Page 7 of Could Be Worse

I sensed he was conflicted about staying with me. God, I prayed he didn’t have a girlfriend, or worse, a wife. While I enjoyed his attention and he was certainly easy on the eyes, I wasn’t out to destroy his relationship, assuming he was in one. With that thought…

“I should probably get going.” I dug into my purse for some cash. The longer I sat with him, the more difficult it might be to leave, even if I suspected he had someone waiting for him at home, I really liked him.

If it were another day and we lived near each other, I might consider going out on an actual date with him. If he wasn’t attached to anyone, as he’d said he wasn’t.

“I got it, Sunshine.” He covered my hand with his. “I’d ask for your phone number, but I think that’s breaking the rules of your game.”

I smiled at him. “You’re right. Besides, what would be the point? Neither of us are from around here.”

“True. Can I at least walk you to your car?”

What a considerate gentleman.

“Sure…”

The second we got to my car, he lifted me onto the hood, spread my legs, and wedged himself between them. So maybe he wasn’t a gentleman per se, but I didn’t mind.

“I can’t get enough of you.” He gripped my face in his hands. “Am I crossing the line?”

“Do you plan on kissing me again?”

“Yes.”

“Then no, you’re not crossing the line.” I slipped my fingers into his jean pockets and tugged him toward me.

“Christ, you’re gorgeous. You’re not afraid to take what you want. I admire that.”

“My parents taught me to work hard for what I want and never give up.” Except they never taught me what to do when someone blackmailed me and stole my career out from under me. Now wasn’t the time to lament my shattered dreams.

“I’m glad I met you,” he said. And then he kissed me breathlessly. I loved how he took control but not in an offensive manner. It was sweltering hot, even in the brisk autumn air. And I fully believed if I told him to stop, he would.

“I wish we’d met under different circumstances,” he muttered through his kisses. His arms wrapped around me like he never wanted to let me go, but that was silly. We were strangers, and I knew without a doubt he would let me go, just as I would with him.

My life was a mess. I had no clue what I’d tell my family when I got home. They’d expect me to have answers and a plan, and I had neither. Getting involved with a guy was the last thing I needed. He’d be a distraction. A gorgeous, sexy distraction but one just the same.

“Me too,” I stupidly replied, all hot and bothered and needing more of him, southern-region more. Way to send mixed signals!

“I haven’t been this way with anyone in years. Maybe ever.” No question he was feeding me a line of bull, but whatever. After today, I’d never see him again.

“I’ve never been this way with a man before.” And that was the honest truth. Most guys I went out with were immature and dorky. But this guy was manly and sexy. He treated me with respect and knew how to rev my engine with just a kiss.

“This might sound bad. I don’t mean any disrespect, but I’d sure like to fuck you right here in the parking lot.”

My clit surged with arousal, and I froze, panting heavily. “Okay.” I’d be a fool to pass up his bold invitation. Wait. Was it an invitation?

“Really?” He blinked like he hadn’t expected me to agree. “You want to have sex with me?”

“Mhm. But it needs to be quick because I really need to go.” Oh, boy. I was about to do the one thing my dad told me to never do: hook up with a stranger.

He looked around the packed parking lot. “My truck is over there.” He pointed at the opposite side of the lot. “Unless you want to do it out in the open?”

“No, not outside. What if someone saw us?” I bit my bottom lip, unsure of what to do. Families ate at this restaurant. I couldn’t.

“I know of a lake nearby we can go to. Or a hotel.”

“No. No hotel. I’ll follow you to the lake.” I kissed him again, then went to get into my rental car.

I hope you know what you’re doing, Sadie.

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