Page 48 of Any Second Now
There’s so much between us. He’s not just a random guy. This is Atticus. There’s an encyclopedia unspoken and I want us to read every page together. Atticus’s hand drifts from my waist to the outside of my bare thigh, and he strokes a single finger inside the hem of my shorts, exploring, testing, touching. I whimper again and shift on his lap, looking for more.
Is this me being a good dating coach?
The thought makes me pause. Literally and figuratively.
“Raleigh?” Atticus pulls back until he can focus on my eyes. His are hooded and turned dark green, like the color of a forest of pine trees as night falls. “You okay?” He lifts the hand from my leg and tucks a chunk of hair behind my ear, his fingertips grazing my sensitive earlobe.
I slowly slide my hands out of his hair. I stare at his lips, a deep red from kissing me.
Ohhhhh no.
I can’t do this. I can’t do this withhim. I can’t let myself get all wrapped up. Doesn’t he like someone else? And even if that’s not a good enough reason, this is Atticus.
Atticus Knox.
Not only my friend’s little brother, but also the biggest player I’ve ever met. Not interested in relationships.
And I have no business starting something withanyoneso soon after my second divorce.
Especially him.
I do a weird little rolling maneuver to remove myself from his lap and pretend I don’t see his cock tenting his shorts. What I would do to see what’s under that fabric.
“I’m not sure this is helping you learn how to date,” I say with a nervous laugh, tugging the hem of my tank down to cover bare skin.
Atticus’s brow furrows for the briefest of seconds, and then his face smooths out. He adjusts himself and I try not to watch.
“Right.” He pushes his hair off his forehead and grabs his hat from where it’s wedged between his back and the cushion. His usual flirty smile returns to his face. “Sorry about that, I got a little carried away in the moment. Inspired by your romantic zombie movie.”
Words get stuck in my throat.
“I think you’ll do just fine with Rose.” I clear my throat but it sounds like a squeak. He blinks and it reminds me of a flinch. I know I get her name right this time.
“I’ve never had a problem hooking up with women. It’s more the other stuff.”
Now it’s my turn to flinch.
“Shit, that came out wrong, Raleigh. Sorry.”
And I’ve never had a problem getting in over my head way too fast.
“But don’t worry. I understand.” I nod too enthusiastically. “You’re good at the other stuff, too.”
Like how he’s made me feel tonight. Let’s call it… overwhelmed.
God, this is embarrassing. He must have women throw themselves at him all the time. Hooking up is second nature to him.
I am not special.
And I better be careful not to let myself get too wrapped up in Atticus.
He’s not mine.
Not now, not ever.
“Good.” I nod and turn back to the movie, which we missed a bunch of. My buzz is also gone, disappeared the second I pushed myself off Atticus’s lap.
But the air is still alive between us. Charged with all that is unsaid and undone. Or maybe it’s just me being incredibly awkward. I can feel his eyes on the side of my face.
