Page 20 of Ghoul Kisses

“Do you want to do it again?”

“Yes.”

Back at the hotel, I undress, shower, and wash my hair to get rid of the sea smell. I stroll to the living room and perch on the couch, grabbing the remote from the coffee table. Within a matter of seconds, Eric lounges on the sofa next to me. I keep forgetting that he moves super fast; something else I have to get used to. I didn’t expect this night to turn out so well. I haven’t had any real fun since before I came to the mansion. He scoots close to me, tugging me into an embrace, and pressing me to his bare chest. My heart speeds up as goosebumps arise on my skin. I nuzzle my head to his chest.

“Where did you grow up?” he queries.

Room service arrives with a champagne bottle and two tall glasses. After seeing them out, Eric pours us a glass.

“Atlanta, Georgia,” I tell him in answer to his question. I miss the city; the blazing sun on my skin, the taste of sweet tea and soul food on my tongue, the southern accent and people greeting you as they walk by, holding the door for you because it’s the polite thing to do. I miss fireflies lighting up in the backyard and crickets singing in the background. I’m a southern girl at heart.

“Why’d you move to Seattle?”

Because I didn’t want to deal with my mother after Jessie died, but I’m not going to tell him that.

“Because I wanted a change.”

“I ha—,” Before I can finish my sentence, Eric brushes his lips to mine. Parting his lips, his tongue assaults mine. I kiss him back hard with passion and desire. He pulls away, leaving me breathless. When he brushes his lips against my collarbone, I melt. He yanks my shirt over my head, revealing my aching breasts and leaving me with only my black lace panties on. My heart pounds in my ears as he gawks at my body.

“Lie down,” he orders gently. I obey immediately. Eric buries his face between my legs pushing his nose against my thigh, gently biting me. I yelp, and his eyes never leave mine. My head spins. Don’t do this Sarah; this is wrong. He doesn’t feel the same way that you do. You are going to get your heart broken. But, my body is begging for him to fuck me. He tears my panties, tossing them aside. A moan escapes my mouth as he uses his warm tongue to lick my clit. I use my elbow to prop myself up on the couch.

“Eric, please stop. We shouldn’t do this.” My voice is raspy. Before he has a chance to respond, I rise up from the couch, grabbing my torn panties. I run to the bedroom and flop onto the bed. My body craves him, needs him. But, I can’t let lust and the heat of the moment cloud my judgment. This is wrong. I can’t lose control and I won’t.

Sleep didn’t come to me last night. All I could think about was Eric and how I turned him down. I have to face him today, and I don’t want to. Will he be mad? If so, I don’t care, I have to protect my heart. Opening the door, I step to the living room. The ocean breeze chills my skin, and I look to the open sliding doors. Eric leans against the rail of the balcony. His back is toward me. As I watch him, he turns around, and our eyes meet as he continues to speak on the phone. Just like that, my skin flushes. He tells the person to call him back and hits the end button. As he strides in my direction, the oxygen leaves the room, leaving me breathless.

“Are you hungry?” he asks.

“Yeah.”

“I can order you room service,” he says. I want to address the issue, and I feel the need to explain myself but I don’t. Tension builds between us, and I don’t know what to say to him. This situation is awkward.

“I’d rather go to a restaurant,” I say not taking my eyes off his.

He nods. I slide on my Nike shoes, and we leave the room.

Ocean Grill has a romantic atmosphere, which makes things worse between Eric and me, especially after I rejected him last night. The hostess greets us.

“Where would you like to sit?” The perky woman asks. Since we have to go back to Mercer Island and I want to soak up the sun, I point to the outside. She motions us to a patio next to a set of palm trees. The scenery is breathtaking; the sky is the color of cotton candy. The sun kisses my forehead with its warmth. Eric sits next to me. The hostess tells us that our waitress is going to be here in a few seconds, and she disappears. I want to address the elephant in the room, but I feel like this is not the right time to talk about it. I wanted Eric bad last night. I’ve never wanted anyone as much as I want him. Eric looks normal in his blue button down shirt and white shorts. I peruse the menu; I am not in the mood for breakfast so I look at the sushi menu instead. The waitress comes to the table with a pad and pen in her hand. She eyes Eric and turns all her attention toward him. Even she is aware how handsome he is. Jealousy eats at me like a disease. Control yourself, Sarah. Eric orders us two glasses of Louis Roederer, the waitress diverts her attention to me. Finally!

“What would you like to order, ma’am?” she asks.

I order a Rainbow Sushi roll and hand her the menu.

Eric’s eyes are burning holes through me.

“What’s holding you back?” he asks, his voice velvety.

He wants to know why I rejected him.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I play dumb.

“You wanted me; I smelled your arousal.” He leans back in his chair. Before I can respond, the waitress brings our wine and informs me that my food will be out in ten minutes. I swallow my champagne; it tastes bitter and the bubbles tickle my nose. I set the glass down back on the table.

“You don’t want me in the same way that I want you,” I mutter, watching seagulls hover over the ocean.

“You don’t know what I want,” he shoots back.

“What do you want?” I meet his gaze.

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