So now, despite my decision not to have sex with him again, I’m sex-ready in case he wants a repeat.
Who am I kidding? Of course, he wants a repeat. He’s a man. Probably quite a player. A guy that good-looking with money and power can probably get any woman he wants. I’m not sure why he’s pursuing me.
I put on a coat of mascara and take a critical look at myself in the mirror. If I’m honest, I admit this is the first time I’ve taken much effort in a long while.
I absolutely love being a massage therapist. It’s satisfying in many ways, but it’s damn hard to make ends meet. I’m still paying off massage school loans, and I have to pay rent at the studio and support myself. At least my car is paid off now.
The doorbell rings, and I open the door. Joey gives me an appreciative up-and-down sweep of his gaze and whistles. “You just made my night.”
My heart thuds with pleasure, but I play it cool. “How?” I step back to let him in. I’m wearing a short black skirt with bare legs and strappy heels, and a purple halter top that makes my boobs look amazing.
“I hoped you’d wear another short skirt.”
I roll my eyes, trying to hide my pleasure.
He leans in for a cheek kiss, and I catch a whiff of his cologne. It’s crisp and calming. If it had a color, it would be sea blue. Every nerve ending fires at being close to him again. Remembering the way his hands felt holding me in place. The way he took charge of me.
“Well, I’m ready.” I shrug.
“Don’t sound like I’m taking you to a torture chamber.” He cocks his head, eyes darkening. “Unless you like that?”
Oh damn.
Innuendos already. My breasts grow heavy, nipples chafe inside my bra.
He extends his arm, ever the gentleman. “After you.” He escorts me to his sapphire blue BMW and opens the door, helping me in before shutting it after me.
His car is clean and smells like cinnamon gum. I breathe it in like a drug.
“So.” He settles into the driver’s seat and turns on the car. “I got the feeling you weren’t happy to see me yesterday.”
My stomach flips at his directness. I snap my gaze to his. “No, I...”
“Come on, Soph. You didn’t like me showing up. You were nervous. What’s that about?”
I shake my head. “Nothing…”
“Is your beef with me or the Family?”
I uncross my knees and shift my hips around in the seat. “No, that’s not it...I don’t have a beef.” I fumble.
“Come on,bella.Level with me.”
I am not at all used to guys being so direct. Holding me so accountable.
I sneak a glance at his profile, and he glances away from the road to meet my gaze. I drop my eyes to my hands, tangling in my lap. “It’s just...I haven’t really seen anyone from the family much since my dad died.”
That’s not much of an answer, I know.
He waits for me to go on.
“I don’t have a beef.” I let out an exhale, releasing a chunk of resentment that’s probably been there for years. I didn’t even know it was there, weighing me down all this time.
“Is it with me?” His voice is gentle.
“No.” I lift my eyes to his face again. More brittle places in me, but the guarding and the protective armor start to dissolve.
How is this man so damn disarming?