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“So you want to?” I asked, my voice small and uncertain and wobbly. “You want to fight me again?”
Vince clenched his jaw, a flush spreading over his cheeks. At length, he throatily admitted, “Yes. Okay? I fucking want to fight you again.”
We stared at each other in silence from opposite ends of the couch. His gaze darted down to my lips for a split second and grew darker, fingers flexing in his lap.
My breaths shallow, I hoarsely said, “I want you to fight me again too.”
His eyes shot back up to meet mine and flared with heat. We were both breathing fast. I’d almost forgotten that Corey was in the room until he exhaled slowly and pointed his pen at us.
“I think we just had a breakthrough, people.” He scrawled something in his notebook, smiling to himself in satisfaction. “Tell me how you’re both feeling right now, in this moment.”
Very, very horny. And desperate. Unbearably desperate.
I stayed silent, still staring at Vince as he stared back at me. His gaze wandered down my tense frame while Corey was distracted.
“Better,” he eventually rasped. “I’ve been in a shit mood for the last two weeks.”
“Me too,” I said breathlessly.
“I think one more fight will help.” His tongue darted out to wet his lips. “Get it out of our systems for good this time.”
“Yes,” I said faintly, my heart pounding. “One more time.”
“Again”—Corey let out a tinkling laugh—“you don’t really get a say in that, if Holt decides to pair you up in the future. Regardless, I’m very proud of the progress you’ve made in admitting that you both enjoy working together. And do you know what I think that means?”
He leaned forward, and Vince and I finally, reluctantly tore our gazes from each other to look at him. He took the ridiculous glasses off to point between us with them.
“I think this… very intense eagerness to have another match together means you both really want to be friends.” He smiled wide, as if he’d figured it all out. “You’re looking for excuses to grow closer, and it’s…” Sitting back again, he placed a hand over his heart and shook his head. “It’s beautiful to witness. It’s beautiful to be a part of it. I mean, really, I’m the catalyst for it.”
Vince cleared his throat and dryly said, “Sure.”
“Let’s end there for today.” Corey put the glasses he didn’t need back on to write something in his notebook. “I want to end each session on a good note. A positive.”
“Do we really need another one?” I asked warily.
“Oh yes. Several more. We’re just getting started.” Corey looked up and smiled. “But really, fabulous progress today, you two. A rocky start, but we got there in the end. I could really feel you connecting.”
A flush crawled up my neck as Vince shifted awkwardly on the couch.
“So we’re done?” he asked.
“Until next week,” Corey replied airily. “Same time and place. And in the meantime, I want you both to really think about what you achieved today. Together. And bring that open and willing mindset with you next week.”
Vince was already standing up and rounding the couch to head for the door. “Yeah, okay.”
“Maybe you could even start trying small interactions each day,” Corey hurriedly said before he could leave. “Just saying good morning to each other. Nothing more. Just to really foster that new connection.”
“Yep.” Vince pulled open the door and strode out of the room.
Swallowing thickly, I wiped my clammy palms down my thighs and stood, legs a little shaky. My voice was husky when I said, “I appreciate your time, Corey.”
“It’s absolutely my pleasure, darling.” He beamed up at me, looking exhilarated. “Honestly, I’m thrilled by the breakthrough we made today.”
I coughed awkwardly and turned for the door. “Yes.”
When I got into the corridor, Vince was already gone. I felt flushed as I started making my way down the hall, and my stomach was fluttering with breathless anticipation.
Vince wanted to fuck me again.
