Never Hide Again

After taking a shift in my chair, I frown. “I suppose your desire is fast, simple sex, then? Satisfy your craving and move on.” The words mumble out halfway on their own, since I’m suddenly depressed by the thoughts I’m having.

“Slightly disappointing reply.” He does a fast double blink, then mirrors me, resting an elbow on the table. “You think me to be that one-dimensional? Where all I think of is bodily connection?”

I shrug. “Your reputation seems to say that.”

“My reputation says I like women. However, you might be surprised.” He leans forward, and the smooth fluid motion is masculine yet somehow pretty. “Not all women are the same.” His eyes scan my face before coming to rest on my mouth.

I wonder if he knows how fast my blood is racing from that look. It only quickens as his voice drops to a deep rumble.

“Some require more thorough attention, even dedication. Something I’m inclined to give, if the person is right.”

I’m squirming in my seat, rocking my hips back and forth. He just reads people too well, and I can’t mask how overexposed Brexton leaves me.

“That is a little shocking,” I say, stunned. “You’re able to commit?”

“I can shock you more if you’d like by telling you how I used to be quite devoted to someone.” He shrugs. “So you see? I do understand commitment.”

“Devoted?” My ears perk up, head tilting in curiosity. “Married or engaged?” Heat rises in my cheeks when he responds with a wink and a wry smile.

“Interesting those are the first things that come to your mind.” He trails a small ring on the table with his index finger. “As it is, that’s for me to tell you at a later time, after you get to know me.”

Wrong response. A wall comes up, and I bristle higher in my seat as I realize where he’s been taking me. “I’m not getting to know you.”

“Why?” His brows pull together so tightly, a deep crease forms between his eyes.

“Because—” I pause, trying to find the right words to end this. That’s a whole topic I don’t want to bring up. “I don’t need to give you an answer. Just because.”

“Interesting,” he muses. “Most people glaze over the word “because,” thinking it a lazy excuse. However, I’ve learned it usually means there’s a bigger issue.” He stares deep into my eyes. “Judging from the way you hesitated, I don’t think I’m the reason.”

He’s too good. Sly, cunning, and smart, just like they say. I study him as he reclines a touch into the seatback, gliding his finger over the tabletop.

Temptation starts to steamroll over my logic when I imagine what it would feel like to have him touch my skin in such a way. Probably divine.

“If you’d ever care to discuss your … problem…” His gaze falls to the stein I was drinking out of. “I’d be happy to see if the issue is one we could work through together.”

Like my issue is as simple as a little chat. “Your offer is very…” I shake my head, a small laugh slipping out.

“Funny?”

“Yes, since I’m sure you wouldn’t know how to fix any issue I might have.”

“I’d love to prove you wrong.” He reaches out, daring to touch my arm. Sparks fly up my skin, burning me as he draws closer to my mouth. “Come to my place after this. We’ll figure everything out.”

Biggest lie of the ever-loving century. We'll be figuring everything out naked and sweat-drenched. I won’t last two minutes in his home. Yet, as his thumb strokes gently near my elbow, I want to utter the word yes.

And the reason is easy to understand.

I want to forget. Everything. Lonnie, my parents looking for me, the countdown to doom that’s closing in on me—all of it. Even if it’s just once.

In five years, I haven’t allowed myself to forget, and I’m tired.

Once…

“Will you need anything else?”

The voice of our waiter from behind makes me jolt, and the thoughts flee with it.

Brexton gives the waiter a dull look. “We’re fine at the moment. Leave a tab open for now.”

“Absolutely,” the server says. “I brought this for the lady.”

I turn over my shoulder and look. A tall glass of ice water waits in his hand. A refreshing break from the pee-flavored beer I've been drinking all night. “Oh, thank you.”

“Thought you could use some rehydration,” he says with a dimpled smile. He places the glass on the table, with a napkin tucked underneath. “Let me know if you need anything.” He nods once, his short, tight curls bobbing with the motion and walks away.

I'm not sure if I should curse or praise the interruption while picking up the glass. Our moment and my teetering strength were shattered by a drink of water.

Or was that it?

“I mean it, Olivia. You're free to come over tonight. If you have any apprehensions, I’d be happy to clear them out of the way.”

There’s something in his eyes as he says it. He’s so sincere looking and sounding. Instantly, my heart dives into the riptide of Grant—more freely this time as I smile.

“You seem very concerned with making sure I’m comfortable,” I say softly.

My heart thrums at a dizzying rate, as he brings his lips mere inches from mine, allowing me to taste mint on my tongue. I struggle not to close my eyes and get lost in it.

“One thing about me, Oliva,” he purrs, his mouth so close now that his breath tickles my lips. “I’ll always ensure your comfort first. Always. That’s what I do.”

His statement has come to a momentary close, but he isn’t moving away. Blood now pulsates in my eardrums. The push and pulls I hear near a deafening point, my resolve threatening a final break along the way.

There’s the briefest twinkle in his eyes right before he boldly trails the tip of his index finger under my chin. I fight the groan rising in the back of my throat.

“What do you say, Olivia? Would you like to come over?”

“Ye-ye—”