Janet Read online

  “Mainly in college.”

  “So why didn’t you sleep with her?”

  “I had my eye on you,” he said. “Why would I sleep with her if I wanted you?”

  “She’s the prettier one.”

  He laughed. “You couldn’t be more wrong, baby.”

  I glared at him.

  “I apologize,” he said quickly.

  I smiled at him, approving the effort he was making.

  “So, did you look up my picture?”

  My face turned beet red. I drank my water to cool the temperature of my body but it didn’t help.

  “So that’s a yes,” he said with a laugh.

  “I may have stumbled upon it.”

  “Why are you embarrassed?” he asked. “It’s just a picture. A lot of it is Photoshoped.”

  “I—I just—felt weird.”

  He stared at me. A smile crept into his lips. “Did you touch yourself?”

  How did he know that? “No!”

  Scott’s smile didn’t disappear. “I can tell when you’re lying.”

  “I’m not.”

  “You’re just making it worse,” he said with a laugh. “And I have to say, that’s the hottest thing I’ve ever heard. I just popped a boner.”

  I was pretty sure that my face was as red as marinara sauce. Unable to come up with a response, I drank from my water.

  Scott leaned across the table and stroked my hand. “You’re a very sexy woman.”

  “I’m definitely not sexy.”

  “I’d love to watch you do that.”

  I pulled my hand away, feeling embarrassed.

  Scott dropped the subject. He placed the cash into the tab then left it at the edge of the table. “Would you like to come back to my place?”

  My eyes widened at his forwardness.

  “To watch a movie and have dessert,” he said quickly. “Nothing else.”

  I breathed a sigh of relief.

  “Unless you wanted to,” he said with a wink.

  Even though we had a fight, I didn’t want this night to end. I really liked Scott despite a few of his flaws. I’d never been more attracted to someone than I was to him. He made me sweat from nervousness, and the butterflies in my stomach made me feel sick. I hadn’t felt like that since I was in eighth grade. “Sure.”

  He smiled. “Let’s go.”

  We went to his apartment on the fifth floor. When he turned on the lights, I was surprised to see how clean it was. There were gray couches in the living room that faced a wide screen TV. His kitchen was spotless and the garbage wasn’t overflowing. His bedroom door was open and I could see his bed, which was made.

  “You have a nice place,” I said politely.

  “Thank you,” I said. “I like it.”

  He placed his hand on my lower back. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “I’ll just have that dessert.”

  He smiled. “You like chocolate?”

  “I love chocolate.”

  Scott opened the freezer and pulled out a tub of chocolate ice cream. He grabbed two spoons and we ate out of the carton on the couch. The cold ice cream felt good against my warm tongue. I could eat sweets all day long. Forget fruits and vegetables. Scott ate slower than I did. I could tell he didn’t eat sweets very often. His body was a direct contradiction to that. I wouldn’t be surprised if his freezer was empty.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked suddenly.

  I stilled. “Nothing.”

  “Come on.”

  “I will if you answer the same question.”

  “Okay,” he said.

  “I was wondering if you had any food in your freezer. You’re in such good shape, I assumed you never ate processed foods, sweets, or preservatives.”

  He nodded. “I’m a very picky eater.”

  “What were you thinking?”

  “What you look like naked.”

  I flinched at his honestly.

  He shrugged. “You asked.”

  “I wasn’t expecting that.”

  “Why?” he asked.

  “I’m just not as sexy as you are.”

  Scott shook his head. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve never been hotter for someone than I am for you. That was my first thought when I saw you.”

  “You didn’t think Cassie was hot?”

  “Not to disrespect your best friend, but she isn’t my type. I don’t like blondes and she’s too skinny. I like girls with a tits and an ass.”

  “Well, I definitely have an ass.”

  “Damn right.”

  I blushed then looked down at the ice cream. I scooped another bite while I avoided his gaze. He grabbed the ice cream from my hand and placed it on the coffee table. Then he leaned over me and pushed me on my back, lying on top of me.

