“Yes, you. If it weren’t for you, I would’ve sat at home tonight feeling lonely and depressed, but instead, I feel wonderful!” Her arms flew above her head and rested on the bed. She giggled. “You know, I feel a little giddy and strange right now, and I haven’t had a drop of alcohol all night.”
“Really?” He stepped closer.
“Yeah. I don’t believe in the stuff. I think a person can have a good time without any help from liquor.”
“I, too, think a lot of people had a good time without getting drunk.”
Her eyes met his. “Did you?”
“Did I what?”
“Did you have a good time without drinking alcohol?”
“Yes, it was the best party I’ve attended in a long time.” Taking one more step closer, his legs touched the bed. Slowly, he sat down by her legs. “I really had an amazing time.” He scooted up next to her, and lay on his side so he could look down at her as his elbow held his body weight. “I’m pleased Mrs. Gurrister let us use the pool.”
“Me, too. At first, I really didn’t want you to get me wet, but I’m glad you did.”
He kept his gaze locked with hers. “Good. I had fun doing it.”
He gently lifted her head, removing the wet scarf holding the ponytail together. His fingers spread her hair out around her. It was definitely long and straight and needed some kind of style. He took a lock between his fingers and caressed. “You do have lovely hair. Is it true that you’ve never cut it?”
“A while ago I cut it because it was down past my waist, but I’ve never had it styled.”
“You’d be surprised at what a style can do to enhance your beauty.”
She chuckled softly. “Oh, Brad. You’re such a flirt. I’m not pretty, and even a haircut couldn’t change that fact.”
He frowned. “Why don’t you think you’re pretty? I happen to think you were hot tonight, and I wasn’t the only man looking.”
“Quit teasing me. Men weren’t looking at me, especially when they had all those other women to ogle.”
“I was looking at you more than the other women,” he confessed in a deep whisper as his heart pounded in an irregular beat. He leaned closer, and he liked the fact she didn’t push him away. “I watched you play in the pool with all of the other guys, and I wished that they would just leave. I wanted to be the only one in the water with you.”
“You...you...you could’ve come back and played with us...me,” she stuttered.
“No. Not when strange feelings came over me whenever you were near.” His face was just inches away from hers. Her gaze dropped to his mouth. He wanted to kiss her so badly. Would she push him back? He hoped she didn’t.
“What kind of feelings?” she whispered.
“The same kind that I’m having right now, that I’ll die if I don’t kiss you.” He leaned over and brushed his lips over hers; once, twice, then closed his eyes and fully covered her mouth.
She gasped. Thankfully, she didn’t stop him. Instead, her hands circled his shoulders, pulling him closer as she moved her lips back and forth with his.
Her mouth was soft, so sweet. Passion flared inside him, and he had to have more. He touched his tongue to her lips until she parted her mouth and allowed him entry.
A gentle moan escaped her, and she tightened her hold around his neck. He cuddled closer as he moved his hand from her hip, slowly, over her stomach and to the knot on her almost dry shirt. With one pull, he loosened the knot and slid his hand underneath to rest on her stomach.
Her body stiffened and she pushed away from him. “Brad, this is wrong. We can’t do this.”
Disappointment washed over him, and he wanted her back in his arms. He reached for her, but she moved farther away. “Tyger, honey? What’s the matter?”
“This is very wrong. I have a boyfriend. I can’t do this to Tom.”
Brad shook his head, not fully understanding. Why would she even care about Tom? Especially after tonight when the jerk cancelled their date? “Tyger, honey? You’re not married to him, and I want you now,” he said, huskily.
She jumped off the bed. “Don’t you see? If I continue kissing you, I’m admitting I don’t love Tom, and I do love him. Why else would I want to be his wife?”
In defeat, Brad blew out a gush of air and rolled off the bed. He tenderly caressed her cheek. “I’ll leave you now, Tyger, but I want you to know I’m not giving up. You’re not married yet.” He kissed her briefly on the lips. “Thanks for a wonderful time, before, during, and especially after the party.” He turned around to leave.
