Page 23 of Home Game

“You’re awful,” I said.

I wished I could give himnothing. No reaction, no indication that he was getting to me in any way. But for some reason I couldn’t make that happen with Storm.

I couldn’t fake it, around him.

“It’s no big deal, Emmett,” he said in a low tone, almost like he was trying to give me a seductive purr. “I’d let you watch.”

I reached out fast, like an explosion had gone off inside my body. I saw red, heat flooding me as I roughly gripped the front of Storm’s shirt in my fist. My hand collided with the thick wall of muscle that was his chest, a reminder of the raw strength packed into every inch of his body.

My heart was a war drum beneath my rib cage. Storm gasped, a short, surprised sound, before a tiny flicker of amusement crossed his face. That little hint of a smile came across his lips.

More fuel to the inferno raging inside me.

What is with him?

I’d never in my life gotten physical with anyone. Never been in a fight, not even in elementary school.

What am I doing?

What is he doing to me?

I felt like an animal. I hadn’t punched him, but I hadn’t even thought before I pounced.

“You don’t know how much I need this brand deal,” I said, my voice even and low.

He puffed out a laugh. I could smell his body wash from this close, something warmly scented and distracting the hell out of me right now. Storm certainly didn’t seem intimidated—he was looking at me almost affectionately, which made me feel like there was a strange electricity running through my veins.

“Listen to you,” he purred. “Brand deal.Emmett, if you think I give a fuck for one second about a brand deal, you’ve got your fist on the wrong guy.”

“How are you so selfish?” I asked, words pouring out of my mouth. I knew I should let go of the balled-up fabric in my fist, but I couldn’t force myself to loosen my grip. “Why can’t you take one second to think about how your actions affect others?”

“Why do you care so much about a brand deal if you’re already filthy rich?”

Because it’s not just about a brand deal, I thought, but couldn’t say.

Because I miss my father more than you could ever comprehend.

Because I want to do the right thing, and get his company back from the ultra-conservative man who’s taken it over.

My breathing was heavy.

Heat radiated out from his chest and I could feel his breath on me. Feel his gaze on me.

This closeness—this touch—was the first contact I’d had with another man in almost two years. I’d tried dating since my ex left me, but I’d never been able to go through with a hookup.

I was getting physical with Storm, and all I could think about was how good his skin smelled.

Why do I care so much about a brand deal? Because, Storm,I thought,every other aspect of my life is so empty,and I need this win like I need the blood in my veins.

I let the front of his shirt go and as I pulled my hand back, it hit the ragged side of the wood fence next to us. The rough surface scraped against the back of my hand and I winced at the sting.

“Fuck.Ow,” I cursed under my breath.

“Shit. Splinter?” he asked.

“I don’t think so,” I said.

If anything, the flash of pain felt more like a relief, than anything. Something real to cut the tension. Something better than me actually trying to fight him, for sure.

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