No, instead I’m concentrating on one thing.
Her.
I can’t seem to get her off of my mind today. I mean, I’m attracted to her obviously, but seeing her today was eye-opening. It wasn’t that she looked gorgeous. She always does.
No. The problem was, as soon as I saw her, this possessive feeling rose up inside me. It made me want to drag her into the other room to keep any other set of eyes from laying their eyes on her sun-kissed flesh.
It was the way my body reacted, wanting to reach out and pull her to me. To stake my claim.
I guess that’s why I did it. Why I told that girl I was taken.
She didn’t care at first, telling me she could keep a secret.
That was, until I introduced her to Cassi, purposely using her God-given name as I know she doesn’t like strangers using her nickname.
It was the best move I could have made. It kept Cassi plastered to my side most of the day, which of course kept wandering eyes from lingering too long. Most of the guys here have enough respect for Jack to avoid conflict with his college buddy.
Thank God for small miracles because I don’t know what I would do if someone approached her.
I have no right to do anything, really. It’s not like we’re actually dating. It’s a charade meant to keep the women at bay.
At least, that’s what I’m telling myself.
I’m not quite ready to explore the real reason I want her to stay close to me.
Cassi glances my way before she says something to Rebecca. Then she saunters over to me. I can’t help but smile at her giggle as she drops into my lap. She takes the beer I’ve been nursing for the past hour and sets it down.
“I was drinking that.” I rasp.
Loving the way she feels in my lap as I wrap my hand around her waist. Holding her in place.
These little touches have been coming more frequently lately. A hand hold here. A kiss on the cheek there. I don’t know when she became comfortable enough to sit in my lap, but fuck if I don’t love it.
Maybe it’s the fake relationship thing, or maybe it’s the vibe in the air. Whatever it is, I’m thanking my lucky stars right about now.
Cassi snuggles into my side before responding. “Not anymore.”
“You having fun?”
“Of course,” she says, running her hand down my chest.
“That’s some outfit,” I tell her, trying not to stare at her breasts that are on display.
I’ve been trying to keep my eyes off her all night, but I’ve failed completely.
“You like it?” she says coyly.
“You know I do,” I growl, squeezing her tight, making her gasp. “I think every guy who sees you in this would love it.”
She smiles brightly. “Take a walk with me?”
I nod as she gets up, easily slipping her hand in mine to help me stand.
We walk down the beach away from our impromptu party in silence.
“Here’s good.” She pulls on my hand, stopping me.
I drop down into the sand, patting next to me for her to join me.
She doesn’t though. Instead, she pushes my knees down before straddling my lap.
My hands immediately come up to her hips, holding her in place. I’m not the only one who noticed this new position. My dick hardens in my pants at the feel of her heat on top of me.
“What are you doing?” I smile at her.
“Shhh. No talkey,” she whispers.
I’m about to ask her what she means when she leans in, ghosting her lips over mine as if she’s teasing me.
I hesitate for a moment.
“Adra.” I smile when I see her shiver. “What are you doing?” I ask again.
“Avi, aren’t you tired of all the tension between us?” she whispers before placing a kiss on my cheek.
“If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re drunk,” I tell her.
She leans back, but stays in my lap. “I need to tell you something.”
“Anything,” I tell her, reaching up to brush a stray strand of hair out of her face.
“I like you. I don’t know when it happened, but I really like you.”
I let out a sigh. “I like you too, Adra, but I’m not sure either of us are really in the right frame of mind to start anything now.”
Her bright turquoise eyes peek up at me from under her eyelashes. Tempting me to take back what I said and take her to bed to worship her the way she deserves.
Almost.
Cassi’s gorgeous. There’s no doubt about that. She’s funny and quirky. It’s easy to be around her. That’s not the problem.
The problem is that she has unresolved issues in her life and I can’t put myself through that again. As much as I love Tinsley and am happy for her, I won’t put myself in the position to be anyone’s second choice. Not again.
The worst part is, the way I’ve been feeling about Cassi is way more intense than I ever felt about Tinsley. With Tinsley, my ego was wounded, but with Cassi, I don’t think I’d leave with my heart intact.
She frowns. “I’m not asking you to marry me.”
“What are you asking for then?”
“Friends.” She brushes her lips across mine once more. “Friends that are exploring the possibility that there could be something more here? Who’s to say friends can’t kiss?”
Fuck.
This woman is going to be the death of me.
When I don’t respond right away, her face falls. She goes to pull back from me, but I don’t let her go.
Fuck it.
I told her I wasn’t in a good place and I know she’s not either, but she still wants this. As much as I want to, I can’t deny her. Maybe I can keep her at a distance while fucking her out of my system. Seems like the perfect combination.
Yeah, right, my brain tells me.
“Are you
