An hour passes and I decide to take a break outside. It’s extremely warm inside and every time I see Alex or Eric, the heat rises even more between my thighs.
“Doing all right?” Alex approaches me from behind.
“Yeah, just getting some fresh air.” I smile and watch as he sits on the curb next to me.
“So,” he stumbles, breaking eye contact with me. “What’s the deal with this Eric guy? I mean…are you two a couple or something?” he asks, looking back up at me.
“Eric and me? No. He’s a neighbor and friend, but we are definitely not a couple.” I don’t know why I say definitely, but it’s the truth.
“Good.” He smiles and looks relieved.
“Would that be a problem?” I ask, feeling brave. “If we were a couple?” I lean back on my hands, getting a better view of him.
“Well, yes. It would prevent me from being able to ask you out. So, since you and him aren’t a couple, perhaps I can ask you to dinner or something,” he says, acting shy, but then smiles as he looks up at me. His fingers find my hand on the sidewalk and he locks it with his, taking it up to his lips.
His lips against my skin feel amazing. I don’t know how a pair of lips can feel so good, but they do. It feels wonderful.
“Perhaps,” is all I say, waiting for him to actually ask.
“Go out to dinner with me.”
“That’s not asking,” I tease, still linking my fingers with his.
“I know. I figured I’d try the whole guy dominating routine and see how far it got me,” he teases, stifling his laugh.
“It won’t get you far at all, actually,” I say back, grinning at his lame attempt.
“Damn. Okay.” He inhales slowly before speaking again. “Velaney, will you please go to dinner with me tomorrow night?” He looks adorably genuine, sending intense shivers down my body and landing smack dab between my legs.
“I would love to,” I smile, trying to hide the secret happy dance I’m doing in my head.
“There you are! You sneaky bitch. I was worried about you!” Carissa yells, quickly realizing I’m not alone. “Oh, shit, sorry. Didn’t see ya there, Alex.”
“No worries.” He grabs my hand and kisses it once again. “I’ll let you get back to work now.” He flashes another smile at me, leaving me only capable of nodding back at him like an idiot.
He stands up and walks back through the employee’s only door. Carissa sits down next to me, examining my face.
“What?” I ask.
“You like him.”
“Maybe.”
“About damn time,” is all she says, leaving me laughing at her. I stand up and head back into the bar.
I feel such a rush of emotions that I can barely control them. The fact that Alex makes me smile, laugh and is genuinely sweet makes me giddy like a hormonal teenager. It’s not a feeling I’m used to. Sure, I’ve watched chick flicks where the love is so intense and raw that you feel your own heart clench during the whole thing, but I never felt that feeling.
Eric is so darn confusing. One minute I feel like we have this connection and then the next minute, he’s letting some girl hang all over him. I can’t grasp why I feel that pull toward him. It’s there…there’s no doubting that.
“Be up in time for breakfast,” Eric says, smiling back at me as I clean up the mass destruction of the bar. Alex shoots him a displeased look and I can’t help smug smile that forms over my lips.
“What?” I ask, sweeping the floor.
“You girls need to eat after a night like this. Don’t worry, I’ll let myself in.” He smirks, finishing the last of his beer before he sets it down on the bar.
“Can I request waffles this time?” Carissa asks, playing along.
“You can request anything you want.” He turns and winks at me. He waves his goodbyes and heads toward the door.
I glance over at Alex and see that he is eyeing Eric and watching him all the way, until he reaches the exit and walks out. I don’t know what the hell just happened, but I’m not going to try to figure it out.
* * *
“Good mornin’, sweetheart,” Eric welcomes in his beautiful sweet tone.
“Why is it so bright out?” I ask, crashing my arms on the breakfast bar, laying my head down.
“That typically happens when it’s morning, my dear.” His voice is sweet and I savor every word that comes out of his mouth.
“What are you making?” I ask, seeing a counter filled with grocery bags.
“Waffles, eggs, French toast and hash browns.”
