Page 70 of The Amendment

“How are things at home? Have you thought about bringing Annie back for a session?”

“You know I can’t do that,” I said with a scoff.

“She won’t come?”

Why was she talking about Ainsley so much? Why did she care? Wasn’t I enough for her?

“Truth be told, I don’t know how much longer we’re going to be together.”

She sucked in a gasp, obviously concerned. Or was she excited? I couldn’t tell. We both knew she wanted me.

In due time, Joanna.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Don’t be sorry.”

She cocked her head to the side, teasing me. “Why’s that?”

“You know why…” I growled, standing up and moving toward her. I sat on the table between us. For a moment, I thought she might scold me, but instead, she sat still. A smile formed on her lips.

“She doesn’t understand you…” she said.

You understand me. Don’t you, Joanna?

“She doesn’t,” I admitted, swallowing. “Not like you.”

The smile faded from her lips momentarily, her doe eyes staring up at me from behind thick, dark lashes—wanting me, teasing me. She was daring me to go for it. To cross the line we never had.

I leaned forward, ever so slowly.

“Not like me,” she confirmed.

“We shouldn’t…” I told her, leaning forward more. We shouldn’t, but we didn’t care. She closed her eyes, giving me all the permission I needed. In seconds, my mouth was on hers. I cupped her face with both hands, parting her lips with my tongue. Her breaths were shaky with passion and anticipation.

I released her, sitting back on the table.

“Why’d you stop?” she asked, her lips red.

If I didn’t, I might never be able to.

“We have to take this slow,” I warned, though slow was the last speed I wanted to take. I wanted her then andnow, but if there was one thing I knew, it was that nothing was ever as exciting as the first time with someone new.

Joanna deserved the perfect first time.

She pushed out her bottom lip, pouting, and I popped it with my finger. “Nice girls don’t beg.”

She batted her eyelashes at me playfully. “Who says I’m a nice girl?”

I pressed my lips to hers one last time, then forced myself to step away. “You are a nice girl, Joanna. That’s why I want to do this right. I can’t…I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“I feel the same way.”

“I know we didn’t meet in the most ideal way, but however we came together, I’m just so glad we did.”

“So, tell Annie the truth.”

“You don’t understand.”

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