I've never paid less attention to my favorite movie. Somehow, it's less interesting than Miles's fingers grazing my wrist.

That's all it is for the entire movie. He runs his fingertips along my inner wrist.

I order myself to shrink away from his touch, but I can't do it. His hand feels so damn good.

The movie ends with the T-rex attacking the raptors. Credits roll. Lights turn on. Miles pulls his hand back to his lap, no doubt playing nice now that his protective friend is watching.

"Excuse me." I push out of my seat and make my way to the bathroom. I always have to pee after a movie. Today, it's a great moment to regain control of my senses.

I barely know Miles. But I do know he's the only thing that can get my mind off how much I miss my big sister.

It's worth the risk. If I can figure out how to mitigate any complications.

* * *

Kara, Drew, and Miles are waiting outside the theater.

Miles taps my shoulder with his. The simple gesture sets my body on fire.

"Why don't you walk Kara home?" Miles says to Drew. "I'll walk Meg."

A defensive look spreads across Drew's face.

Kara throws me a pretty please look.

"Yeah, I was telling Miles about the great boba tea place by my apartment. It's only open till three, so we better hurry," I say.

"Right." Miles catches on immediately. "See you later."

Drew looks at me. Once again, his expression is equal parts playful and protective. "If Miles gives you any trouble, tell me. I'll take care of it."

I try to laugh it off. "It's just bubble tea." I grab Miles by the shirt and pull him in the direction of my apartment.

I take the first right. It's faster to stay on the main road, but I'd rather not risk Drew or Kara getting the idea to come with us.

The side streets are dark. This time of night, the only illumination comes from the moon. I have to concentrate to avoid tripping on the uneven sidewalk.

Miles walks beside me. "You have the same idea I do?"

"I doubt that."

"Your friend and mine. He needs to get laid and he's looking at her the way a dog looks at a bone."

"They're just friends."

Miles shrugs. "Doubt it."

"Why?"

"You didn't notice them eye-fucking?"

"No, I did. Just… she says they're just friends. I don't have any reason to doubt her." I turn at the next intersection. My apartment is about four blocks away. Not a ton of time to figure this out.

"I like your skirt," he says.

"Thanks."

"You wear it for me?"

"In your dreams."

A laugh escapes his lips. "Oh, no, I had a dream about you already, and it was a lot more fun."

My heart pounds against my chest, but I'm not about to show it. "You did not."

"I did. In fact—" he leans even closer "—you were wearing something a lot like that skirt."

I press my knees together.

"Only without any panties."

Deep breath. He's only fucking with me. It's a story. "I don't believe you."

"I didn't save my sticky sheets."

My lungs fail me. They're supposed to be breathing in and out, but they're still. "You didn't…You're just flirting."

"No. We're past that point." He brushes my hair off my shoulders. His voice drops. It's low and sincere. "You want me, and I want you. There's no reason to hide that."

He drags his fingertips over my shoulders. My hips shift. I squeeze my thighs together as he tugs at the straps of my tank top.

The expression in his eyes in earnest.

He's still calm, but he's not entirely casual.

"Okay." I nod. I do want him and I can tell he wants me. "What does that mean?"

Miles stares into my eyes. "It's up to you. I'm not going to push you to do anything you don't want to do."

"Oh."

"If you're not ready, I'll walk you home. That's it."

I follow him to the next corner. Only two blocks now. "And if I am ready?"

"Then I'll make sure you come so hard you forget your name."

* * *

The elevator has never felt slower. Or smaller. Miles is three feet away but it feels like three inches. I have to respond to his offer.

I almost jump at the ding. I almost fall when I step into the hallway.

It's fifteen feet to my door.

Ten.

Five.

Zero.

I pull my key from my purse and slide it into the lock.

Miles moves closer, pinning me to the door. His chest is against my back. The warmth of his body sets me on fire.

This is already intense as hell.

Miles runs his fingers over my cheek. "Did you make your decision?"

His fingers trail down my neck and shoulders.

I don't understand it. How can he have such a sweet touch when he acts like he doesn't give a fuck about anything?

He brushes my hair behind my ear. "Turn around."

I release the key and turn. My eyes find his. He's staring at me, into me, through me.

I want him.

I want to do this.

Miles presses his hand into my lower back, pulling my body into his. Our stomachs, our crotches, our thighs connect. Our lips are six inches apart. Then three.

