Page 80 of Seduction in Spades

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

Like our trip to Ohio, our return was just as quiet and uncomfortable, and so have been the past two days. Nolan’s been uncharacteristically quiet, especially after the most perfect day with his family. They were amazing, and I had a blast playing cards with him and his parents.

I was excited and worried at the same time that he’d push me for more when we went to bed. He didn’t. Not that I was worried about the sex part between us. It’s unbelievable. But something shifted between us over the weekend, and I’m afraid I’ve more than fallen for him.

I want what he’s offering. To give us a try, and at the same time, I’m scared shitless. I’ve never had a relationship with a man before. I dated guys in high school and my early twenties. Nothing serious. Nothing where we talked about our feelings, our hopes and dreams. I didn’t long for it, and I didn’t miss it because I’d never witnessed it before.

After spending less than forty-eight hours with the Jones—or rather the Fitzgeralds—I understand what I’ve been missing, and I think it’s worth the risk. Maybe. I’m still not sure how to be a part of it. I’m used to speaking my mind when it comes to sex, but not my feelings.

We’ve been back for two days, and Nolan has done everything he can to avoid me. He grunts one-word responses when he drives me to work in the morning, and when he comes up to the penthouse at night, he talks to Trey in a hushed voice before retreating to his room.

Tonight is no different. After Trey leaves for work, I sit in the living room and fume as I hear the shower run in Nolan’s bathroom. I’m tempted to strip down and join him, not leaving until he talks to me.

The water turns off and a few minutes later, he passes through the living room wearing jeans, a T-shirt, and is barefoot. Hell, why are bare feet so sexy on him? It’s domestic, not a word I’d normally associate withsexy.

I hear the kitchen cabinets slam and the microwave turn on. They’ve been the only sounds he makes when he comes home.

Home.This isn’t home for either of us. More like a prison. We’re both trapped against our will. When the microwave dings, I rustle up my courage and join him in the kitchen.

He’s standing at the counter eating leftover stir-fry I made for dinner. His hair is still damp and tiny water droplets have damped the collar of his T-shirt.

“Are you ever going to talk to me again?” I prop a hip against the granite countertop and fold my arms across my chest.

Without looking up, he responds. “Sure.” He drops his fork and picks up his water glass, downing it in two gulps.

“Seriously, Nolan. What happened in Ohio? Did I do something to flip this switch? Last I remember, we were having a good time with your parents, and then went to bed.” I don’t bring up how safe and warm I felt all night wrapped in his arms.

Or the sweet, tender circles he drew on my stomach with the pads of his fingers while we slept.

His chin still dipped, he raises his gaze to me under lowered lashes. “A good time? Is that what you want?”

What?“I mean, sure but—”

Like a panther pouncing on his prey, Nolan spins me around and presses my front against the counter. He kicks my legs open and leans over my back.

“Are you wet for me, Avery?” he whispers in my ear.

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