Page 67 of Unexpected Kisses

“It’s no trouble at all. It’ll be fun.”

We spend the rest of the program learning about the highest and lowest places in the US, the coldest and the hottest, the driest and the wettest. When the credits roll, my stomach sinks because I know it means the end of my time with Sarah for tonight. My spirits lift when I remember that she’ll be back here in forty-eight hours.

“Thanks for tonight, AJ. For everything. Honestly, you’ve been amazing,” she says as she stands, collecting the empty dessert boxes.

I force out a laugh and stand too. “I wouldn’t say I was all that amazing in there.” I tilt my head toward the stairs and my bedroom, taking the boxes from her.

“We got the job done, right? That’s all that matters.”Job. It’s not meant to be a job.

I dump the boxes in the kitchen and come back to the living room, where Sarah’s edging her way toward the front door. “I guess so, but I promise it’ll be better next time.”

“As I said, I’m not here for the orgasms.” She gives me a tight smile. “You delivered what you promised, and that’s the main thing.” She tugs her purse straps over her shoulder.

Pressing my hand to her lower back, I guide her to the door. I’d dearly love to guide her back upstairs where I can show her I’m not a thirty-second lover. That I know how to please a woman, but I know she won’t stay. I’ll have to show her next time. “Let me know you got home safely.”

She nods. “Well, anyway. Bye. Thanks again.” She leans forward to peck my cheek and scurries toward the street and her car before I can respond. My lips tip up at the fact she laid a kiss on me …willingly.

CHAPTER27

–sarah–

What a disaster!Well, not a complete disaster. Idohave his semen inside me.

I climb into my car and pull onto the street, drive for a bit until I’m far enough away from AJ’s place, and then pull over. Tears burst from my eyes and I drop my head into my hands.

That was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done and he probably thinks I’m some frigid touch-phobic crazy woman. My phone lights up on the passenger seat, Em’s name on the screen. I press the green button because I selfishly need my sister right now.

“Em,” I sob.

“What’s wrong? Where are you? What happened? Why are you crying?” Her questions tumble out one after the other.

“We h-h-had s-s-ex, and it was awful, and now I’m a mess and I’m parked on the side of the road!”

“Sheet! Can you get home safely? I’ll come to you.” I nod, the tears streaming down my cheeks. “Sare? Can you get home?”

“Y-yeah.”

“Okay. I’m on my way.” She disconnects the call and I wipe my eyes and draw in some measured breaths.

I go to pull back onto the street when a horn blares and I slam my foot on the break—my heart pounds and my hands shake. “Shit! That was close.” I pause and make sure I’m focused, then double-check the street is clear so I can pull out. Keeping my eyes trained on the road, I drive home cautiously, park, and make my way up to my apartment.

When I get inside, I drop my purse and head straight to the bathroom. Switching on the light, I step in front of the mirror and cringe at my swollen eyes, red nose, and blotchy cheeks. I wash my face, splashing cold water on it repeatedly, hoping it calms down before Em arrives. When I look up to check, my eyes catch on my sister leaning against the doorframe, a startled yelp escapes and I jump a little. I wasn’t expecting her so soon. She must have walked straight out the door after our call. Her eyes are full of worry and I break down crying again, so I cover my face with my hands.

“Oh, Sare.” Her arms wrap around me and she pulls me in tight and strokes my back soothingly. She’s always taken her role as big sister seriously. Once I catch my breath, she leads me through to my bedroom. “How about you get changed? I’ll make us some hot chocolate and we’ll meet on the couch.”

I nod. “Thanks.”

We separate and a few minutes later I’m flopping onto my couch. Emma places two cups of hot chocolate on the table, then pulls my phone out of her pocket to hand to me. “It’s been buzzing. It’s him.”

I take it from her like it’s a ticking time bomb. “He wanted me to let him know I got home safely.”

“Well, you should let him know you’re home.” She sips her drink, watching me over the rim of her cup.

Glancing at my phone, I find three text messages.

AJ:Are you home safe?

AJ:Sarah?

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