  My heart raced in my chest as I felt his powerful body lay on top of me. I kept my hands at my sides, unsure what I should do. I was too nervous, too excited. Scott placed his hand over my heart.

  “You’re nervous.”

  “You make me really nervous.”

  “Thank you for the compliment.” He slid his hand into my hair then fisted it. His lips brushed mine, making me gasp involuntarily. I loved kissing him. It was the single, most amazing hobby I recently came across. I’d never felt the attraction and connection like I did when our lips were touching. My legs started to shake. I was almost whimpering like a dog, wanting him to kiss me.

  Scott didn’t make the move. He continued to tease me, his lips almost touching mine every few seconds. My hands rose and felt the muscles of his arms. They were firm and strong. I squeezed them then grinded against him, waiting for him. When he didn’t come, I got tired of waiting. I pressed my lips against his and kissed him aggressively.

  He immediately responded to my advance, his hands running over my body. His hand moved up my legs, rubbing my thigh. He never went higher than that, and a part of me wanted him to.

  My hands moved into his hair, feeling the soft strands. When my fingers moved down his back, I grabbed his shirt then moved underneath it. I couldn’t see his body but I could imagine it by touched. It was covered in mounds and grooves, layers of muscle that conveyed his strength and build. Imagining him in just his briefs made me moan.

  My kiss became more intense the longer we lied on the couch. I felt my heart thaw while I caressed is lips with my own. Scott drove me crazy with his controlling behavior, but I loved everything about him. He always made me feel beautiful, like I wasn’t average. When I spoke, he listened to me, and he could understand my emotions without my explicit explanation. He could look at my features and just know. And I’d never been pursued the way he pursued me. Scott didn’t take no for an answer. I felt special and desirable, which was foreign to me. I wanted to be something serious with him, something more, but I didn’t want to rush into anything. I wanted this to work, but I didn’t want to get hurt either.

  Scott broke down my walls the longer he kissed me. I felt myself change, become more aggressive and more attached to him. I wanted more of him, a lot more than he was offering. I’d never felt that way before, the need to consume someone entirely. My leg wrapped around his waist and I pulled him closer to me. There was a throbbing between my legs, a heat that was building. I desperately wanted a release, to feel the explosion.

  Scott broke our kiss then rubbed his nose against mine. “I would love to do more than kiss you.”

  “Me too.”

  He rubbed against me then moved his hand between my legs. His fingers stopped before my underwear. “Can I touch you?”

  “Yes,” I begged.

  Scott kissed me again while his fingers closed the gap. He played with my underwear, feeling the fabric with his fingers. His pushed against my clitoris, making me shake with pleasure. I hadn’t been touched by a man in a long time. I couldn’t remember the last time it happened. Scott’s embrace felt different than all the others. It couldn’t be explained.

  His fingers
moved inside my panties. The first contact of his skin against mine made me moan into his mouth. “Scott…”

  He moaned at the sound of my words. His fingers touched my clitoris and rubbed in a circular motion, making my legs shake and moans of pleasure escape my lips. Two fingers moved inside my entrance and pulsed gently. He knew what he was doing. He was better at it than I was.

  I gripped his hair, feeling the explosion start to form. “That feels so good…”

  Scott broke our kiss and stared at me. His hand didn’t stop and his eyes were glued to my face.

  I felt the shatter between my legs. My pussy burned as the force of the impact rocked into me, sending me in a high that had me screaming. It was an orgasm more powerful than I ever had before. It was blinding, so wonderful it was borderline painful. I was tender long after it was over, breathing heavily while I gripped him.

  Scott continued to stare at me. “I’m going to think about this when I masturbate tonight.”

  I bit my lip at his words. The idea of him jacking off was hot.

  He pulled his hand out of my underwear then licked his fingers. “You taste good.”

  “You’re so good at that,” I blurted.

