Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 58952 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 295(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
“Why would you—” The confusion glimmering in his eyes cleared as understanding dawned. “Lauren—”
“Chase, do you want me?” she asked, interrupting what she already knew was going to be an argument she didn’t want to have. She’d also decided that the direct approach was best, even though she knew there was a possibility of a rejection that would undoubtedly sting.
He groaned, his expression conflicted. “I think we’ve already established just how much I want you the night at my place when I nearly fucked you on my kitchen countertop.”
The memory of that hot encounter caused an arousing heat to settle low in her belly. “I just wanted to make sure that hasn’t changed.”
“No, it hasn’t,” he said, bracing his hands on his hips. “But other things haven’t changed, as well, like the fact that this is just one weekend together, for the sake of putting on the pretense of a happy couple. But the reality is, I don’t do long term because I don’t know how. I don’t do commitments because I don’t have that ability. I can’t make you the kind of promises someone like you deserves.”
She swallowed hard and let him have his say, even though the words he spoke hurt more than she’d ever admit out loud. But she’d also learned enough about Chase to know that this was his deeply ingrained belief system, that everything in his past influenced how he viewed relationships, or his ability to have one. Being alone was all he knew, and while a part of her couldn’t fault him for trying to protect her, the other part, the woman who desired him, didn’t want his honorable sacrifice. If this short time with Chase was all she could have of him, then she wanted it.
“I’m not asking you for a commitment, or promises,” she said, and despite the nerves suddenly taking hold, she stubbornly held his gaze, her next statement just as raw and honest as his. “All I want is one no-strings-attached weekend with you, Chase. You gave me a small taste of passion that night in your kitchen, and call me greedy, but I want more. We’re two consenting adults who are attracted to one another, so what is the harm in enjoying each other without the expectation of anything more? People hook up all the time.”
His jaw clenched and he pursed his lips, looking torn, but he didn’t say anything more and she had no idea if she’d managed to change his mind, or not.
Grabbing her suitcase, she set it on the upholstered bench at the end of the bed, then opened it up. Feeling his eyes on her, she dug through the contents until she found what she was looking for—her toiletry bag and what she planned to wear to bed.
Swallowing back the emotion gathering in her throat and schooling her features, she turned to face him again, her chin lifting. “I’m going to change and wash my face and brush my teeth, so just think about what I said… and I hope you’ll change your mind by the time I come back out.”
After walking into the adjoining bathroom, she closed the door then leaned back against it, exhaling a deep breath as she clutched her items to her chest, where her heart was beating so hard it echoed in her ears.
She had no idea if she’d managed to change Chase’s mind, but she had one last weapon in her arsenal to try and sway him. One he hopefully wouldn’t be able to resist.
* * *
Feeling as though he was about to let something incredibly special and rare slip through his fingers, Chase watched Lauren head into the en suite, head held high and shoulders straight.
That pride she displayed was nothing less than he’d expect from this woman who’d dared to challenge him more than anyone else ever had. But despite that stubborn and determined façade during her bold speech moments ago, her eyes had spoken the truth. Beneath her bravado he’d seen a vulnerability that made his heart ache and shattered all the defenses he normally had no issues keeping in place when it came to women.
The realization should have scared the shit out of him, but he was tired of fighting his attraction to Lauren when he wanted nothing more than to feel her warm, naked body beneath his and hear his name on her lips when she came all over his cock. He speared his fingers through his hair and groaned at that erotic image playing out in his head. One he’d jerked off to more than a few times since that evening in his kitchen.
She’d taken a huge risk putting herself out there the way she had, knowing he could turn her down once again. But if he was completely honest with himself, he wasn’t immune to Lauren, and out of every argument she’d made there was one statement he couldn’t get out of his head, no matter how hard he tried.