Page 79 of Full Tilt
“Yeah, sure,” I reply, just as she spins and walks past Tommy on a wave.
As she disappears downstairs, Tommy enters my apartment, closing the door behind him with a click.
“I want to talk to you, Jenna. No games.”
I nod my head once when he comes to stand directly in front of me and then loop my arms around my middle.
“What more is there to say, Tommy? The hour window you gave me expired, and I didn’t text you back.”
He frowns. “Are you being serious?”
I don’t know what I’m being.
“You gave me a way out, and I took it.” I no doubt sound about as convincing as I look.
Tommy reaches forward, wrapping his hands around my arms to unloop them. He keeps ahold of one of my forearms as I drop them to my sides.
I look down at the connection. “I don’t understand why you’re here.”
He says nothing more and simply guides me into my living space, and we take a seat on my couch.
Tommy cocks a brow at my empty wineglass.
I shrug a quick shoulder and anxiously mess with my hair. Something about this interaction feels different.Hefeels different.
“It was nonalcoholic and actually really gross,” I explain, trying to keep the conversation light.
He chuckles at that, shifting a little closer so our thighs are touching. I’m guessing he came straight here from the airport since he’s dressed in Blades training gear, although I don’t see his bags anywhere. Maybe he drove to my place and left them in his car.
“I’m going to level with you, Jenna.” Tommy turns to face me fully, resting his arm along the back of the couch behind me.
He could easily pull me into his body, and I’d happily let him. There’s an intensity in his dark eyes tonight, and I conclude that’s what feels different about him, along with the softness in his voice.
“Go ahead,” I tentatively reply.
Tommy takes his eyes off mine and focuses his attention on the arm currently resting along the couch cushion. He looks deep in thought, and I give him some time to find the right words.
He twists his lips to the side, a small frown creasing his brow. “When you didn’t text me back earlier, I was really disappointed because I’d figured you would.”
I pull back slightly, irked at his assumption. “Why is everything you do all a game?”
Tommy looks at me then. “What do you mean?”
More annoyance bubbles inside me. “The ultimatum you gave me—it was a test to see if I’d bite and message you back, wasn’t it?”
Jesus, Kendra was absolutely right. He just wants to fuck with my head.
Frustrated and irritated with myself, I shift an inch away from him, but Tommy wraps his hand around my forearm again, and I feel the buzz of adrenaline pulse through my body.
“I think you should leave,” I say, shrugging off his hand and standing from the couch.
Tommy rises to his full height, towering over me. His cologne is the perfect blend of spice and clean.
My mouth waters with attraction, and I swallow thickly.
He doesn’t make to leave as I asked. All he does is stare down into my eyes.
“I want you to leave,” I reaffirm, lifting an arm and pointing in the direction of my front door. “Once bitten, twice shy. I won’t be a participant in your mind games anymore.”
