Page 33 of Burn With Me

She’s muttering something about Scott and Sadie before the door closes and cuts off her voice. Jackson pushes off the back of the couch and leans forward, grabbing an empty bowl. “Hungry?”

My mouth waters, and my stomach clenches. I haven’t eaten since last night before the club. But do I want to stay here and share a meal with him?

Sighing, I plop down onto a cushion and grab the other empty bowl, silently thanking Claudia for assuming I was staying.

“This doesn’t mean I like you,” I grumble as I put together my parfait, layering up yogurt, granola, and strawberries in the bowl before scooting back so that I can stretch out next to him.

Well, nearly next to him. Idomake sure there’s a respectable distance between us.

“So, tell me, Red. Is it really so bad being attached to me?” Jackson asks. He’s lying on his side, the bowl in front of him filled with more fruit than anything else.

It occurs to me how bizarre this is. Me in his house, eating a meal together while he’s in lounge clothes. Surely, this can’tbe something he does often with women because this isnormalbehavior, and his reputation wouldn’t be what it is if he acted normal.

“Well, now that I know you play video games in sweatpants on Saturday mornings, I’m beginning to think the masses have it all wrong. You’re just a nerd who can’t get a woman to stick around once you bust out the Xbox controller, aren’t you?”

Grinning over at him, I laugh at the look he’s giving me, like the bite of melon he just took is sour. “Listen here. You came tomyhouse, unannounced, on a weekend. Just to yell at me because some of the girls at work arepickingon you? What are you really doing here?”

Well, when he puts it that way…

“I think you just wanted an excuse to see me again. Tell me, Red, willyoube able to handle thirty days around me with no sex?” He’s observing me with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

A warm shock zips down my spine and settles between my legs. My teeth find my lower lip, and his eyes track the movement. I don’t have to look down to know what’s going on in his pants. He’s not ashamed of it as he openly stares, waiting for me to answer him.

“I-I think I’ll get by just fine,” I finally manage, clearing my throat and breaking eye contact to stare at what’s left of my food. “Besides, the deal was thatyouhad to go without. Not me.”

My lips tilt up as I look at him from beneath my lashes. Sitting up, he sets his bowl on the tray at the end of the couch, edging closer when he settles back down. The movement makes me painfully aware of his erection, which looks like it’s attempting to escape his pants.

I’m thankful—and also not—for the material of the jeans I chose to wear. Thankful that they are thick enough to keep the arousal that’s seeping from between my legs from soaking through. And not, because as I shift to ease the feeling, therough material rubs against my clit, and a noise escapes my mouth that I can’t describe.

A gasp. A moan. Whatever it’s called, it causes Jackson’s eyes to darken.

It isn’t going to be easy, denying him. I have eyes—I know he’s the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen. I want to believe our banter and chemistry is ours alone, but it’s probably not. This is all a game to him.

And I hate playing games.

I always lose.

“Let me fill you in on a little secret, Ginny. IfIhave to go without for an entire month.So.Do.You. If gossip is already spreading that I’m off the market, I’ll be damned if the object of my desires is seen around town with another man. Can’t have people thinking I’m leaving you unsatisfied.” Somehow, he’s managed to get even closer without me realizing it.

“When did this become ‘let’s let the world think we’re dating’? That wasn’t the deal.” My instincts are telling me to back up, but I’m frozen as I look down at him. He’s still on his side, but holy hell…when did he get so close?

Jackson hasn’t even touched me, and yet my body is strung tighter than a violin string about to snap. This is…bad.We aren’t even a week into this deal. Why does my body want me to fail? I can’t give in to him.

“Don’t you want that? Or would you rather they think you’re running around on me? The woman who finally got Jackson Tailor to stop his roguish ways steps out on him with another man? I can see the headlines now. Maybe I can spin the narrative and make it seem like you broke my heart. I’m sure that will get me plenty of pus-”

“Oh! You think you’re so smooth, don’t you?” I cry out, my tone laced with disgust as I make a face like now I’ve eaten something sour. His words are like a bucket of ice water hasn’t just been thrown on my head, but like I’ve been fully submerged in a frozen pool.

He laughs. “We can go to my bedroom right now so I can show you just how smooth my mouth can be.”

“Ugh, you’re sogross!Whyare you so gross?!” The moment has definitely been broken. Which, honestly, is probably better anyway. All the pent-up sexual frustration he’s causing me can be fuel for the club tonight.

“I haven’t heard any complaints before.” He shrugs and moves to his back, wearing a smug smile as he laces his hands behind his head on the plush pillow back.

“I’m sure they say things behind your back.” Picking up my bowl, I lean over to place it on the tray and start to get off the couch.

“Yeah, while they’re down on their knees suc–”

“Stop!” Changing direction, I lunge at him without a second thought. My hands shoot out to cover his mouth, and I laugh at his surprised expression. “I seriously donotget the appeal.”

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