Zoey
Easton was right. Normally, I don’t allow those disgusting phone calls to upset me. They come so frequently, they’re sickening, but something about Mandi’s rattled me. Not because she said he had her number. Lord knows how many he has. It was her languished mutter that rocked me.
“Great. After this weekend, he’s not going to take my phone calls. I should’ve known,” she sighed.
The way she said it…Ugh! Learning what I have, he normally humps and dumps. Second phone calls are atypical for him. Even though he’s been spending time with me…I’m his assistant. There’s the possibility he’s only doing it to keep the peace, or the piece of easy ass close to him. Yeah. I’ll admit. Saying no after knowing how incredible sex is with him isn’t going to be easy.
I know for a fact he and I aren’t on the same page. I’m certain we’re not even in the same damn book. I’m stupid to think otherwise. He’s a womanizer. A player. Gets his ego stroked, his dick wet, and bounces out on them.
I need to slow down, or stop all together before my heart is completely disintegrated. I knew better than to get feelings involved, but how do you stop it. He’s so easy to fall for… Probably said by every woman he’s been with.
I’m stepping out of my bedroom and into the living room when Britney comes bounding in with Garret in her wake, wielding two large pizza boxes.
“Supper’s here. Woot!” Britney exclaims, fist pumping the air.
“Hey, Zoey,” Garret says as he places the pizzas on the counter.
“Where’s Easton?” Britney asks, craning her neck to look past me and down the hall.
I grab the beer out of the fridge, placing it on the counter, and then toss out the paper plates before answering her. “I didn’t invite him. It’s a long story. Stupid even.” I roll my eyes.
Wrinkles appear between her brows and she just stares at me…imploring, quietly twisting my arm to speak up and tell her.
I sigh, dropping my face to the floor. Embarrassed. “I’m sure I’m overreacting, but a woman named Mandi called today and the way she made it sound…” I trail off to take a breath. “It sounded like they had a fling this weekend.” I glance up to her. “I know he’s not my boyfriend, and I shouldn’t feel this way. I really need to put the brakes on. I’m just…” I trail off again, unsure what the hell I’m feeling.
She nudges me with her shoulder. “Are you going to talk to him?”
“Yeah,” I exhale. “Of course I will, but today wasn’t the right time. My emotions were too high to be rational. You know how us women are,” I try to lighten the mood with soft humor.
She gives me a sad smile and a nod.
A knock on the door has my head snapping to it. My heart thwacks my chest and my breath pauses.
“I’m willing to bet that’s not the downstairs neighbor to say we’re being too loud,” Britney says slowly, pointing to the door.
I look back to her. “Is it wrong I’m hoping it’s him?”
Amused, she tightens her lips and gives her head a quick shake.
I pull open the door. Easton’s still in his suit, sans the tie, green eyes vibrant, holding out a bottle of wine. “Am I late?”
My glare narrows. “You weren’t invited,” I reply feeling like a total bitch.
“It’s what your mouth said. I’m here to rescue you from being the third wheel. Please,” he adds.
“I’m not the third wheel,” I say.
He doesn’t respond to my cattiness. Our stubborn stare lingers before I finally cave because, truthfully, I do want him here. I move out of the way raising my arm and gesturing for him to come in.
He tips his head to Garret. “What’s up, man? How have you been?”
Easton shrugs off his suit jacket and tosses it on the back of the recliner so causally, like he’s done it a hundred times. He rolls up his sleeves, grabs a plate, and slaps two pieces of pizza on it, making himself at home.
“Haven’t seen you around lately,” Garret says. “Carlos ordered a bourbon for you. It’s smooth as hell. Took a taste when it came in.”
Easton smirks proudly. “I’ll have to stop in soon. Business has been busy.”
“You’re out of town a lot.” Britney’s tone is so abrasive I cringe. I knew it wouldn’t be long until her big sister, overprotected best friend would kick in. “That’s got to suck.”
Easton arches his brow haughtily. “I am. Business never stops.”
She swallows the bite of pizza. “I read an article once about how most men who travel a lot for business create a perfect way to have an affair.” She’s so damn unabashed.
“Britney!” I hiss, humiliation creeping up my cheeks.
