Page 26 of Hope's Highest Bidders

He grunts in frustration and slides his hand through his hair. His eyes are wild, and he’s staring at me as if he’s a caged animal or something. “Your dad? You think I’m doing this because ofyour dad? I’m doing it for you. I can’t let... I can’t stand by and watch you do this, Sassy. I can’t.”

I shrug my shoulders because obviously we’re at a standstill. Neither one of us is going to give in, but he’s about to find out I’m more stubborn than he thought.

He walks over to me, and I force myself to stay where I’m at. I refuse to show any weaknesses, and with Cole, I have them. Hell, he is my weakness. He reaches up and puts his palm against the side of my face. It takes everything in me to not lean into his touch. “Sassy... honey... what am I going to do with you?”

He’s not expecting an answer. He’s watching me so closely and with so much intent in his eyes, I couldn’t even guess what’s going to come out of his mouth next.

He brings his hand forward a little bit and slides his thumb across my bottom lip. I gasp because this is probably the most intimately I’ve ever been touched, and I want more. I stare up at him, not experienced enough to hide what I’m feeling. There’s no doubt he can see my every thought right now.

“Have you ever been kissed before?”

I wasn’t expecting that question, but I nod with just a small shake of my head. I don’t want to move too much and risk him pulling away from me.

His thumb stops suddenly, and I whimper, hoping he doesn’t take it away. “Who? Who kissed you?”

I should be embarrassed that I’m twenty-one years old and have almost no experience, but I’m not. I tell him truthfully, “Bobby James in second grade kissed me on the playground.”

He swallows and nods his head. His thumb slides to the side of my mouth, and then he grips my chin softly. “Is that it? That was your only kiss?”

I nod and blink up at him. It’s almost as if I’m in a trance, wondering what’s going to happen next.

His nostrils flare, and he leans closer to me. “I’m going to kiss you, Sassy.”

I barely comprehend what he’s saying before he dips his head and presses his lips to mine. It’s a small kiss, just a peck, but when he pulls back, I reach up and wrap my hand around the nape of his neck. If this is the only chance I’ll ever get to kiss him, I want a real one. “I wasn’t ready. Kiss me again, Cole.”

He doesn’t have to be told twice. He smiles before leaning down and kissing me again. His lips mesh with mine, and he tilts his head to press harder into me. He lifts just slightly. “Open your mouth, honey. Let me in.”

This time when he kisses me, I open my mouth just slightly, and I’m not ready for the way his tongue sweeps in, sliding against my own. I whimper as he kisses me, melding our lips together. My whole body comes alive as he pulls me into his body. I may be shorter than him, but somehow we fit together perfectly. His hands slide down my back and rest on the top of my ass. I press my body against his, wanting to feel the hard strength of him, but I’m not prepared for the growing bulge that is pressing into my belly. I pull back, breathless. His lips are swollen, and I know mine are the same. I shouldn’t look, I know I shouldn’t, but I lower my gaze until I’m staring at his hard manhood pressed against the front of his jeans. He’s hard...

“Is that... is that because of me?”

He reaches down and adjusts himself. “Yeah, honey, that’s definitely because of you.”

I stand here in awe wondering what alternate universe I’m in. I can’t help but keep watching the bulge between his legs, and I swear it twitches as I’m watching it.

He takes a step toward me. “Is that so hard to believe? I’m aroused by you, Sassy.”

My eyes about pop out of my head. I know he’s not saying he loves me or anything like that, but just the idea that me, tomboySassy Reid, has done this to Cole Rogers is crazy. I’m speechless, and he takes another step toward me. “Just like you’re aroused by me.”

He reaches out and puts one finger to my chest. I suck in a breath as his finger traces around my hard, puckered nipple.

My whole body shudders as he plucks it between his thumb and forefinger. I reach out and grab on to his upper arms to steady myself. My legs feel like jelly and like they might buckle at any minute.

He just smiles. His voice is thick. “You like that, don’t you?”

I nod my head as he continues touching and caressing me. “Do you want to lose your virginity to just anyone, Sassy?”

His words are like a bucket of ice water thrown in my face. I pull away from him and hide my traitorous body behind a blanket that was lying on the back of the couch. “Is that what this is, Cole? A test? You need to prove that I’ll open my legs for just anyone?”

“What? No, of course not. I want you to understand what you’re getting into.”

I blow out a breath and march to my front door, yanking it open. “I know exactly what I’m getting myself into, but thanks for the lesson, Cole. You can leave now.”

“Sassy.” His voice is like a warning, but I’m not giving in.

I point outside into the darkness. “Go, Cole. Please, I just want to be left alone. Thank you for what you’ve done for my family, but you’ve done enough.”

He wants to argue. I can see on his face that he doesn’t want to go, but I’m not giving in. I’ve made my choice, and even if it’s not the right one, it’s what has to be done.

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