Page 31 of Indiscreet

He didn’t respond, so I glanced over and found a blank expression staring back at me.

I moved to sit up and pulled the sheets around my body, wanting more than anything not to be nude anymore. I reached down and found my bra.

He ran his hands through his hair, his eyes downcast. “You don’t have to leave,” he said, but his tone said otherwise. His shoulders and head dropped, and he turned away. Something about him was off, and it bothered me. I knew it wasn’t exactly a rejection, but it was close enough that I collected my clothes and put them on.

“This wasn’t how I wanted to end our evening,” he said apologetically. “I’ll drive you home. I’m sorry—”

“No,” I interrupted him. “Please don’t apologize. I had a good time—we had sex, and that was what you offered to me. I’ll be fine.” I didn’t care how haphazard I might have appeared; I just wanted away from where I was no longer wanted. I quickly moved to the door.

“It’s not like that,” he said, putting on his boxers. “It just…”

I paused for him to elaborate, but he didn’t.

I swallowed hard. “You don’t need to see me out.”

He touched my arm, and I hated how much my body warmed to his touch. “My behavior is abominable. I apologize. I’m not usually like this, but…being intimate with you surprised me. You were more than I deserved.”

I cut my gaze at him. It was you. He doesn’t want you. No one wants you, my negative inner self taunted “Yeah…well, I hope you work it out with your partner,” I replied thickly.

“Gia, it’s not…” Dane started then sighed heavily. “I wish things were different.”

When he didn’t say more, I gave him a curt nod and continued my exit.

Dane didn’t speak again, but followed me to the front entrance. Honestly, I didn’t need or want to hear his regret.

I had to give it to him: he had the charm. He was an amazing lover, but he was attached more than he let on. I was now sure I couldn’t handle a one-night stand.

I left Dane’s home once again, this time sure I would never get involved with him again.

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