Page 34 of Always Right

“Everything is fine,” Derek said, before excusing himself.

I could lie to myself all I wanted…I knew it was only a matter of time before I gave into him once again.

I knew that I would fall harder than before.

And I wouldn’t be able to stop it.

Chapter 12

Derek

I couldn’t forget the look in her eyes.

I couldn’t forget the taste of her skin as she let me kiss her.

Fuck…it wasn’t enough.

I craved her.

Craved having every inch of her body, craved hearing my name leaving her lips…the sounds of her pleasure. And she still did, too. I hadn’t missed the way her pupils dilated, the way her breathing had turned heavy with every stroke of my tongue, or the way her fingers had pulled on my hair, urging me on when I’d lowered her pants.

I couldn’t forget the smell of her desire or the small moan she was unable to keep contained.

I’d gone home and jerked off to her, to the memory of her lips and the feel of being inside her and it wasn’t enough.

Nothing ever was…not unless I could make her mine.

I downed a glass of water, hoping it would ease my parched throat when there was a knock at the door. It was late, and the only person who ever visited so late was Lisa and if I was right, the door would open in a few seconds.

And sure enough, it did.

She burst into my apartment, her usually infectious smile doing nothing for me, even when she offered me a chocolate filled croissant.

“Damn. What’s wrong with you?” Lisa sat on my sofa, propping her feet on the end table.

“What do you want? It’s late.”

She grinned. “I have the perfect opening date for the restaurant.”

I groaned. I couldn’t focus on anything. Hadn’t been able to for the last twenty-four hours. The break in at the gallery, Hannah’s breakdown…my desire for her. Everything was too fucking much.

“When?” I asked.

“How about right before the New Year?” Lisa wiggled her eyebrows, awaiting my answer. She looked too fucking excited, and I couldn’t be the one to take that away from her.

“That sounds like a good idea.”

“I know. I came up with it.” Lisa squealed, clapping her hands. “I have so many ideas, Derek. Tomorrow, I’ll show you everything…my timeline, the arrangements. I think you’re going to be so excited.”

I hummed, leaning back against the sofa and closing my eyes.

I was fucking exhausted.

“You know…I’m trying to cheer you up. You’ve been acting weird. I know the break in was serious…but is there something else going on?”

I need to fuck Hannah out of my system.

“Everything is peachy.”

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