Chapter Nineteen
Brayden
Sydney and I are hunkered down at the library, putting the finishing touches on our accounting project. Every once in a while, my gaze will meander to hers. The other night, I oh-so-casually suggested that we should sleep together. I mean, why not? Even though she didn’t immediately shut down the idea, she hasn’t said a word about it. As tempted as I am to push for an answer, I won’t. If she’s not interested in having sex, then that’s the way it is.
Which is too damn bad.
I’d like nothing more than to fuck this girl right out of my system. Then, when this is over with, I can relegate her to the back of my brain where she belongs. I’ve got enough on my plate with school and football to get caught up in a hot girl.
It’s not like they aren’t a dime a dozen around here.
But still...
There’s something about the blonde soccer player that draws me to her. No matter how many times I’ve tried to move on, she continues to circle relentlessly at the back of my brain.
When my gaze cuts to hers again, I find Sydney’s attention already locked on me. A little sizzle of awareness scuttles down my spine as she holds my stare, refusing to glance away. It’s the stupidest thing. I have no idea why I react this way to her.
Every.
Damn.
Time.
When I raise a brow in silent inquiry, she shifts on her seat and breaks eye contact. Something inside me sits up a little straighter and takes notice. This girl is one of the most brazen chicks I know. She doesn’t back down from anything. If there’s something on her mind, she’ll tell you about it. Whether you want to know or not. It’s one of the things that attracts me. She doesn’t take shit from anyone. Including me. And if that’s not sexy as hell, I don’t know what is.
My attention sharpens, only now noticing the slight flush that fills her cheeks. “What’s going on?”
Her gaze flickers back to mine, momentarily touching it before flitting away. “I was thinking about what you said the other night.”
That’s all it takes for my muscles to tense and body to go on high alert. “Oh?”
She straightens on her chair before saying lightly, “You’re right.”
Of course I am.
Was there ever any doubt?
“About what?” I have a sneaking suspicion that I know what she’s referring to, but I need her to confirm the information so there aren’t any misunderstandings.
“We’re both single.” She gulps and forces out the rest. “We want each other and...” Her shoulders jerk as her voice trails off.
I press closer to the table until the thick wood bites into my rib cage. If I could leap across the damn thing, I would do it in a heartbeat. “We’re both single, want each other, and what?” I repeat. My voice grows lower with each word I force out.
Do you have any idea how long I’ve waited to hear her say that?
This girl has spent years cutting me down with her sharp tongue. The thought of using it along with that sassy mouth for something all together different has my cock stirring in my athletic shorts.
Her gaze stays riveted to mine as a challenging light fills it. She reminds me of a warrior preparing for battle. That’s exactly the way sex with Sydney would be. Like a battle. And I relish the thought of it.
“We should fuck,” she says, head held high. Shoulders tensed. Gaze pinning me in place.
Damn.
She went there.
There’s no coy skirting around the issue with this girl.
I bolt out of my seat so quickly that the chair scrapes back against the carpet, teetering precariously but not quite tipping over. I wouldn’t give a crap if it did. We set up camp on the third floor where there’s less student traffic. Plus, it’s a Monday night. This place is like a ghost town.
Her eyes widen as I close the distance between us before reaching down and grabbing hold of her hand, hauling her to her feet.
“Brayden!” she squeaks.
Like I’m going to give her a chance to change her mind.
No fucking way.
When she doesn’t put up a fight, I tow her through the stacks, winding my way to the very back row. It’s doubtful anyone would stumble across us here. We’re in a dusty section that doesn’t get much action. All right...that’s not true. If I have my way, it’s going to see a little action tonight.
When I grind to a halt, Sydney stumbles against me. I shackle her other wrist so that both are locked in my tight grip before walking her backward until her spine hits the metal shelves. Her attention stays locked on mine as I press my chest against hers, dragging her hands upward until she’s stretched out against the periodicals. Her chin tilts upward as my mouth ghosts over hers. The feel of her warm breath drifting against my parted lips as it comes out in short, sharp pants is nothing less than intoxicating.