Page 11 of Out of Control

She pulls me in for a quick hug and then wiggles her hips. “Don’t wait up for me. I might be . . . otherwise occupied with Zach.”

“I hope you are. Just text—”

“So you know I’m good and safe. Of course, I will.” She reaches down and squeezes my hand. “I’d tell you to wait up for me but don’t. And uh . . .” She takes a few steps back. “Make him work for it.”

“I’m not sleeping with him.”

She snorts. “Whatever you say.”

“I’m not,” I assert.

“You’ll fight it. You’ll flirt. You’ll get turned on by his reaction—or lack thereof. And then, girl, you’re going to cave.” She draws the last word out with a dramatic flair.

“You’re such an asshole.” I laugh.

“Perhaps. But you still love me.”

“I do.” I push her playfully. “Now go.”

“Going.” She weaves her way through the crowd that’s slowly gathering. “Make him work,” she sings out before throwing her head back, laughing, and then jumping into Zach’s arms.

I watch them for a few moments, happy for my friend and wondering how my evening will unfold.

I’d like to say nothing is going to happen on principle. On the fact that the last thing I want to do is prove Lilith right. But if I prove her right, what does that net me? Who gets the short end of the stick in that deal?

Me.

Not her.

I glance over the space in front of the smaller stage where I’m standing and purposely overlook Rossi.

But he’s there.

In the shadows.

I can feel him. It’s almost . . . tangible.

God, it’s been forever since I had the kind of sex that leaves you breathless and wanting more.

Maybe it’s time to clear the cobwebs out.

He’s so your type.

“No, he’s not,” I mutter to myself while I replay every second I spent with him last night and pretend like I didn’t notice how damn sexy he is.

He’s perfect. Kind of a stranger. Kind of not.

Get out of my head, Lilith.

And yet I risk a quick glance his way. My nipples tighten at the sight of him.

You’ll see him again, Sof. It doesn’t matter how good the sex might be, you’ll have to see the man time and again. In front of your brother and dad. With women most likely hanging all over him.

Ugh. I can crave him all I want but I can’t have him.

I won’t cave.

Can’t.