My eyes close as our lips press together. It's been a long time since I've kissed anyone. I let him lead. It starts soft, a peck, then he's sucking on my lower lip.

Damn, he tastes good. I moan. I melt into his touch, letting him pull my body closer.

His tongue slides into my mouth. He shifts his hips, pinning me against the door.

He's hard.

Heat spreads through me like wildfire. I need to do this. Now.

Miles breaks the kiss and takes a half-step backwards. It gives me room to think, to breathe. But I don't want to think. I want his body against mine again.

I exhale slowly. "I want to do this, but not if I'm going to be some girl who's name you can't remember."

He stares back at me. "I don't do relationships."

"Me either. But… I don't want to be another notch in your bedpost."

His expression softens. "We're friends, right?"

"Something like that."

"Sinful Serenade is gonna be in Los Angeles for the rest of the year. We're recording our new album. It might be nice having something consistent."

"So I'm convenient?"

"No. You're sexy. And different." His eyes pass over me slowly. "Most girls trip over themselves trying to impress me. You don't."

"That's all it takes to win you over?"

He shrugs. "We could be fuck buddies."

"Monogamous?"

He nods.

"But you sleep with a different girl every night."

"Only most nights." He shifts, pressing his hips against me again. "I don't play games, Meg. If you're not interested, tell me."

"No, I am. But I…" My eyes go to the floor. "I haven't ever done it before."

He runs his fingers through my hair. "We can take it slow."

"No. I want to do it."

He chuckles. "You're eager."

"You're hard."

"Accurate." He cups my hip with his palm. "Let me lead. I'll walk you through this."

"Okay." I suck in a deep breath.

It seems impossible, but I'm about to have sex with Miles.

This is happening.

I unlock the door and push it open. "Come in."

Miles locks the door and presses his back against it. His eyes pass over me, undressing me.

Heat collects between my legs. I need to cool down. I need to make sure we're on the same page about this friends-with-benefits thing.

I go to the sink and pour two glasses of water.

Miles is standing next to the bed. Not that there's anywhere else to stand. I hand one glass to him and sip the other.

The lukewarm beverage does nothing to temper the heat racing through me.

Deep breath. I can do this. "I have terms. I'm sure you do too."

He nods. "Shoot."

"I want total honesty. No secrets. No lies. No deception at all."

He takes a long sip. "I don't want you getting the wrong idea here. This isn't going to turn into some boyfriend/girlfriend relationship."

"Good. I don't want a boyfriend. During the week, I barely have time to study. And…" I'm not telling him about Rosie. Not right now. "I don't want that kind of connection to someone." I don't want to trust anyone enough they lead me astray.

He sets his glass of water down and moves closer. His fingertips skim my shoulders. "You seem like a nice girl."

"No, I don't."

He laughs. "Okay. You're a little defensive, and it's awfully rude that you assumed I never hurt." He drags his fingertips over my chin. "I like you. But you're never going to be my confidant. You're never going to be the shoulder I cry on."

"Do you cry?"

His lips curl into a smile. He presses his palm into my lower back. "Honesty, right?"

"From both of us."

"Haven't cried in a while. You?"

"Can't say the same."

His voice softens. He pulls me closer. "I'm not a monster. I don't want to hurt you."

"You won't. Not if you're honest."

Doubt creeps onto his face. He takes a step backwards, pulling his hand to his side. "See, these conditions, they worry me. Make me think you're after more than just a good time."

I press my fingers into my glass. "Now you're the one being presumptuous."

"Fair point." His eyes meet mine. "Okay, I'll agree to total honesty. But I have my own condition. The second you develop feelings for me, this is over."

"What if you develop feelings for me? What if you fall in love with me?" I tug at my skirt. "Isn't that possible?"

His voice is even and calm. "No."

"Whatever." My temper flares. Where does he get the nerve? How can he be so sure he'll never feel anything? "I'll tell you if I develop feelings for you."

"You're cute when you're flustered."

"Fuck off. You're not cute when you're acting like nothing has ever mattered to you."

"It's a compliment."

"Not to me."

He nods. "This, us being on the same page, matters to me."

"Me too."

"We're fuck buddies and we don't lie to each other." He takes my glass from my hands and sets it on the counter. "And you'll tell me if you develop feelings for me."

He offers his hand to shake.

Despite my sweaty palm, I take his hand with a firm grip.

We shake.

And it's done.

Miles is my friend with benefits.

Miles, rock star sex god, is my friend with benefits.