“You have all these questions because he didn’t care to give you the explanations even I think you deserved, which makes him an asshole who doesn’t deserve your groveling,” Drew countered so matter-of-factly that my hands actually balled into fists. “You trusted someone. You shouldn’t have. You learned your lesson, now move on.”
Ugh. What the fuck? There was a chance he had a point, but also, why did he think things were that simple? I was flustered and angry and actually grateful that Drew Maddox was so fucking huge that he was blocking me from the view of the other guests, because there was no doubt in my mind that I looked like a red-faced, wild-eyed psycho right now.
“You know, I’m curious as to why in the world you’re so invested in this,” I said defensively.
“I don’t know,” Drew said with no hint of shame. “Probably because I just got my own reminder that you can’t trust anyone for shit, and I was mulling that over when you suddenly showed up and forced me to listen to you pine for some asshole.”
“You don’t even know my ex.”
“I don’t need to, it’s all the same. Whether they want to or not, everyone is going to wind up screwing you over at some point. It’s just part of their survival instincts.”
My face contorted as I squinted at his insane cynicism.
“Do you think we live in the wild or something? How do you even enjoy your life when you think like this?”
“I can assure you that I enjoy my life plenty.”
I read that dirty look on his face and rolled my eyes.
“Of course. Because people are disposable to you, I’m sure, and all you have are one-night stands – right?”
“Yes. You should try it sometime.” He nodded at our not-so-subtle audience on the deck. “Take your pick from any one of these guys. They’re all staring anyway.”
“At you,” I corrected tightly. “And no thanks. I have nothing against one-night stands, but I really don’t see them doing much for me now.”
“No? Why not?”
“Because,” I ground out before I’d fully formulated an answer. “Because I need… history and emotional context in order to feel good. I need to actually know the other person to get the full extent of pleasure,” I said as Drew broke into the most condescending laugh known to man.
“You really think that because you don’t know me personally, I wouldn’t be able to give you the best orgasm of your life right here, right now?” He eyed my lips, visibly pleased with the way his question made them fall slightly open. “Baby girl, I could make you come so hard you’d forget his name.”
Mike, Mike, Mike, Mike, I chanted in my head to fight the heat prickling across my thighs.
“Well, I’m happy you believe in yourself so much,” I snarked, satisfied with even that brief look of irritation I got from Drew before he rubbed his bottom lip and smirked.
“I should let you know that I don’t respond well to being challenged.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not going to let you fuck me on this terrace just to prove your point.”
“Fine. Then give me those lips.”
I froze.
What?
“You’re joking, right? You want to kiss me just to win an argument?”
“Yes.”
“Well, no thank you. I’m not really one to offer up body parts for arrogant strangers to pad their egos with.”
“To be clear, I’d be interested whether or not we were having this stupid argument.” His green eyes returned hungrily to my mouth. “But since we are, I should throw in the fact that my tongue alone could get you hotter than anything your ex could do, and the only reason you won’t let me touch you is because you know I’m right.” He brought his green eyes back to mine. “Again.”
Reverse psychology. Don’t fall for it.
“Fine.”
Whoa, whoa, wrong direction!