If Liam and the pit bull aren’t together, I have an idea.
Leaning back up to reach his ear, I compliment his lips, explain I’m trying to make someone jealous so they’ll give me a chance, and finally, I ask if I can kiss him…like, for real.
He’s wearing a slightly shocked and dazed expression, but slowly, he nods his head yes.
I turn my body into his and cup his face with my left hand, pulling him down to me as I stretch up and run my tongue along the seam of his lips. It only takes one pass before he opens up, allowing me full access to his lips and tongue. I angle my head the other direction, deepening the kiss, and I have to admit, Liam is a good kisser, but it’s all wrong.
He’s not the man I want in my arms.
My hope is that this little stunt is enough to push Connor over the edge.
When I finally pull away, Liam’s adorable cheeks are flushed, and his lips are glossy. In my peripheral vision, I notice his guard dog is no longer standing in front of us. Looking back at Liam, I see his eyes are darting around Meltdown in search of his friend.Maybe that kiss can make two men admit their feelings, I think to myself.
Signing a napkin, I hand it to Liam, shake his hand, and watch as he goes in search of his buddy.
Facing Connor, I’m both surprised andnot, to find that he’s still watching me. I know this is a dangerous game. I know he needs this job. I just can’t bring myself to stop wanting him.
Fuck, I’ve wanted him since I was fourteen years old.
Is this a good idea?Hell, no.
But control’s never been my strong suit…especially notself-control.
Chapter 14
Connor
I. Am.Fuming.
There is no doubt in my mind that Vox knows exactly what he’s doing right now. It was one thing to find out he’s into guys, and another thing to feel him come undone on top of me—which has been hard enough to manage. But it’s an entirely different beast having to watch himmake outwith someone else…andFUCK,I do not like it.
My veins are buzzing with my two very strong drinks, but I’m far from drunk. It’s just enough to soften the knife’s edge I’ve been riding since Vox decided to get bolder during his interactions with me.
The way he keeps looking over here, making sure I’m watching him, tells me I need to get my fuckin’ ass out of this bar. But if I go back to my cabin now, I’m just going to keep drinking…and probably jerk off to those pictures I took of him on the simulator, which will only make me feel worse.
Then a thought occurs to me.
Get back on a board.
Tonight.
Right now.
Maybe the small amount of alcohol in my system is enough to keep the demons at bay and will give me a fighting chance to see it through this time.
Fuller left half an hour ago, and even some of the team have gone. Things are winding down enough that I can make my exit.
Sliding off my stool, I stop by Renner’s table and tell him and Angel that I’m headed home.
I purposefully avoid Vox, not to be a dick, but because if I get near him, I’m not sure if I’d punch him, kiss him, or scream at him, and none of those are acceptable options.
I fist bump Trent on my way toward the door and hastily exit Meltdown.
The cold air smacks me in the face, but invigorates me as well. I’m confident that I’ll be able to do it this time. There’s a small bunny slope behind one of the condo buildings that’ll be perfect for the attempt. It’s late enough that the families staying there will be getting little ones ready for bed, and it’s early enough that the younger crowd will most likely still be having drinks down in base village.
After swinging by my cabin to grab the Patterson board Grey gifted me upon arrival, and the necessary layers, I find myself on the deserted bunny slope.
But instead of riding it, I’m staring at it from the bench behind the condo building, the board heavy across my lap. The cold night air presses in on me from all sides, stealing my breath before I can fully inhale.
