ELEVEN
MEADOW
I try to snatch the phone from Heath’s hand, but it’s pointless. What is with people stealing my phone all the freaking time?
“From your expression, I’m going to guess it’s not an Alexa or Alexandra.”
“It’s really not your business.” Does he think because he’s finally giving me his attention that he has control over my life? He hasn’t really been a part of it in a long time even though he's lingered around the edges. It was because of our parents that we kept getting pulled together, but that doesn’t give him the right to dictate who I talk to.
“Everything about you is my business.”
“Well, if everything about me was your business, then you’d know who Alex is.” Okay, so maybe I’m bluffing. I’m not sure my parents even know of my old professor.
“He’s been in your life for a while?”
The jealousy that comes from him is intoxicating. I know it’s terrible for me to enjoy it, but I can’t help myself. How many years have I spent seeing women hit on Heath?
“I’ve known him for a few years.” That’s not a lie, and Heath’s hand tightens around my phone.
“Do you really want to play this game with me?” I bite my bottom lip, and my body starts to tingle, and the heated expression he’s giving me has me wiggling in my seat. I try to hold on to my annoyed anger, but it’s gone. My mind isn’t my own when I’m with Heath, and I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. “Answer me,” he orders.
“I’ll play,” I challenge right back.
“There’s only one Alex I’m aware of, and I’m aware of a lot of fucking things when it comes to you, Meadow.”
“What do—”
He cuts me off and keeps going. “You took two courses in college from Professor Alexander Rookwood.” I open my mouth and then snap it shut. How the hell does he know something in my life that was so small? Had I talked about him randomly at some point when Heath was around? I don’t think so. “I’ll take your silence as a yes.” He holds my phone up to my face, and I start to grab it, but he’s faster.
It unlocks, allowing him access, and I want to scream.
“Do not text him! You’re worse than my sister.” I lunge to grab the phone again, and this time I land on top of him. Heath grabs me and pulls me on his lap so I’m face down over his thighs. His arms come down on my back, and he pins me in place. “Heath, you are not serious right now.”
“Be quiet. I’m counting.”
“Counting?” What the hell can he be counting?
“Five responses you sent him last night.” I try to think back to what I texted, but Alex hadn’t even asked me out. I’m pretty sure it was all about the article Alex sent me. “He wants to know if you want to meet up for coffee. Same place.” He growls the last two words, and it’s hot as hell, but there’s no way I’ll tell him that.
“I wasn’t doing anything. We talked about an article.”
“That was him making an opening. He didn’t want to come off too eager, so he waited till the next day to ask you out.”
“Is that what you do when you get girls' numbers?” I hiss.
How did I turn this into me getting jealous? Then I remember his words about being a virgin. I wonder if I fantasized about them when I was lost in my lust. Heath’s hand suddenly comes down on my ass, and I let out a gasp in surprise. He did not just do that.
“That one doesn’t count toward the five.”
“Don’t get all pissy because I’m right,” I’m quick to say, and his hand comes down on my ass again.
I suck in a deep breath as heat pools deep in my belly. Oh god. I’m enjoying this.
“You’re really pushing it.” Heath pulls my skirt up, and I feel the cool air across my skin. “I knew I should have kept these.” He yanks my panties down my legs, and now my bare ass is on display for him.
“You’re not really going to spank me, are you?” I try to sound appalled, but I fail miserably. Heath’s hand caresses my ass, and when he doesn’t answer, I peek over my shoulder at him.
“I’m not sure. You might enjoy it too much.” He licks his lips, and my hips shamelessly lift. “No.” He gives a light pop to my right cheek, and I grit my teeth, knowing I’m on thin ice. I shouldn’t care, but it’s like I’ve lost all control. “I knew you’d let me do all of this if I was free to touch you.”