Page 28 of Face Me Off

I sigh while emptying the charred popcorn into the trash. Instead of attempting another batch, I reach for an apple from the fruit bowl and bite into it more forcefully than necessary.

His crazy texts, like the one from this morning, don’t help.

Ryan: My cock is ready whenever.

What the fuck even is that? Is he so proud of his thick ass cock that he thinks he can use it as leverage?

I promptly replied, “In your dreams.”

But instead of staying angry, his response made me laugh.

Ryan: I meant as your lesson. I owe you.

Ryan: Though the dream is vivid and beautiful.

He’s ridiculous but, oh, so tempting. I couldn’t actually go through with it. Could I? Trade sex skills for helping him?

No, I don’t think I can. But it doesn’t stop this imagination of mine because, damn it, I never felt so full and, dare I say, satisfied as when he was inside me. He hit areas I never knew existed. It’s not as if I have that much experience with men, but I’ve heard enough women talk to recognize a rare gem when I find one.

And Ryan’s cock is definitely a national treasure.

Then there’s the fact that I want to shed my good-girl persona. He suggested a friends-with-benefits arrangement. I could be on board. Maybe. But can we do it without catching feelings? I feel like those things never actually work and end with someone getting hurt. I don’t want that someone to be me.

It’s coming down to a face-off, but will either of us win?

Amanda’s chuckle follows her from the hallway.

“What’s so funny?” I ask, glad for the disruption in my thoughts.

“Nothing. Trust me.”

I give her a coy look. “You’re not still texting with Blake, are you?” Worry underlies the slight tease in my tone, but she needs to watch herself.

“Maybe.”

“God, be careful around him. Trust me, you don’t want to get deeper than you already are.”

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Our heads jerk toward the door.

“Expecting someone?” I ask.

“I didn’t think he was serious,” she mutters.

I waste no time and race to the door. Surprise, surprise. There stands Blake Morton.

“Hey, Blake. What are you doing here?” I don’t even try to hide the tease in my voice.

His tall, bulky frame fills the door as he stands, wearing a lopsided grin. Confidence oozes from him. He is undoubtedly handsome with his disheveled dark hair and light stubble, but I prefer a more kept, slightly lighter shade of brown hair and gray eyes. Ryan’s just as tall but has a more lean, muscular build. The same strong hands and fingers that pressed into my skin as he…

Jesus, what am I thinking? Get it together, Madds.

“I’m here to collect my date.” Blake’s eyes shift from me to Amanda. I follow his gaze, fully expecting to see her enamored, but she is… oh, boy. She doesn’t appreciate that comment. I applaud. I never knew her to be so feisty.

After a few barbs, Blake convinces her to leave with him. I’m still skeptical about his intentions, and the look I give her screams as such. She shrugs it off.

I need to get to the bottom of this.

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