Page 119 of The Sinner: James

Playing the game, I give him a sultry grin.

“And you’re the hottest... the only man I’ve ever had,” I say.

He shakes his head, smiling.

“Don’t fucking play cute with me, Rain.”

19

JAMES

I put my jacket on,thread my fingers through my hair, and glance in the mirror.

I check my shirt and pants, swiftly running my hand over my groin.

I’m still stiff and can’t push back a telling smile.

I tuck the bowtie into my pocket before sauntering out of the bathroom.

Fully dressed, she observes the party outside, her sandy blonde hair draped over her bare shoulders.

She pivots to me, her low plunging neckline barely covering her breasts. I take her in, from the smooth lines of her legs to her silken lips.

She smiles, a grin I crave and love, her eyes sparkling like dazzling stars.

“Don’t leave...” I say, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. “I’ll see you later. All right?”

“Okay,” she says softly.

I clasp her chin and look deep into her eyes.

“You mean something to me, too,” I say softly.

It’s the most I’ve ever said to a woman.

I kiss her lips and turn around, heading to the door, my heart pounding faster.

She got me good.

A moment later, I rush down the stairs, raking nervous fingers through my hair and constantly checking my belt.

“What the hell happened to you?” Ed asks as soon as he lays eyes on me. “Your face is on fire.”

He studies me, a knowing smirk curling his lips.

“Don’t you have something to do, Preston?” I ask, adjusting my package.

“You mean someone to do?”

“The place is filled with tail,” I say.

“Mm-hmm.”

He purses his lips, his eyes laughing.

“Take him away from me, Lex,” I say before we all chuckle.

I anxiously check the stairs for the next few minutes, waiting for her to show up.

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