Total pages in book: 27
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25127 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 126(@200wpm)___ 101(@250wpm)___ 84(@300wpm)
“This was a bad idea,” I say, releasing her.
“What was?” Her tongue swipes over her damp lower lip, and I stifle a groan.
“Us. This. You and me.” I gesture back and forth between us. “If you’re going to stay here, it’s hands off.”
“Lips, too?” she asks.
There’s no need for a reply, so I pin her with my gaze until she looks away, then folds her arms across her chest in a protective measure. She still pulls in deep inhales, attempting to catch her breath from our kiss. And the flush in her cheeks could have been from arousal but I have a feeling she’s also embarrassed I pushed her away.
Dammit. I feel bad, but even if she wasn’t going to be my houseguest, we can’t get involved.
“Why does it have to be hands off?” she asks, surprising me.
She’s pushy. Brave. And I admire those qualities. “For many reasons, not the least of which is I’m ten years older than you.”
For another, she could grow bored with me and my minimalistic lifestyle compared to the wealth she grew up with. And though she might not want Preston the douche, I have no doubt she wants marriage, kids, and everything I decided against after my relationship with Felicia went up in flames. Gabby doesn’t need someone who has a decade of life experience on her, and who walked away from the wealth she grew up with and no doubt will go back to. Eventually.
She purses her lips and stops arguing or asking questions.
Both things put me on edge. One thing I already learned, she doesn’t give up easily. “So we’re on the same page? This…we…aren’t happening?” I need her to agree.
“Fine.” Her lips purse but she remains silent.
I narrow my gaze, waiting for another argument. When I don’t get one, I let out a relieved breath. “Good. Get ready. We’ll go to the bar and you can drive your car back here.”
She treats me to a salute.
Smart ass, I think, unable to hold back a grin.
She pauses by the table and begins to clean up her breakfast, putting the food back in the fridge, and washing her dish and coffee mug in the sink. I have no doubt she’s grown up with help, so this display impresses me. Felicia always left hers in the sink for me to clean.
Without a word, Gabby strides out of the kitchen, leaving me to watch her hips sway as she makes her exit and causing me to wonder how that ass would fit in my palms.
“Not happening,” I remind myself and storm out of the room, heading to my bedroom to change.
* * *
Gabby
We are so happening, I think. No matter what Maddox says. That kiss was the most incredible thing I ever felt. If he thinks his silly words will deter me, he doesn’t know me very well. Which he doesn’t. Something I hope to correct during my stay with him.
And though I might be a little innocent…okay, very innocent, I know he was as into it as I was. My panties are soaked, and I felt the hard ridge of his erection pulsing against my lower body, evidence of his desire. I didn’t ask to stay because I’m fascinated by the sexy bartender, but I won’t lie and say it isn’t an added bonus to avoiding my family until I make some life decisions.
Once back in the bedroom, I put on my dress from last night, doing my best to smooth out the wrinkles and knowing I fail. Looks like I’ll be experiencing the walk of shame without the benefit of any orgasms the night before. Based on how my body responded to Maddox, I wonder how easily he could be persuaded to change his mind about us.
Not that I plan to give him my virginity, but there are other things we could do, and I’m pretty certain a man who looks like him is talented. I want to be one of the recipients of what he can surely offer me. His hard muscles tempt me, and I want to run my hands over his tanned skin and lick every available inch of his tattoo.
My phone rings, causing me to jump at the unexpected sound. I glance at the screen. I squeal, grateful for the distraction from thinking of Maddox naked and take the call. “Hi, P!”
“Hi, yourself,” my sister Penelope says. “Grandma tells me you had quite the night. Can I ask where you are?” The concern in her tone is obvious and I sigh.
“I think it’s better if I don’t tell you. Plausible deniability, you know?”
“Then tell me you’re safe.”
“Very,” I assure her. Penelope is the only other person who I know supports me. “I’m staying with a…friend.”
“You don’t have any real friends in the Hamptons, Gabby. Who are you with?”
I bite down on the inside of my cheek. “A good man. I swear. You need to trust me. I know what I’m doing. I refuse to marry or even date that asshole who won’t take no for an answer.”