Page 31 of Force of Nature

“Because it matters to me. And who says it won’t change anything?”

“Because it won’t.”

“But what if it does?” I challenge, unsnapping my seatbelt before sliding into the middle of the truck, my hand instantly finding Thad’s thigh.

“Laken,” he warns, his hand landing firmly on top of mine, preventing it from moving it upward.

“Don’t Laken me. You want me. I want you. Why are you fighting me on this?” I ask, the alcohol driving my actions and my words.

“Pretty sure you’re going back to L.A. the first chance you get. Not to mention I’m the last guy you want to get involved with.”

“I’m not asking for a marriage proposal here, Thad.” I lean in, running the tip of my nose up his jaw before my lips press to the soft spot right below his ear.

His entire body tenses as he takes a swift intake of air.

“Laken,” he tries again.

“Come on,” I whisper, sucking his earlobe into my mouth.

“Fuck,” Thad grinds out, jerking the truck to the side of the road with so much force I slide back into the passenger seat.

Before I can say a word, Thad is out of the truck.

“What the hell are you doing?” I try to get out of the truck on my side but remember the door is broken.

“Trying to keep myself from fucking you stupid right now.” He stops mid pace and pins his gaze on my face through the open window.

“Why would you want to stop yourself from doing that?” I attempt to open the driver’s side door, but Thad presses his weight into it the moment I do, making it impossible for me to do so.

“Because you’re drunk and as much as I want to, I can’t be that guy.”

“So you do want me,” I say, a slow smile stretching across my face.

“For fucks sake, Laken, you know I do,” he grinds out. “I’d have to be fucking blind not to.”

“Then let me out of this truck,” I say, trying to force the door open without success.

“Not a chance.”

“Then get back in here.”

“I can’t. Not until you promise you’ll stay on your side of the truck and keep your hands to yourself.”

“Why would I want to do that?”

“Fuck, Laken,” he growls. “Just fucking promise so I can get your ass home.”

“And what will you do with me once you get me home?” I ask, leaning through the open window.

“I’m gonna spank your ass if you’re not careful.”

“Mmm. Mr. Mitchell, I think I like that sound of that,” I purr.

“Are you purposely trying to kill me right now?” he says almost pained despite the smile on his lips.

“Kill you, no. Fuck you, yes.”

“And then what?” His question catches me off guard.

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