  “Not really,” he whispered. “I think you just enjoyed it because it was me.”

  I reached my hands down to unbutton his jeans. “Your turn.”

  He grabbed my hand and steadied it. “No, it’s okay.”

  “I know you want it.”

  “I liked pleasing you,” he said. “My chance will come. You don’t need to do anything. And I’d rather lay here with you.” He leaned forward and kissed me on the forehead. I stiffened under his touch. His lips were warm and tender, giving me love that I never felt before. When he pulled away, he rubbed his nose against mine. I was speechless by the affection. No one had ever kissed me on the forehead before.

  Scott pulled down my dress then lied beside me, his arm around my waist. He stared at my face but said nothing. I liked being held in his arms. I felt small and safe, like nothing would ever hurt me. Scott could have had more from me if he wanted. Things could have easily escalated into something more sinister, but that wasn’t on his mind. I felt like I didn’t need to control myself around him, that he would look out for the both of us.

  I grabbed his face and kissed him gently. “I really like you, Scott.”

  He smiled at me and his eyes brightened. “That made my day.”

  I snuggled close to him and closed my eyes, letting myself fall for him.

  10

  When my phone went off, I moaned. I reached for it on the table until I found it.

  “Hmm?”

  “Where the hell are you?” Beatriz asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know?” she shrieked.

  I opened my eyes and blinked a few times. “I’m at Scott’s.”

  “Well, you should have told me. I’ve been worried.”

  “I’m fine. Bye.” I hung up and looked at the time. I had to be at work in an hour.

  Scott yawned and stretched beside me. He was still wearing the clothes he wore last night. His hair was in disarray and his eyes were dark with sleep. He looked adorable. Unable to stop myself, I leaned over him and kissed him. He smiled then held me to his chest, his hand moving into my hair. “That was a nice way to wake up.”

  “Thanks for letting me crash on your couch.”

  “Anytime,” he said. “Maybe we can go in the bedroom next time.”

  I eyed him.

  “Because there’s more room,” he said with a smile.

  I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear then grabbed my heels.

  “Coffee?” he asked.

  “No, I’m in a hurry.”

  “Okay,” he said as he stood up. “Kyle wants to know if we want to play tennis with him and Layla tonight.”

  “When did he ask that?”

  “Last night. I just forgot to mention it.”

  “Like a double date?”

  “Yep.”

  “Yeah, that sounds like fun.”

  “Cool.” He walked me to the door then held me close for a long moment. He kissed my forehead before he pulled away. “If I didn’t have to work, I’d walk you home. I really am a gentleman.”

  I smiled. “I can manage.”

  “I’m sure you can.”

  “I’ll see you later, baby.” The words just slipped from my mouth.

  The smile on his face was bigger than any other I’d ever seen. “I look forward to it.”

  I kissed him before I walked away, knowing I was leaving my heart behind with him. I had a smile on my face the entire time I headed home. Scott was such a great guy and I was happy we finally worked out our differences. He was such an amazing kisser. And that body…I couldn’t think about that right now.

  When I came into my apartment, my sister wasn’t happy.

  “Let me know next time you decide to have a one night stand.”

  “Excuse me?” I snapped. “I wasn’t having a booty call. Scott is my boyfriend.”

  “A heads up would have been nice.”

  “I’m an adult,” I said. “I don’t have to tell you anything.”

  “I was worried about you.”

  “Well, don’t worry next time.” I glared at her before I walked into my room.

  I took a quick shower before I got dressed and bolted to the office. I barely made it to my shift in time. I had never been late a day in my life, and this was almost the first. After I grabbed a cup of coffee I got to work. My mind kept drifting back to Scott, wondering what he was doing or what he was wearing. I decided to text him.

  I can’t stop thinking about you.

  He responded a few minutes later. I just called my secretary Janet. You’re clouding my mind as well.

  What are you wearing?

  Ooh…I like this conversation. Black suit, gray tie.

