Page 56 of Blitz'd

“Thanks.”

I head to Kerian’s room, kick off my shoes, and prop myself up on his pillows.

His room is really nice. It looks different when I’m not looking at it through the lens of lust. His dark blue blanket matches the blue curtains hanging from his window. On his dresser, everything is in order, lined up perfectly. And god, this bed. It’s so fucking soft, it’s like lying on a cloud.

I lie back on the bed and cross my legs, resting my head on his pillow. As I get comfortable, I get a whiff of Kerian’s cologne. Fuck, he smells good. I turn my head to pull in a deep breath, taking his scent into my lungs.

“You know that’s creepy, right?” Kerian’s voice scares me.

I jump, sitting up and looking at him with wide eyes. “I wasn’t doing anything.” Yeah, I don’t sound guilty at all.

He smirks as he walks into the room, dropping his towel so I see his nice, naked ass. “Sniffing my pillow like a creeper? Yeah, I hear you.” As he pulls on his underwear, he looks over his shoulder at me. “Why are you here?”

I smile and stand up, walking over to him. I wrap my arms around him from behind and kiss his shoulder. “I wanted to see you. And take you out.”

Kerian turns around, resting against the dresser. I step into him, kissing along his neck softly. He doesn’t push me away; in fact, he rests a lazy hand on my waist. “Take me out where?”

I shrug, still kissing his neck. “Somewhere. We can get something to eat that’s not greasy pizza.”

The deep rumble of his laugh vibrates against my lips. “Nothing wrong with pizza, Dimples.” He taps me on my hip and I step away. I don’t get far. Kerian grasps the front of my shirt and drags me to him, kissing me soundly. I melt against him, squeezing his hips as he tangles his tongue with mine.

When he finally lets me up for air, I’m lightheaded and hard. “That’s a nice welcome,” I tease.

He scoffs and turns back around, pulling out clothes. “Okay, let’s go. Don’t take me to some vegan spot.”

“What about vegetarian?”

Kerian blows out a long-suffering breath. “You’re going to kill me, Zander.”

A thrill goes down my spine when he says my full name. It’s always Dimples, Zandy, or Braithe. He’s only called me Zander one other time. I like it more than I should.

After he’s dressed, we head out. My palms sweat again when I guide him to my car. I would have suggested he drive so I don’t feel like I’m inferior, but I did offer to take him on a date.

When we get to my car, Kerian’s face is impassive as he checks it over. Well, impassive for Kerian. He always looks like he’s either angry or bored.

Like the gentleman I am, I open the car door for him. Thankfully, it doesn’t squeak when I do.

He rolls his eyes, but I notice the smile tipping up his lips as he gets in.

When I back up and start driving, I see Kerian’s eyes bouncing around my car. I’d kill to know what he’s thinking.

After a few minutes, he says, “Nice ride.”

My stomach plummets as I look over at him to see if he’s teasing me. He has a super nice car with leather seats and a heated fucking steering wheel for fuck’s sake. No way he thinks my beater is nice.

I’m shocked when I don’t see a hint of judgement or pity in his eyes. I mean, it’s obvious I’m not well off like him, but he doesn’t seem to be looking down on me because of it.

Clearing the unexpected lump from my throat, I say, “Thanks. It was my dad’s.”

“He gave it to you for college?”

“Nah,” I answer, the lump lodging for another reason. “He died when I was a kid. My mom kept it running for me until I was sixteen. Then she gave me the keys. I’ve been taking care of her ever since.”

“Shit, Braithe. I’m sorry.” He pauses for a few seconds and I stare straight ahead, willing tears not to prick my eyes. “What happened to him?”

I shrug as I turn at a light. “Car accident. An eighteen wheeler crossed the median and T-boned his work van.”

“Shit,” is all he says.

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