Page 14 of Off Limits

I’d put a lot of work into my body over the past several years; my pecs and abs were tight and defined. Richmond’s eyes hungrily took in the sight of my torso, and he licked his lips as he gazed at my sweatpants, slung low on my hips. I was grateful my morning chub was still apparent through the fabric.

Richmond finally cleared his throat and lifted his eyes to mine. “How are you feeling?”

“My head hurts and I’m a little queasy, but it’s not too bad.”

“You’re better off than I would be; if I spent the evening drinking, I’d have to spend a week in bed.” I’d love to spend a week in bed with you.

I kept my naughty thoughts to myself. I didn’t say anything; I was curious why he was there, and what the hell was happening, but I was so thankful he was there and actually speaking to me that I didn’t bring it up.

We stood there, staring at one another in silence, until Richmond finally spoke up. “I’m sorry for sending your guest home last night.” Okay, so that did happen. “You’re right; I shouldn’t be making those decisions for you.”

I didn’t remember saying that, but it didn’t surprise me; I tended to be very honest when I was drunk, hence why I ended up telling Wade about my feelings for his dad.

“I’m sorry I did that, if he was who you wanted.”

“He wasn’t,” I replied easily.

“I was hoping you’d say that.” Once again, I was unsure how to respond to his mixed messages. “You were wrong about one thing, though.”

“What?”

“About me not wanting to be in your life.”

“That’s not how it seemed a couple of weeks ago.”

“You’re right, and I apologize for that as well. I take full responsibility for being a dumbass. Please, sit down and eat; some greasy food will make you feel better.”

I took a seat at the table and Richmond served me a heaping plate of pancakes and bacon before sliding a bottle of syrup in front of me. He made a second, smaller portioned plate for himself and sat down as well.

I smothered everything in syrup before taking a bite, humming at the sweet flavor. The greasy sugar concoction hit my stomach and instantly cured some of my nausea. “Thanks,” I told him around a mouthful.

“Of course.” Richmond picked up his fork, but placed it on his plate again with a sigh. “I’d like to try and explain my actions that night.” I swallowed hard and nodded, hoping I was ready to hear it.

“When I invited you to the party, I told you I wanted to introduce you to people in the business; to potentially help with your career.” I nodded again and he continued, “And then when you took me home, I pounced on you. I acted no better than Mr. Seagraves, and I worried you would think my intentions matched his.”

Understanding hit me hard. Richmond worried he was taking advantage of me; that I might have thought I owed him for his party invitation. While I could see where he was coming from, my answer was still, “That’s stupid.”

Richmond’s face scrunched up. “That’s what Wade said, too.”

“You told Wade?”

He nodded sheepishly. “He could tell something was bothering me and it just kind of came out.”

I looked down at my plate when I asked, “What else did he tell you?”

“He…told me a lot of things.”

Fuck. It sounded as if my friend had spilled my secret. But instead of worrying about that, I tucked it away for the moment. “Well, I’m sorry, but your thinking was stupid; first of all, I know you, and have for a huge part of my life. I know you would never take advantage of me, or anyone else for that matter. When Mr. Seagraves crossed the line, I told him so. I would’ve done the same to you if I felt I needed to. I did what I did because I wanted to.”

“That was another part of my problem.” When I narrowed my eyes, he explained, “Understanding why you wanted me; you’re beautiful, fun, and have your whole life ahead of you. I’m twice your age, out of shape, and typically in bed by ten.” I chuckled, but his expression was serious.

“I worried that even if you did want me, I wouldn’t be enough to keep you around. I thought you’d only be interested in a hookup or one off, which scared me, because I knew it wouldn’t be enough for me. My feelings have been growing steadily for you, but I convinced myself you couldn’t feel the same way. I guess I let all of my insecurities take control and I lost my head.”

My heart slammed against my ribcage. I thought he sent me away because he regretted what we did, but it was out of fear that he’d taken advantage of me, and that I didn’t reciprocate his feelings. My head spun and made me feel nauseous again, so I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths to settle myself down. When I opened them again, I found Richmond staring at me nervously.

“I wish you would have talked to me,” I told him finally. “I’ve spent the last two weeks believing the worst.”

“I should have,” he agreed. “I thought I was doing the right thing by letting you go; I didn’t want to pressure you or hold you back. But if I would have just manned up and spoken with you, I would have learned that wasn’t the case. I’m just grateful that Wade told me everything. It gave me the courage to make this right…if I still can.”

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