Page 45 of Never Till Now

His tongue darts out to lick his lips and I wish I could blame my shortage of breath from the workout.

“As you wish, Blondie.” His gravel voice hits my stomach, channeling me to throw my sexual frustration toward the mat.

Adam drops the mat and lets his eyes travel down my body before heading to the next group.

“Hot damn, girl, the sexual tension between you two is insane.” Kelsie tightens her ponytail. “It would be hotter if it wasn’t my brother, though.”

“Hey, I don’t know how you and Max are just friends.” I smirk and watch her cheeks tinge pink. “That man is wicked hot in a boy next store kind of way.” I laugh. “I’m into your brother, but I’ve seen Max at the gym. Who knew all that muscle was under his brooding bravado?”

“He’s not brooding.” Kelsie laughs. “He doesn’t open up to a lot of people. I’ve known him since I was Mallory’s age. My mother calls him her adopted child, since he was always over and raised as much hell as Adam.” Her voice projects all the reasons not to act on him. “He knows all my weird quirks and little tics, so it would be weird to breach a friendship.”

There is some type of emotional response I pick up when she talks about him. But I can’t pinpoint what she’s feeling just yet. I’ve never been good at deciphering someone’s emotions since I’ve spent a lifetime avoiding any of my own.

“And watching him help out with your kids, that’s enough to make any woman’s ovaries explode.” For some reason, I’m enticed to see if there’s a spark between them. Like they’re my own real-time reality show. “I’m shocked he has never made an attempt toward you and your gorgeous ass.”

I think they call this women’s intuition or whatnot.

“Adam is amazing with the kids too.” She doesn’t take the bait. “I’m sure that sparked some baby daddy thoughts.”

Damn, she is good.

“It’s sweet to see.” I shrug, noticing our class grab their belongings and file out of the classroom. “Adam and I are extremely casual though.”

“And Max and I are just friends.” Her eyes go wide as her head tilts forward, as if she’s trying to convince herself of that too. “Good night, Lauren.” Kelsie picks up her bag. “Bye, Adam, don’t be an ass tomorrow.” Well, that got me nowhere.

Adam and I are the only ones left in the room. I walk to pick up my bag as he picks up equipment. Taking a sip of my water, I feel it. My skin litters with goose bumps as my breathing picks up from his close proximity. I watch the light dim as his shadow towers over me. A hand rests on the wall, half caging me in. I’m annoyed how this dominant dick move still turns me on. Every. Damn. Time. Still irritated with his attitude from earlier, I swallow my water and turn around with an eye roll. His head leans down, pushing my back against the wall. His breathing is labored as his jaw tightens. I can’t peg if his anger is at me for punching him or if he’s pissed about whatever the hell went on before class.

“Aw, who ripped your Armani?” My teenage self would be proud of the amount of attitude in my voice.

“Who ripped your La Perla?” His voice purrs in a seductive invitation, transporting my mind back to us in the shower.

Ass.

“Just some random quick fix.” I turn my head to look past his arm at the empty hallway. “I barely remember it.”

His free hand tilts up my chin and for a moment, he remains silent. His hungry eyes burn into me, obliterating my ability to speak or form a thought. The ache between my legs sends my body humming as our electricity burns rapidly. His breath hits my face and his scent consumes me. If I continue staring into his eyes and watch everything he wants to do to me, his stare will harness the power to make me come. His lips brush against my ear as he leans in.

“I’d be more than happy to remind you right against this wall who your quick fix was.” His leg moves between mine and instinctively, I widen my stance. “I know if my fingers slip into your shorts”—his fingers trail down my arm—“you’d be soaked and ready for me to slide right in.” My breath hitches as his finger ghosts above the waistband of my shorts.

“I came here for a workout.” My voice comes out in a whisper as I hear my heart thumping through my ears.

“Don’t worry, Blondie. I’ll make sure you burn a lot of calories.” His hot breath hits the side of my neck. “I promise you will be breathless and sore tomorrow.” With all my willpower, I duck under his arm and move away from him.

“I came here to alleviate stress. Not to rely on an orgasm from you.” I grab my backpack and turn to walk out, but his hand pulls me back.

“I’m sorry.” He means it. “It’s been a shitty day, Lauren. I shouldn’t take it out on anybody.”

“Okay. Apology accepted.” I sigh and look toward the door. “Can I go now?”

“How come you took the night off?” His brows push together with concern. “Are you alright? You’re always hell-bent on taking extra shifts and working overtime.”

Are you alright?

I despise that question. I’ve heard it so much throughout my life. Are you alright in this house? Are you alright with making new friends? Are you alright attending a new school? Are you alright at the new home? Why ask a child the question if nothing will be done if I say no? I’ve never had the choice if something was alright until I became an adult.

I’m not alright.

I’m tired.