Bare Yourself (Consumed)

“What was that?” I ask, still surprised by the events.

It’s not often that someone shocks me, but this girl did. From her attitude before, I got the impression she wasn’t interested. I’m not one for giving up easily when I see something I want, but I’m tired and I’m ready to get home. I didn’t have any plans to pursue her. So, when she practically flung me against the car, she threw me for a loop. For about three seconds, anyway.

“It was a thank-you.” She looks up, and lingering desire has her pupils dilated. “I was a bitch to you, and it was the only way I knew to say thank you and have you believe me.”

I take a step toward her. “What if I want you to finish that thank-you?”

“I’d say you were shit out of luck. I don’t sleep with guys I don’t know.”

“No? You just kiss the ever-lovin’ hell out of them and grind your pussy against their dick?”

Her eyes narrow. “That wasn’t supposed to happen. It was supposed to be a simple kiss.”

“Honey, there’s no such thing as a simple kiss, especially coming from someone that looks like you.”

“Someone that looks like me? What’s that supposed to mean?” she asks. I can practically see the steam coming from her ears. It’s comical to watch this woman get irritated.

“Every man’s wet dream,” I supply. Satisfaction has my lips curling up when her eyes widen.

“Really, stud? Do you actually expect that to work on me?”

“Does it?”

“No.”

Her phone chimes, and she pulls it from her back pocket, looking at the display.

“I’ve got to go.” When she tries to pass me, I grab her arm.

“What’s your name?” I’m not sure why I need to know, it’s not like I’ll see her again, but for some reason, I do.

She doesn’t answer right away, just looks at my hand on her arm before looking back at me.

“Brandy.”

I bring her hand to my mouth and kiss the back of it, before pulling her pointer finger in my mouth.

“I’m Tegan. You’re really missing out by not finishing that thank-you, Brandy,” I tell her softly, letting her see the blatant heat in my eyes.

Her breath hitches and she licks her lips. Her eyes flicker with some emotion I’m not sure what to call, before she gently pulls her hand away from mine.

“I’m sure I am. Thank you for changing my tire.”

Without another word, she turns, climbs into her Jeep, and pulls away from me, leaving me in the dust, both literally and figuratively. I watch her until she disappears around the corner, wondering what in the fuck just happened.