Easton glances up, poised from under his lashes, staring her dead in the eyes, and smirks. “Wealth, fame, and power are enticing to many men and women. Passing judgment without knowledge of their personal lives is a bit of a mockery. And coming from experience, don’t always believe what you read.”
Was that a discreet jab?
She rolls her eyes heavenward. “Scientific studies aren’t just some supermarket tabloid. A lot of time and research has gone into them,” she counters.
My stomach is in knots. I’m frozen solid, holding my breath as the battle of lust and protection plays out before me.
Easton leans his elbows on his thighs and steeples his fingers, tapping his fingers against his lips. “The human mind is an intriguing thing. It has the ability to understand the truth and then misconstrue it with lurid details. It can help us fathom knowledge, grow us, strengthen us. But it also can contort the truth. Our own minds deceive us.”
The knots in my stomach twist and the discomfort is braiding up my spine. “Garret,” I blurt out. “Do you need another beer?” My eyes wide, praying he understands my urgent plea.
His mouth is gaped slightly as he slowly shakes his head.
Great.
“Britney? What about you?” I rush out.
Easton chuckles. “I’ll get you one. Seems you need it.” He pats my leg and then winks.
“What are you doing?” I whisper-sneer to Britney the moment Easton is in the kitchen.
“Apparently learning a few things,” she responds bitterly, clearly frustrated at losing at her own game. “Fuck, he’s quick— “
“It’s in my blood,” Easton chimes in, twisting the top off the beer and handing it to me. “Thinking fast to survive is a natural instinct.”
“Sounds like you’ve studied up on the player’s handbook too,” Britney deadpans and my heart sinks.
Easton opens his mouth to respond, but I put my foot down. “Stop. You two are making me uncomfortable. Please. Just stop.”
“Not my intention,” Easton tells me. “Third degree debates are entertaining at times.” He sits beside me, closer this time, and drapes his hand over my knee. He switches his attention back to Britney, smug as ever. “Don’t generalize. I’m not most men.”
“Sooo…” Garret drags out slowly, finally stepping in to help me diffuse the tension. “I’ve got to get going. I have to work the late shift and I have a few things I need to do beforehand.” He looks to Britney and it’s evident what he wants to do.
Britney hugs my neck. “Sorry,” she whispers. “I’ll call you tomorrow.” She gives Easton the once over. “Quit being a dick. If you’re in it, be in it. If not, then quit.”
“Goodnight, Britney.” I’m glaring mad, mortified down to my soul.
Her and Easton share a look before she shuts the door.
The moment it closes, Easton slips his arm around my waist and pulls me against him. He peers down. “Your friend is protective of you.”
“That’s putting it mildly. But you didn’t make a good impression on her either,” I say.
He puffs a breath. “It’s you I’m worried about.”
“Yeah,” I say and try stepping away to put some distance between us, but he tightens his grip.
“Don’t be like this. Don’t be mad.” His voice is tender.
I swallow my emotions and drop my view to his shirt.
“Look. Usually when I’m in Texas, Mandi and I meet up. I turned down the offer. She got pretty upset and slapped me. I’m hoping she was calling to apologize,” he says nonchalantly.
My inner bitch sharpens her claws. “She slapped you?”
He chuckles.
“Did you tell her about us?” I ask.
By the look on his face, I know he didn’t. His smile melts and forms a straight line. Frustration pools into his eyes. “What’s there to say, Zoey? You don’t want me to. You want this a secret. These are your wishes. Not mine.”
I chew on my lip. He’s right. I don’t want anyone to know because of my own dignity, but at what cost?
“I’d tell everyone if you’d let me. Instead, you’re hiding the truth. Why? You’re worried you’ll be hurt, but you haven’t given me a chance from the get-go. You’ve labeled me a player without any redeeming qualities or a chance to show you a thing. You question everything. I understand why, but I’ve been nothing but honest with you,” he says.
I zero in on him. “Have you?”
He nods. “I have. Do you think you’re the only one with trepidation? Do you honestly believe I have no insecurities?”
I roll my eyes. “What the hell do you, the sexiest man in Denver, have to be insecure about?”
