Page 40 of Love's Hot

“If we were out at a club, I would have been suspicious, but knowing where the drinks came from, it looks like she was just drowning her sorrows or underestimated how much she was drinking.” I look towards Xavier.

“I’ve seen her drunk like that a couple of times but not often. Worst one was when we were heading out to a party and Jordan called me to tell me he was engaged. He wanted me to know before it hit the media. By the time we reached the party, which was full of school friends, it was all over the media and everyone was talking about it. She got sick of listening to the whole party turning into a Jordan celebration when he wasn’t even there. To her, he was just Jordan, her brother’s buddy. She got so drunk that night she vomited for two days. Never really talked about that night much. Said she didn’t remember anything but I’m not so certain.”

“What was she like at his wedding?” I ask. Something tells me there’s way more to this than her brother is seeing.

“She never made it there. She said she was sick and couldn’t come. Jordan was really worried about her and said he was glad she stayed home and rested. He didn’t want her to get worse just for him. So, she hasn’t actually ever met Sasha because she never travels home with Jordan either. Always off on some assignment or whatever. Not that I mind because it means I get to spend most of the short time he’s here, with him. Anyway, let’s have another drink and eat some dessert.” He turns to head to the kitchen.

“I think I might call it a night too,” Lilly says, getting to her feet. “Been a long week. Sounds like the weekend is going to be full with Mom so might need my beauty sleep. Thanks for dinner you two. Kane, nice to see you again. I’ll just order my Uber ride and head downstairs.” Picking up her bag and coat, I’m right behind her making my presence known by slipping her coat on for her.

“I’ll walk down and wait with you. I’m heading out anyway. Sorry to miss dessert but I’m sure Xavier will eat his fair share.” I give him that man chin lift that holds a secret meaning.

“I’m fine if you want to stay and eat dessert. I won’t have to wait long.” She smiles sweetly at me, knowing full well what I have in mind.

“No. I’ll keep you company, then I can head upstairs and have dessert at home if I feel like it. Now let’s get you moving so we don’t miss your ride.” I gently push her to the door like I’m on a mission of sorts. I quickly hug both Alesha and Xavier, thanking them for dinner, and suddenly I’m in the hallway with Lilly on our own.

“Let’s go,” is all I say as I walk us towards the lift.

She just stands there quietly, not moving, not speaking. I want to know what she’s thinking about. What is going on in that head of hers and what the hell was that statement before telling me she can’t?

The elevator doors open and we both step in. Both our hands reach for the buttons; I press my level as she goes to press ground floor.

“Not a chance, Red. You’re coming with me first. No arguing.” As the doors close, I watch as she goes to open her mouth to say something. I capture her mouth before the first word escapes. She tastes like champagne and beef, but she smells just like I dream about at night. It doesn’t take long before she gives in trying to protest and her hands are in my hair. The passion’s rising and the kiss is to the point I want to take her right here in this elevator. She’s damn lucky we’ve reached my floor, otherwise I would be stripping her naked right here.

Guiding her out towards my door, she starts to try to talk again.

“No, not here, save it for inside.” I don’t care what she’s going to tell me, but she can wait until I’ve fucked her and reminded her how good we are together. Before she tries to tell me whatever bullshit excuse she has, why we can’t do this. I know I’m supposed to be pulling back, but just seeing her tonight has me just wanting her more. I knew she was going to be trouble the first time I saw her. After the first time of tasting her and sinking into her promised land, I knew I was fucked. Tried to tell myself it’d be easy. Tonight, I’m doubting all the cockiness I had back then.

Closing the door, I’m stalking her like the big bad wolf she likes to call me. My little Red is fine enough for the big bad wolf to eat her tonight.

“Kane, listen, I can’t have sex with you,” she yells at me. Her tone snaps me out of the lusting fog.

“What are you talking about, Red? Look at you. You came here ready to flirt with me and drive me crazy all night. What the hell is going on?”

“Oh my god, you are so annoying! Just shut up and listen. I’m not telling you it’s over.”

“Damn straight you’re not,” I growl at her. Even though my head is screaming at me that is exactly what needs to happen.

“Zip it and just listen.” I go to open my mouth again but the look she gives me has me holding the words in my head. “I’m on my period. It’s that simple. I can’t have sex because I am on my period. You know, time out in the main game, does that compute with your stupid macho brain?” I stop cold and just stare at her.

Before long I start laughing, I can’t stop, and I’m bent over trying to suck in air. It’s like all my nervous energy that I had stored up is coming out as laughter. It’s releasing so I don’t explode.

“Jesus, Lil, why didn’t you just tell me, or message me that? No need to be embarrassed. I would rather a message than nothing for four days and be confused as to what’s going on.” I go to wrap her in my arms only to have her slap me on the chest.

“Me! What about you?” she screams at me. “Where are my messages from the last few days? You run out of my apartment to work after the best weekend of my life and then just nothing. Not ‘Hey, I’m safe, just busy with work.’ Not ‘Hey, sex was awesome, will be in touch.’ Just nothing. You think a girl likes to be left hanging?”

I step backwards to stop her from hitting me. “Shit, Lilly, this is exactly why I don’t do relationships, too many expectations.”

“Yet, you were hanging waiting for a message from me, confused what had happened. Don’t you see? We both suck at this fuck-buddies thing. We’re falling over the line and it’s only the first week.” By now her voice is calming down and getting soft. I just open my arms, and she falls into them.

We stand there for a few moments just feeling the connection that’s not supposed to be there.

“I’m sorry, Kane, my hormones have had me being a raving bitch the last few days. I’m all over the place and can’t seem to work out what the hell I’m doing.”

“Hey.” I place my finger under her chin and lift her face to look at me. “I could have reached out too. I’m so caught up in this case that’s thrown me a curve ball, I was selfish and not thinking either.”

“What do we do now?” Lilly looks up at me with those beautiful eyes. The ones I can’t say no to.

“We go to bed.”

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