Page 227 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

“Let’s not be one of those ridiculous couples who think they’re different, that they’re special enough to survive a long-distance relationship. I know this is just another night for you, and I’m not the clingy type.” Her eyes dip closed, her smile going with it. She’s hard to read, but her expression doesn’t seem to match her words.Does she actually want more too, but isn’t sure what I want?

“You’re not?” It’s not what I want to ask.

Her eyes find mine in the moonlight. “I can’t even keep a plant alive, much less a vacation fling.” Her mood lightens. “I know how this goes, so let’s just set the ground rules and continue the fun.”

I’m still lost in where this went so horribly wrong when she slips her hand under the sheet and runs her fingertips across my abs. She kisses my shoulder, and then asks, “Are you in?” Right now, I’m not even sure I have a choice.

I rub my temple and then scrub my hand over my face, utterly confused. “What are we agreeing to?”

With a smile still residing on her face like she’s just given me a million dollars with no strings attached, she laughs and then taps my nose. “One good night does not make us destined to be together.” Rolling onto her back again, she stares up at the ceiling, but then her gaze slides over to mine. “We’re having fun, am I right?”

Is there any other answer I can give her? I am having fun, so did I just break a cardinal rule—don’t fall for a one-night stand?Get in. Get out. Move on with my life.“Yeah, sure.”

My mind is reeling that I’m being dumped by the only woman I considered worthy of more time. Sure, I’ve had girlfriends, but I didn’t feel like this . . . how I felt before she just rejected me, that is.What the fuck is happening?

As if her idea energizes her, she sits up and faces me. “You don’t have to pretend this is the best sex you’ve ever had.”

“It is.”

Giggling, she says, “Me too. Well, you don’t have to lie to me in the morning about an early flight or that you’ll call me. I’m letting you off the hook, Harrison. It is what it is. A one-night stand. I’m so glad we’re on the same page.”

“What if?—?”

A finger silences me. “No what-ifs. Those will only get us in trouble.” As her hand takes hold of my dick under the sheet, her eyes close, and her mouth presses to mine.

She’s just given me a free pass to move on without guilt if I don’t call or text her.Ever.

Great tits. Firm ass. Fan-fucking-tastic mouth.Likes sex.A lot. All without commitment. She’s a wet dream come true for most guys. But if it’s such a good deal, why do I feel like I just got punched in the chest?

Holding out her hand, she asks, “Deal?”

Is it the early morning hour messing with my head? This is an offer I can’t resist and one I shouldn’t refuse. I should be celebrating, but all I can think about is that I’m going to be leaving this room in a few hours, and I’ll have no way of ever contacting her again.Fuck.

I take her hand, and she begins to shake it.

Her brows pull together. “Are you okay?”I am not okay.

This not only surprises me but also hurts my ego. Yet I don’t care because there’s no way I’m going to become the clingy one.Fuck that.I cup her face and move in so close that my breath is hers, and hers becomes mine. The faintest hint of wine still lingers from the bottle we finished hours ago, her lips full from the impact of kissing most of the night. “I’m more than okay, baby.”

Just as she grins, I kiss her. I kiss her so fucking hard that an inferno burns inside, a blaze that only an orgasm can tame. Fuck it.

If I only get one night with her, it’s going to be the best night of our lives.

1

Tatum Devreux

Four and a half years later. . .

“I came as fastas I could,” I say, barreling forward as soon as the front door opens and hitting a wall of solid muscle dressed in a black button-down.

“That’s not how I remember it.” The voice—deep and seductive—causes my insides to tighten. The scent of the man I spent one night with years ago fills my nostrils, my entire being never forgetting. Slowly looking up, I’m greeted by a day’s,maybe two,worth of growth covering the drift of a defined jaw and that Southern California tan I remember so well.

Only six words were spoken, but Catalina comes racing back to my thoughts like it was last night. It happens every time I see him.Damn him.

“If I remember correctly, and I remember every one of your orgasms, your body betrays your words, Tate,” he says.

“It’s Tatum to you.” I hate that my cheeks heat. Only Harrison Decker can do that to me. And I think he knows it. I cross my arms because each time I see him, I swear he gets better looking, and he was sexy as hell to begin with. Hence the vacation fling hookup in Catalina.

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