Page 12 of Deepest Obsession

We lay there for what feels like hours but is probably just a few minutes. As we come back down to earth, he kisses my neck lightly and climbs off of me. There are a couple of towels on one of the chairs next to the one my bikini was on, and he grabs one and hands it to me.

I groan as I sit up. “I should get home. I have to open tomorrow.”

“What time do you have to be there?”

“Five.” I wrap myself in the towel. Now that Alexander isn’t on top of me, goosebumps appear on my skin.

“Shit,” he mutters, grabbing his phone from his pocket. “It’s just after three.”

Sighing, I pad over to my dress. I knew it’d be a late night, but not this late. At this rate, there’s not even a point in me trying to get in a nap. And yet, I’m not even annoyed. Watching Alexander as he gets dressed, I can’t help but think that tonight was worth it.

“I’ll drive you.” He doesn’t bother buttoning his shirt, just leaves it hanging open. His wet hair is tousled, dripping onto the fabric.

I dress quickly, wishing I’d brought a jacket. “I can grab a cab or something. You must be tired.”

“Absolutely not. I want to make sure you get home safe.”

I pause as I pull on my heels, resisting the smile that’s tugging at my lips. The urge to let this become more than a one-time thing is strong. But I’m not stupid enough to let myself make that decision right now. Not right after we had sex. However much I want him to rip off my clothes and fuck me again, I know I need some objectivity.

The ride home is mostly silent. Alexander turns on the heat almost immediately, saying something about not wanting me to catch a cold.

I watch as the buildings around us turn from luxury homes to a shopping district to middle class homes, and then finally into my neighborhood. I’m grateful for the darkness that hides my reddening cheeks.

I wonder if it’s a weird feeling for Alexander, knowing that he just fucked me in his multi-million dollar mansion, only to drop me off at a house that’s literally falling apart. If it bugs him, he doesn’t show it.

After he parks in front of the house, he turns and pulls me in for a kiss. “Thank you for tonight, Sophia.” There’s a longing it his voice that sends a pang of guilt through me.

Did I just use him for a fun night and sex? Did we use each other?

But as I look into his eyes, I see that darkness there, mixed with a desire so strong it makes me jerk back. How can he be this intense after we’ve been up all night?

“I don’t want to lose you, Soph. I’m not going to lose you again.”

I stare at him silently, gripping the edge of my seat. Because I’m not his to lose. And I’m not entirely sure I want to be. So I wish him a good night, kiss him on the cheek, and practically run into the house.

Once the front door is closed and locked, I lean against it and let out a breath.

I’m not going to lose you again.

Glancing out the window in the door, I watch as Alexander’s car pulls away. Relief floods me, but a bit of disappointment follows.

Do I want to see him again? Do I want to let this happen? Will I regret it if I do? Biting my lip, I turn away as his car leaves my sight.

Most importantly, do I trust him enough to believe this is real?

CHAPTER TWO

SOPHIA

“I JUST don’t know how I feel about all of this,” I tell Lissa. I’m at the coffee shop, re-stocking the cups and lids before we open.

Alexander came back to pick me up, practically shoving a breakfast smoothie into my hands. It was kind, and I’m grateful I didn’t have to deal with public transportation today. But I don’t want him to get too attached.

“You shouldn’t’ve told him this was a one-time thing.” Lissa is leaning against the counter, giving me a playful glare. “He seems really into you.”

“Too into me,” I mutter under my breath. Sure, I never really got over Alexander. But I certainly haven’t obsessed over him for the past five years.

“Why are you so closed off to giving this a shot?”

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