He releases me, digs his palms into his forehead and then drops his hands to his side. “All this…” he points between us. “It’s not my style. Everything is moving too fast, but I don’t want to stop it even though I know you deserve someone who can give you all the things you want and need. The things I can’t because I’m terrified to give them to you.”
“It’s not fair to confuse me,” I say somberly.
Perturbation flusters him. He blinks and pulls at his collar. “You’ve heard my track record with relationships.”
“You’ve heard mine, but I’m still standing here,” I state bravely.
He exhales through his nose. “I know when I drop that wall and let you in completely, that’s it. Game over. You’ll devour me and then leave me devastated when you realize I’m not what you want.”
The glimpse of his vulnerability has my body buzzing with hope. “But you are what I want.”
A sad smirk pulls his lips tight. “For now.”
Right now he doesn’t look like the business confident, social savvy, man I’ve come to know. Right now, he looks small, vulnerable, vanquished even. Somewhere in his life he’s been hurt. His heart ravaged and left shattered. It squeezes my heart. “You have to tell me what you want. Please. It’s not fair if we’re not on the same page.”
He takes a step to me and moves the hair that’s fallen around my face. The back of his knuckles run along my cheek. Worry clouds his eyes as he flicks between mine. He swallows. “You, Zoey. I just want you. For reasons unknown, you’re all I think about. You’re the only one I want to be with. I’m not out trampling your heart. Honestly…I’m so focused on getting my work done so I can get back here to see you. I’m a despondent prick sitting in the hotel rooms instead of my normal shenanigans. I used to enjoy going out of town. Now I hate it. All I want to do is rush back here. For you. To see you.”
He lowers his lips and kisses me slowly…passionately. His tongue sweeps across mine, exploring deeper. Heat pools between my legs. I cling onto his large bicep, leaning in. A moan slips from me.
Breaking the kiss, he places his forehead against mine. “I want to see where we go. Just us. Just you and me. Give us a chance. Please.”
There isn’t an ounce of breath left in my lungs. I pull his mouth to mine by his hair and kiss him like my life depends on it. A pleased hum vibrates from his throat as he traces my ribs with his hands, squeezing my hips. We back down the hallway. I’m hungry for him. All of him.
I unbutton his shirt. He peels mine over my head.
I jerk at his pants and unfasten them. He unzips my skirt with a quick flick.
We’re melting clothes down the hallway.
I gasp as he pushes me backward on the bed. He bends, stripping my thong as heavy eyes scan my body. He rolls on the condom, climbs up the bed, and settles on his side, pulling my back to his chest.
He drags his dick over my entrance and then slowly fills me, palming my breast. Withdrawing. Sinking. Emptying. Filling. Our pants ring out into the room.
He teethes my earlobe. “I love being in you.” He rocks forward. “Your pussy feels so fucking good,” he pants.
His dirty talk only intensifies my hunger for him. His fingers drift to my clit and begin circling as he pumps into me. It’s a new high. A new sensation burns through my body, exploding over my skin. I reach behind me and grip the hell out of his hair. His pace picks up. His fingers working me hastily.
Velvety blended electricity sizzles and my orgasm erupts. I cry out.
He tugs my head back by my hair, coercing me to arch further as he burrows into me. The sting against my scalp, the thrill of his fingers against my clit…I moan, long and drawn out as shudders rack my body.
“I love the way you sound. Mewling because of my cock,” he breathes and then propels forward. He roots deeply as he spills into me, biting my shoulder blade.
He wraps his arms around me and holds me tightly. “I have one hell of an appetite for you,” he murmurs trying to catch his breath.
He slides off the bed and retreats to the bathroom. I’m delirious. Entirely satiated. Completely unwound. My body…I’m definitely on cloud nine.
I nestle my head deeper into the cool pillow as he returns and cuddles up behind me. He drapes his arm over my waist, his hand resting on my hip.
“I’m having a cookout with Zach and Max this weekend. I want you to come,” he whispers against the back of my hair.
“Mmmhmmm…” is all I can manage.
A pleased hum vibrates my back as he softly places kisses along my shoulder.
I am most certain I’m madly in love with him. The words are right there on the tip of my tongue but too stubborn to slip across my lips.