“You remember this isn’t a frat house, right?” I smile, teasing him about the fact that he thinks girls eat all this in the morning. I barely eat a granola bar in the mornings. I need time to wake up.
“You girls need your strength after working all night. Plus, I like my girls with an appetite.”
Huh?
“That’s not what I’ve noticed,” I spit out a little too quickly.
He turns and glares at me. I feel the blush rising to my cheeks, immediately regretting that last statement.
“And what does that mean exactly?” He crosses his arms across his wide, broad chest.
Fine, let’s play this game.
“I’ve seen you with a couple of girls. They are all skinny-minnies. I doubt they have an appetite.” I laugh, hoping to lighten the mood.
Before he can answer, Carissa prances into the kitchen in only a t-shirt and panties. “Yes, waffles!”
She bends down to grab one off the plate and starts going to town. Eric and I stay silent, watching her.
“What?” she asks with a mouthful.
“Velaney thinks I’m a manwhore.”
“What? I never said that!” I gasp, standing up. “I never said anything even remotely close to that!”
“Lane, chill,” Carissa says, pulling my hand to sit back down. “Dude, what did you do to my girl?” she asks Eric, now scowling at him.
He doesn’t respond, but instead just keeps cooking. After a long ten minutes of silence, he places the rest of the food in front of us and smiles.
“Well, ladies, enjoy your breakfast and your day.” He grabs his jacket and walks to the door. I hop off the stool and try to talk to him before he leaves.
“Eric, wait!” I call out, reaching for his arm. He turns abruptly, staring at me through his beautiful eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine, Velaney.” He’s standing closer to me now, studying my face.
“I don’t want you to leave mad,” I say quietly, unsure of what he is thinking.
“I told you before. I could never be mad at someone as beautiful as you.” His upper lip curls up in a slight smile, making the tingles reappear.
“Why do you say stuff like that, Eric?”
“Because you are beautiful. Do you not like me saying it?” he asks, stepping closer once again, if there was even any space left between us.
“I love it.” His eyes are intense, and before I can protest, his lips crash into mine. My hands immediately flock to his head, gripping his hair between my fingers. His arms wrap around my waist, clenching me tight against his chest. It feels amazing to be in his strong, muscular arms. He presses lightly against my back, urging me to stand on my toes.
His mouth covers mine, making me eager to feel every part of him. His tongue sinks into me, exploring my mouth. He tastes incredible, making me hungry and eager for more. Turning us around, he slams me into the door as he cups my thighs and lifts me up. My legs automatically wrap around his waist as he grinds his hips into me, making me feel the fullness of his arousal.
I completely let loose for Eric, something I’ve never been able to do before…. something I’ve never wanted to do. Yet, here we are.
A deep, husky moan slips from his throat as he presses us firmer into the door. His lips move from my mouth down to the nape of my neck, giving me a rush of hormones that are completely uncontrollable. I tilt my head back, giving him full access to me, begging him for m
ore. The way my body responds to him doesn’t make any sense to me, but in this moment, I don’t dare question it.
“God, Velaney…I’ve wanted your legs wrapped ‘round me for so long,” he mumbles, dropping his lips to my collarbone, suckling it before he makes his way back up to my mouth. “You taste fucking amazing,” he growls, bringing me back to Earth. The way he rumbled the F bomb suddenly brought me back to when I was eight years old.
“Stop!” I shove him away, and unwrap my legs from him. “Please, just go.” I walk around him and aim for my room.
“Velaney, wait! What did I do?”
“I can’t be another one of your skanks. I can’t be that girl you sleep with and never call again. I just can’t.” I pause and breathe in. “Go home, Eric,” I mumble, closing my bedroom door. I feel like a moron. No, make that…complete moron. I can’t believe what I just did. I sink to my feet as I slide down the door, crashing my head into my hands as the tears drip from my eyes. They fall down my swollen, moist lips that were just ravaged by Eric. Ugh, why did he have to taste so incredible?
I know I’m screwed up. Doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. One swear word and I completely break down. I’ve heard Carissa swear a thousand times and it’s never affected me the way it just did.
