Page 21 of Reckless Intentions
Chapter Eleven
Shit, shit, shit.
Brody cursed himself as he walked in the direction of home. He hadn’t wanted to stop outside Olivia’s front door. What he wanted was to go inside and carry on what he’d started. Then he’d felt guilty—he shouldn’t have done that. Regret kept him walking towards his apartment. How on earth would he be able to go back after that? Olivia probably hated him.
“You took your time.”
Valentina was leaning against his front door, dressed in a skimpy sundress and wedges. Her dark hair wound into an elaborate braid atop her head, but where before Brody would once have found it sexy, he now thought she looked slutty.
“I was at dinner.”
“With who?”
“You don’t get to ask that.”
“Why? Were you with another woman?” Her scornful sneer was evident.
“I’m sure Mateo would be interested to hear where you are right now.”
His words hit the right mark, and she backed down. He unlocked his front door and held it open for Valentina to enter. As they walked inside, he wondered what the hell he was doing. The evening with Olivia had been exactly what he wanted it to be. Great food, great conversation, great company. Not finishing up in bed with her was the only disappointment.
Had it not been for Valentina demanding to see him, that would have been the outcome. On the phone, Valentina had sounded stressed, upset even. And he wasn’t that much of an arsehole that he didn’t want to comfort her if something was wrong. They had shared history, after all. He’d only met Olivia a couple of days ago.
“What’s the matter?”
They were in his living room. Not used to having people over, it was in its usual state. Clothes were strewn over every available surface, and dishes, mugs and glasses in need of washing scattered around the place. That wasn’t to mention the paperwork which had been subjected to his own unique filing system. Remembering Olivia’s offer to come and tidy up the office, he speculated whether that would extend to here.
“I needed to see you.” Valentina shoved a pile of things off the sofa and settled down. As she sat she hitched the skirt of her dress up her thighs to reveal that she wasn’t wearing panties.
That vision would usually send Brody to his knees in front of her while his mouth and tongue brought her to a glorious orgasm.
“Valentina, stop.”
She didn’t say a word, fixing her eyes on his as she delved her fingers between her legs, beginning to stimulate herself.
He was by her side in seconds. Gently he pulled her hands away and dragged down her skirt to cover her nakedness. “We need to talk.” He sat down in the armchair opposite her.
“Talk? Brody, we don’t talk. We have sex.” She pouted.
“And that needs to stop.”
Brody almost couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of his mouth.
One date with Olivia and he was already swearing off other women. What was that all about? He didn’t even know if Olivia felt anything for him. He tried again. “Valentina, you’ll be marrying Mateo soon. We won’t be doing this once you’re married. Jesus, we shouldn’t even be going it now.” He put his head in his hands and sighed.
Her dark eyes studied him. “Are you telling me this needs to end?”
Because I’m a total dick and sleeping with anyone and everyone on account of the fact I can’t commit to one woman. Now I think I’ve found someone I like, and I want to stop doing that… because… she’s worth so much more.
“Yes, I am. We should have broken up a long time ago.”
“Broken up?” Valentina’s laugh was harsh. “We weren’t in a relationship, Brody. I was using you, exactly like you were me. We both enjoy sex. I don’t see any reason why we can’t continue.”
He couldn’t believe his ears. “You don’t think Mateo is reason enough? What about when you want children?”
Valentina visibly shuddered. “I can think of nothing worse. There will be no children.”
All of a sudden, Brody saw Valentina’s true colours. They hadn’t always been careful. Would she have even told him if she’d fallen pregnant? The thought she might have acted without his knowledge sickened him. It made him more determined than ever to make her understand that it was over between them.
