do this. It's not professional."
"Who cares? Why?"
"I don't want to do this with you anymore," she said firmly.
Carter felt as if she had just slapped him.
"Oh… I… you don't want me?"
Allie looked at him for a moment. "No," she said. "No, Carter, I don't want you."
She hurriedly dressed and practically ran out of the office after grabbing her bag.
