Page 37 of Tryst

I groaned. “That’s fair.” Suddenly, I remembered my father had set him up on a date for my party and it would probably happen again. “Did you mean it when you told me I was yours? Sexually, I mean? Or was that just you talking dirty?”

Sliding off the bed, he took the tray, carrying it across the room and setting it on a table. He sauntered back to the bed, pulling back the white blankets. “Get in.”

Shuffling backwards, I lifted the covers and did as I was told. He took off his pants, then slipped under the sheet, holding his arm out. I scooted into his embrace, facing him on my side. Leg draped over his naked cock, I tried my best to behave for now but the way it felt beneath me made me want to slither under the sheet and take him in my mouth.

“To answer your question,” he sighed, “though I was talking dirty, I still mean it. The thought of another guy touching you makes me angry. I don’t see how we could ever be more, even if we wanted it. This is risky enough. I’m not sure I’m willing to risk everything for you.”

Ouch. Deep inside, I knew what he meant but I still felt hurt by his words. He wouldn’t risk everything for me, even if we were together as a couple. Pain radiated through my heart. Suddenly, I wanted to walk away, but where would I go? We were an hour away from home. “I’m sleepy.” It was all I could muster up the emotions to squeak out.

Holding me tighter, he pressed his lips to my forehead. “Me too.”

Though awake, I kept my eyes squeezed shut, hoping he wouldn’t notice I was tormented with insomnia that night. The moment I felt him sleeping and his body relaxed, I slithered out of his arms, rolling to the other side of the bed. I didn’t expect him to risk everything for me, but to say it was an excruciating reality. This would never work.

10

DISTANCE

“What’s on your mind?”

She was staring out the window as I sped down the highway on the way home. James texted earlier this morning saying he wanted to meet with me, and I needed to get us back before he arrived at my house. I thought maybe that’s why she was quiet. She seemed spooked after I woke her and told her we had to leave as soon as possible.

“Lizzie.”

She snapped her gaze toward me. “What?!”

“Are you okay?” I rested my palm on her upper thigh, darting my gaze at her for a moment.

She lowered her eyes, then continued peering out the passenger window. “I’m fine.”

I offered a slight squeeze. “Don’t worry.”

“About what?” She shifted in the seat, crossing her knee over her leg, causing my hand to fall.

I rested my arm on the center console. “Whatever you’re sitting over there stewing over.”

“I’m fine.”

She was lying, but I let it go for now. I wanted her to think freely without me pestering her further. I drove in silence the rest of the way to my home. It felt like an eternity. The air between us was so thick you could cut it with a knife. When I pulled into the long driveway, James’s car was parked close to the house.

“I didn’t even put my bikini bottoms back on,” Elizabeth hissed.

Remembering they were in my pocket, I shrugged. “Well, it’s too late now. Just don’t bend over.”

Mouth agape, she stared at me in shock.

My car slowed to a stop next to his. Elizabeth let out a nervous sigh as we both exited the car. Normally, I would’ve opened her door for her, but being a gentleman was the least of my concerns right now. James stepped out at the same time. His eyes narrowed on mine before he glanced at her, then back at me again.

“Good morning, you two.” He lifted a hand to his chin, cocking a brow.

Elizabeth presented a lazy smile but said nothing.

“We went to grab breakfast.” I shut the door and led them to the front porch, entering the code in the keypad. “Why didn’t you just come in?”

“I just got here, actually. I was just sitting in the car looking at something on my phone.”

He and I took a step to the side and let Elizabeth enter first. She disappeared toward the kitchen. Taking a deep but silent breath, I tried my best to calm mynowanger. I wasn’t sure what the fuck was bothering her so badly, but it was making me moody. Now was not the time to act that way.

“What’s her problem?” James muttered as he followed me to the office.

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