Hillary was incensed.“So it’s my fault?Just like it’s Janet’s fault the engagement ended because she didn’t understand the rules?”
“You could say that.”
“And Pam’s fault that you forced her into an abortion she didn’t want?And Patricia’s fault that you seduced her behind Eugene’s back?And Cutter’s fault that you gypped him out of Little Lincoln—or that you had him beaten?I know about it, John.I know about all of it.So if you’re thinking that I’m going to look up at you like you’re some kind of idol, forget it.You’ve got feet of clay, just like the rest of us.”
He said nothing.After staring at her for a time, he put his hands on his hips and looked at the ceiling.He rakedhis upper lip with his lower teeth.He hung his head.Then, when she was beginning to feel guilty for all she’d said, to wish that she could go over and wrap her arms around him, he met her gaze.
“Those are some pretty strong accusations.”
She shrugged.
“Is that what you’re planning to write about?”
“I don’t know.”
“I wouldn’t, if I were you.”
She held her breath, then said softly, “Don’t, John.”
“Don’t what?”
“Lay down rules.Make threats.”
“I’m simply giving advice.”
“Advice that’s in your own best interest.But what about mine?”
“It’s yours that I’m thinking about,” he said and came to her.Bending over, he propped a hand on either side of her hips and lowered his mouth to hers.But while she steeled herself against a kiss, what she got were a series of teasing touches that left her breathless and aching.Moaning softly, she turned her head away.
“You want me.”He ran a hand up her leg.“Have you been heavy with it, too?”
“Shhhh.”
His breath was warm against her cheek.“You always liked it when I said things like that.It heated you up.”He tongued her earlobe.“Are you dripping for me, Hillary?”
She was sure she was.She was melting inside, despising herself for it, but needing him, just as he said.“Go away, John.”
His hand was on the outside of her thigh, then sliding around.“Open your legs.”
“No.”
“Open them.Let me feel.”
“No.”
But he found his way there anyway, and his breath came sharply.“Oh, yeah.You want me.”
“Doesn’t mean a thing,” she managed to gasp.She was losing her grip, hating it, loving it.
“Hillary?”
“Mmm?”
“Touch me.”
“No.”
His fingers paused in their deep stroking.“Do it.”
