A Rose in Bloom

“Really, Jaxon. It’s not necessary. Don’t worry about it.” She schooled her face to hide her hurt.

“I know it’s not necessary. I’m not asking because it’s necessary.”

“Just stop, okay? I know what you want, and you’re not going to get it. So you might as well stop wasting your time and effort.”

*****

Jaxon barely resisted the urge to slam his fist into the wall. He’d been too physically aggressive. Now she thought he wanted to take her to bed. He had to convince her he wouldn’t expect anything from her.

“That’s not what I want, Elyssa. I promise. I like you. That’s all. I just want to spend time with you.”

“I’m sorry, Jaxon, but I don’t believe you.”

“Elyssa, give me another chance. I didn’t mean to get physical with you. It was an accident, and it won’t happen again.”

“No, it won’t happen again, because we won’t be around each other.”

“This isn’t fair. I’m trying really hard, here.”

*****

Her efforts at wrapping the stems with trembling fingers having failed, she put the bouquet down and turned to face him squarely. Placing her hands firmly on her hips to hide their shaking, she glared at him, forcing herself to ignore his pleading blue eyes. He was quite an actor.

“Look Jaxon, you let your guard down and showed your true colors, just when I was starting to trust you. So it’s over, okay? I know you tried hard, but sometimes you just don’t get what you want.”

“Elyssa—”

“Thank you for your help tonight, Jaxon. I appreciate what you’ve done. But I refuse to feel obligated to you because of it.” She pivoted, giving him her back and pretending to concentrate on her task.

“I don’t want you to feel obligated.”

With an effort, she kept her mouth shut and her spine rigid.

*****

Jaxon’s patience was wearing thin. It wasn’t like he’d actually tried anything with her. He hadn’t even kissed her. He’d barely even touched her. Instead of being angry, she ought to be thanking him. She‘d been ready and willing to kiss him only moments ago. He was the one who’d shown self-control. She ought to admit it. Instead she was accusing him of being a Neanderthal.

“Elyssa!” He grabbed her elbow and spun her around. Her brows furrowed as they locked eyes.

“What!” She spat the word out like a curse and scowled at him, her chest heaving.

He held her glowering gaze without a flinch, his mind racing as he scrambled for words. What can I say to convince her I’m interested in more than just her body. But the sound of his blood, pulsing in his ears, distracted him. And the sight of her face, rosy and glowing, radiant in her fury, muddled his brain. He was teetering on the edge of restraint.

And then it happened.

The tip of her tongue peeked out, swiping from one corner of her luscious mouth to the other, as she dampened her plush lips.

His mind snapped.

Every sane thought departed, and every ounce of self-control disappeared. In an instant his hands were grasping her shoulders, pulling her against him. He lowered his mouth to hers and devoured her. Slanting his lips across hers, he kissed her with a ferocious passion. For a moment she resisted. But he felt her lips soften, as a small whimper escaped her throat. Her rigid posture melted, her hands reaching around his back. Wrapping her in his arms, he crushed her soft body against him. Her lips parted, and he deepened the kiss, a groan erupting from his chest. She tasted sweet like honey, and her berry-fresh fragrance assaulted his senses. His hunger was building, unsated by the tasty sampling of her mouth.

He gripped her shoulders and forced her away, gasping to catch his breath, fighting the desire coursing through his veins. She stared at him, panting, her lips slightly swollen, her mouth reddened from the abrasion of his evening stubble. Wider and wider her eyes grew, until she was blinking at puddling tears.

“Elyssa, I’m sorry—”

He felt the sting of her slap.

Part 14: Disconnect