Page 76 of The Stud

An almost bashful beam is presented. “You actuallylistento me?”

“Of course I listen to you, James Fraud! I listen to you about everything! It’s how I know 3P is coming out with that newextreme stick handling aid that’smadefor travel! How I know that Wiley wants to retire after this season to take a job working for Wilcox Enterprises in their party planning division-”

“Event planning.”

“And how I know thatThe Kingwas closer to Shakespeare’s version of events than that of actual history!”

“Alright,” amusement flounces through his tone, “so youreallylisten to me.”

“I do!” Another stomp closer occurs. “I really fucking do, Tanner! I see you! I hear you! I’m there for you!”

“Why?”

My mouth moves to make the obvious confession, yet I keep the words at bay.

“Because you like me, correct?”

Less now.

“That’s why you’re pissed I haven’t been around.” His frame inches more into my space prompting me to slightly retreat. “That’s why you were pissed when you thought I went out with someone else.”

“You did!”

“I didn’t,” he quietly professes. “I couldn’t.” My back hits the nearby wall. “I wouldn’t.” The instant I’m there both of his palms brace themselves on it to trap me in. “You are the only person I wanna be with Arden Hoss. Why won’t you just bloody accept that?”

“Because you banged my sister!”

“Because I thought she was you!”

It’s my turn to be startled speechless.

“The only reason I was anywhere fuckingnearher was because I thought she wasyou!” His face leans forward to ensure my gaze remains attached to his. “You’re practically identical and when you’re as fucked up as I was at that party, it’s fucking impossible toseethe differences I have no problem spotting when I’mnotso bloody hammered that I’m betting mycarduring a beer pong tourney!”

“You bet Lucilla?” escapes just above a whisper.

“Yes, and thankfully, Becks has terrible aim when he’s on a multiday bender.”

The urge to ask about his lingering substance issues – even now that he’s not playing – isn’t given time to grow into more.

“Ineverwanted tonor intended tosleep with Audrey, and if you don’t bloody believe me – because you never do – ask her. Ask her whose body I was endlessly praising.”

Weakness wobbles my knees.

“Ask her whose name I was fucking calling out from start to finish.”

An inability to breathe suddenly takes over.

“Ask her whose name I was saying when I was bloodybeggingfor more.”

Not smashing my lips against his is impossible.

And so is not whimpering when his mouth aggressively spreads mine apart.

Slips his tongue inside.

Strokes it obsessively and frantically like a beast blinded by hunger.

Fervor.

---