“Laney!” Carissa shouts through the door, banging with her fist. “Let me in!”
I scoot over to the other side and slowly turn the handle, giving her access.
“Oh, dear Lord, what happened?” She notices my red eyes and tear-tracked cheeks.
“I’m a complete mess. I knew this would happen. Why did I even think I could be with anyone?”
She stares at me a minute, clenching her lips together. I look over and see the compassionate look in her eyes. “Get up. We’re going shopping.”
CHAPTER 8
“Is this necessary?” I ask as Carissa drags me to the third store.
“Not only is it necessary, it’s a matter of life and death, Lane.”
“You are such a drama queen,” I tease, opening the door to another clothing store.
“Hey, shopping makes you feel good. It gives you endorphins or something along those lines…anyway, shopping is good for you! So suck it up!” She links her arm in mine, dragging me to the back of the store.
“If you say so,” I mumble, letting her take the lead.
“Plus, you are hot, Lane. You just need to start feeling that way and maybe you’ll be more confident in who you are,” she says sincerely.
“It’s not that I’m not confident, Riss. You know me. You know how screwed up my childhood was. Who’s going to want me once they find out? I mean, really. My family didn’t care to protect me, and now look at how screwed up I am.”
“Listen to me, Velaney Rose Wills. You. Are. Not. Screwed. Up. You are perfect. Fuck your family and fuck them for allowing Aiden to hurt you. He’s a bastard and always will be. But I am your family now, and I am telling you how wonderful, sweet and perfect you are. Don’t let what they did to you then define who you are now. They don’t deserve that. They don’t deserve any part of you.” The way she loves me is overwhelming. I begin to tear up at the way she talks to me and looks at me. She can see the real me no matter how damaged I am.
“I love you so much, Riss.” I pull her in and squeeze her tight, letting the few tears that slip out run down my arm. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.” I pull her back just slightly. “I’ll try, Riss. But part of me doubts I can ever be normal. I feel like I’m going to screw everything up. I mean, look at how much I’ve already screwed up.”
“You have two amazing guys who are dying to be with you. You are not going to screw it up…okay, maybe you will a little, but everyone does! So don’t let that discourage you.”
“Eric is going to think I’m a complete nutcase. He kissed me so passionately, with so much need and desire, and first I reciprocate, then I freak out and push him away! And then there’s Alex.” I let out a long groan. “He’s so frigging sweet.”
“Girl, it’s about damn time you have normal boy issues. For a while, I thought we’d have to have the sex talk or something.” I shove her slightly, finally able to smile back at her.
“Alex asked me out for dinner. Part of me wants to go.”
“Then go. It’s harmless. You aren’t dating anyone…you are a free, single woman! Plus, you get a free meal,” she teases, smiling as she picks out a few shirts from the rack.
“And the old Carissa is back!” She laughs and shoves a few shirts in my direction, motioning for me to go try them on.
Is that what relationships are like? The highs, the lows, the bumps, the uncertainty? I’m so afraid of getting my heart broken, but worse, I’m afraid of breaking someone else’s heart again. What if I can’t give them what they need? I know a part of me will always be damaged by what Aiden did to me, but how can I let that go? How do you let your past go so you can finally focus on the present?
Carissa and I finish shopping and come home with four bags of new clothes. I agree to let her pick clothes out for me since I have no idea what to wear on a date. I mostly wear athletic clothes to work, but I let Carissa help pick out my outfits for when I bartend.
“All right girl, let me see that ass!” she shouts from the living room, waiting as I try on outfits.
“This is embarrassing,” I mumble, coming out to face her.
“Holy hell, woman. You have a sexy body! That dress hugs you in all the right places.”
“Stop hitting on me.” I stick my tongue out, spinning so she can take in the whole view. “You really think it looks good?”
“Yes, Laney, I do. You really are gorgeous. Just try to forget about everything bad that’s ever happened. Don’t give any of those fuckers the satisfaction that their choices affected yours. You are better than that.” God, I love this woman.
“You’re the best, you know that?”
