Page 48 of My Pucking Crush

I can’t get that fucker out of my mind. I can’t get the taste of his mouth out of my head. It was so fucking selfish of me to kiss him when he made it clear nothing can’t happen between us again.

Damn, I don’t like anyone telling me no.

But whyhim? Other than he’s the most beautiful fucking man I’ve ever laid eyes on. Is it the close proximity? Is it how he looks at me? How I feel challenged to talk about my feelings and what happened to me?

All I know is to keep quiet.

Never say another word.

My father blames my sexuality on what I did to Jake. When I defended it as consensual and just kidsfiguring shit out... Well, that’s when the sick bastard hatched his plan with his child-molester brother to prove me wrong.

Only, it was never clear if Dad told Uncle Harris to rape me. Or did the fucker come up with that all on his own? Throat tight, I push those useless memories away because that was the past, and I have bigger issues in my life at the moment.

Carter’s Benz comes to a stop, jerking me further out of my thoughts.

“Thanks, man. See you tomorrow.” My eyes glance at his date. “Have a good night.”

They each return the sentiment, excitement bubbling in their tone. I’m so fucking jealous. But I’ve seen Carter’s cock, I hope that dude can handle him.

I strut through my lobby, and nod through the guards’ greetings.

“Good evening, Mr. Ryan.”

“Good evening. Have a good night.” I take note if any of them sound like Luca. They’re basically in the same profession.

“You too, sir.”

Nope, nothing like Luca.

I ride the elevator staring at my phone. There’s not one text from him asking where I am. Did he give up on me? And shoot, why does that hurt? He’sseriouslynot looking for me? What the hell?

Now I’m mad he’snotstalking me. Not up my ass. I freeze, thinking about that. Waiting. Waiting for the sickening dread to wash over me. No. There’s nothing. Just...want. Damn.

My apartment is deadly silent, and I know in my bones, it’s empty. Carter made a couple of stops. The pharmacy for condoms and lube. Then the guy’s place for an overnight bag. Luca should have beaten me home.Where the hell is he?

Is he out looking for me?

I stomp to the bedroom wing. His door is closed, so I knock. When I don’t get an answer, I open it, startled by the darkness and the lack of any trace of his cologne.

Is he meeting with Coach Beck and the GM complaining about me? Wanting off my detail?

I gaze down at the bed he’s been sleeping in. He hasn’t been here long, but the bed looks like it’s molded to his body. Shaking, I reach down and bring one of the pillows to my face and inhale deeply. The scent of him nearly makes my knees give out.

A noise in my kitchen makes me drop the pillow. I twist and spin, wondering what he’ll do, catching me in his room. Sure, it’s my apartment, but guests have the right to privacy.

Then I remember, I’m mad at how he’s forcing me to feel things that make it impossible for me tonotfucking kiss him. That’s why I left the gala in the first place.

I kick off my shoes and sit on his bed, my back against the headboard.

After soft footsteps sound down the hall, raising goosebumps on my arms and chest, Luca fills out the doorframe. He’s shadowed at first, and I shiver at the sight of him. After a step, the small wall sconce shines on his face, and the beauty there takes my breath away.

What is happening to me?

“There you are?” he purrs, breathy but not surprised.

“Good of you to notice. Thought you were trying to keep track of me.”

“I do keep track of you.” He struts up to me. “Wallet.”