  That sounds sexy.

  “What R U wearing, baby?

  A purple thong…

  I really like this conversation. Send me a pic.

  Nope.

  Damn…it was worth a shot.

  I miss you.

  I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you tonight.

  Me neither.

  I’ll talk to you later.

  I returned the phone to my purse. I knew I was being clingy but I couldn’t help it. I’d fallen for Scott and I couldn’t pretend that I hadn’t. I didn’t like playing games when it came to relationships. I really liked Scott and felt like I could trust him. I wanted him to know how I felt about him. When I thought about Scott, I thought of Ryan. I still needed to talk to him.

  When I went down to his office, he wasn’t there. His secretary told me he was at the courthouse and would be there all the day. I sighed in annoyance. I would have to talk to him when he came back. At the end of the workday, he still hadn’t returned. Since we hadn’t spoken, I assumed he wasn’t serious about our date. He probably got the hint. Ryan would have called me or texted me by now.

  I left the office and returned to my apartment. Since we were playing tennis, I tried to find something to wear. I normally wore shorts and t-shirt, something unflattering. I just didn’t see the point in getting dressed up to work out. It made no sense. But now that Scott was going to be there, I felt like I should turn it up a notch. I found a pair of tight leggings and a form-fitting workout shirt. It was baby blue and matched the color of my running shoes. I placed my hair in a baseball cap and tied it in a high pony tail. I even put makeup on.

  When seven o’ clock arrived, I answered the door with a smile on my face, expecting to see the man I adored. When I saw Ryan, my heart fell.

  “What are you doing here?” I blurted.

  He was holding a single rose. “Taking you on our date.” He eyed my outfit. “Which you obviously forgot about.”

  “I told you I wasn’t interested, Ryan.” I knew I was being mean and cold, but I couldn’t help it. I was annoyed that he showed up to my apa
rtment. And Scott was coming soon. The last thing I wanted was for him to see Ryan.

  “Come on,” Ryan said. “I thought you’d give me a chance.”

  I sighed. “Ryan, you’re a very nice guy. But you aren’t right for me. Please leave.”

  “How do you know unless you give me a shot?”

  “I did,” I snapped. “We just don’t have any chemistry.”

  “Well, if I kiss you we might.”

  “Touch her and I’ll rip your throat out.”

  I closed my eyes, realizing Scott had arrived. This was bad.

  Scott came to Ryan and stared him down. He looked at the rose then glared at him. “I suggest you leave.”

  Ryan looked at him. “Why are you always here?” he snapped. “Are you stalking her?”

  “I don’t stalk my girlfriend.” His voice was low, but it was deadly and frightening nonetheless.

  “Your girlfriend?” he asked incredulously.

  Scott came closer to him. “I told you to leave.”

  Ryan turned to me. “Are you really dating this guy?”

  “Yes,” I said. “I’m sorry this happened. I wasn’t expecting you to come tonight.”

  He looked down. “So you’ve been playing me?”

  “No,” I said quickly. “It just…happened.”

  Ryan nodded. “I get it.”

  “Good,” Scott said. “Otherwise I’d have to explain it with my fist.”

  I glared at him. “Scott.”

  Ryan dropped the rose on the ground then walked away.

  Scott turned his threatening gaze on me. “What the fuck was that?”

  I sighed, sensing the fight bubble to the surface.

  “You said you would talk to him.”

  “He wasn’t in the office today.”

  “He has a phone,” he snapped.

  “Scott, I wasn’t going to go out with him. When I agreed to be exclusive, I meant it. I just wanted to put him down gently and not shatter his self-esteem like you did.”

  He still looked angry. “You’re mine. Perhaps I didn’t make that clear.”

  I slammed the door in his face.

  “I’m sorry!”

  “Go away, Scott.”

  He opened the door and came into my apartment. “That was out of line. I’m sorry.”

  “Yes, it was fucking out of line.”