“Yes.” She smiles. “Now go show me more outfits!”
After trying on several outfits, Carissa helps me find the perfect dress that stops just above my knees and hugs tight against my chest. She throws a pair shoes at me and tells me to pick out a necklace from her jewelry box.
“Is all of this really necessary for a date? I mean, what if I’m overdressed or something?” I ask, sounding worried. I don’t even know where Alex is taking me.
“You are going to look stunning, Lane. And yes, it’s necessary. You look confident, yet with a good sense of morals.”
“Well, geez, thank goodness for that!” I huff a laugh at her, shaking my head. “If anything happens with Alex…and that’s a big if, it won’t be for a long time, Riss. So, I’m sure he’ll get the message.”
“Don’t make the poor bastard wait too long. At least let him kiss you,” she argues, knowing darn well I don’t sleep around.
“I feel awful for letting Eric kiss me, Riss. How am I going to face him again? I mean, I shot him down and he has no idea why.”
“Do you like him?” she asks seriously, crossing her arms over her chest.
“Yes, but I’m so afraid I’d screw it up and it would ruin our friendship. He deserves so much better than me. Plus, I’ve seen the girls he brings around. I don’t even compare.” I’m not trying to have a pity party; rather, I’m trying to talk myself out of liking him. “And plus, he wants to be running partners. That screams friend-zone.”
“He kissed you, didn’t he?”
“Yeah, but he probably had a weak moment…or whatever you call it. Hell, I don’t know. God, I’m a mess,” I huff, sitting down on the edge of the bed, ready to give up on the date before it even starts.
“Stop. You are driving me insane and I’m not even the one dating you. Listen and listen closely. You are going to have fun on this date. See what happens…see if there’s any spark. And then you can decide what to do with Eric.” I nod, unable to respond to her motherly tone.
I finish getting ready for my date and shortly after, Alex knocks on the door.
I open the door and shriek louder than I mean to. “Eric! What are you doing here?” I ask, suddenly feeling extremely uncomfortable and nervous.
“We need to talk,” he says in a deep tone. He looks defeated, sad almost.
“I can’t, Eric. I’m sorry. I’m leaving soon.” I lean against the door, not wanting him to come in. Awkward.
He looks me over, noticing my attire. “Where are you going?” Before I can respond, Alex chimes in behind him.
“Out with me.” Oh, crap. Eric spins around and I can see his hands forming into fists. I feel incredibly embarrassed. This is why…this is exactly why I don’t do the whole dating thing in the first place.
“Really?” he whispers, turning back to me. All I can do is nod to avoid the tears from rolling down my cheeks. I see the hurt in his eyes and now I feel like kicking myself.
“He asked me out last night, Eric. I said yes. Is that okay?” I ask, trying to sound brave and confident…just like Carissa had drilled into my head all afternoon.
Eric slowly grabs my hand and brings it to his lips. My eyes close unwillingly as I enjoy his touch. “Have fun, Velaney.” The way he rolls his tongue around my name gives me goose bumps. Why does he always do this to me? The way he affects me seems so unnatural. He turns around, nods at Alex and walks down the hallway, leaving me completely dumbfounded.
I’m not what Eric is looking for. I’m not easy. I don’t sleep around. Hell, I have never slept around. I wouldn’t be what he would need. Or want. I’ve never relied on anyone. Carissa has always been my go-to girl. My person.
“What was he doing here?” Alex asks, pulling me from my mental breakdown.
“Oh, he thought he left something here,” I lie, surprised at how easy it was to say that. “Well, shall we?” I ask, hoping to lighten the mood.
“I’m ready if you are,” he says, smiling at me, making me forget everything that just happened. “You look beautiful,” he whispers close to my ear, sending goose bumps down my arm.
“Thank you,” is all I can say, gripping harder on my purse. He escorts me to the passenger side of his car and opens it. I thank him again and get in. I buckle up as I wait for him to climb in on his side. I’m nervous as all hell and feel like I’m sweating. Ugh, this was a bad idea.
Alphas & Millionaires Starter Set Page 27