Page 4 of Lie with Me
“Oh.” I brush some hair out of my eyes. I know I look like a hot mess right now. I’ve been running around ragged for close to three hours, and I’m pretty sure my appearance proves that. Meanwhile, CJ looks delicious in dark jeans and a gray hoodie.
“I was hoping we could catch up and maybe have dinner . . . tonight? While I’m in town.” He grips my hips a little tighter.
“Tonight?” I frown.
“You’re busy?” His expression deflates.
“I am.”
“Washing your hair?” he jokes.
“No.” I nudge him. “It’s my father’s birthday. I already have dinner plans.”
“Bummer.” He releases me, and I actually sag in disappointment.
“How long are you in town for?”
CJ seems to ponder this before answering. “Till Sunday night. Think you can squeeze me in?”
“I think so.” I step closer to him and run my hands down his chest. “If you don’t mind a late drink, I cansqueezeyou in tonight.”
CJ’s eyes twinkle, and it’s not just from the sun shining through the front window. “I think.” He drops his mouth to my ear. “I don’t mind waiting if it means I get to spend time with you, shortcake.”
I gaze at him with a seductive smirk. The term of endearment makes me tingle. “It’s done then.”
“Sounds good.” He kisses my cheek before he lifts his head. “I’m staying at the Towers at New York Palace. There’s a lounge in the lobby.”
“The Towers? Fancy.”
CJ winks at me. “I like the view.”
I idly wonder if I’ll get to see it. I seriously hope so.
“I’ll text you my number.” He pulls his hood up. “And see you tonight.” He flashes me a sexy smile. With that, he leaves. I watch mutely as he walks out the door and disappears into the pedestrian traffic crowding the sidewalk. My whole body is on fire—my skin, my cheeks, my thighs.
I had moved on from CJ, or at least told myself that I had. We both agreed the time we spent together was purely physical. A carefree few days where we indulged in each other and then walked away. Which is exactly what happened. When the time came for me to return to New York, we said good-bye and I got on the plane. But seeing him this morning, the memory of being together feels as if it never settled in the past. Like we were together just yesterday and the attraction is still as fiery as ever.
“Tara?” Philly calls my name. “Hello.” He waves his hand in front of my face. “Earth to blondie.”
“Huh?” I look up at him dazed.
“Who the hell was that? And did he stun you or something?”
“Stun me? In a way,” I huff. “Andthatwas CJ.”
Philly’s jaw drops. “The hottie from Hawaii?”
“The one and the same.”
“What’s he doing here?”
“He wanted coffee.” I laugh.
“Seriously?” Philly puts his hand on his hip dubiously.
“That, and dinner.”
“‘Dinner’?” He uses air quotes to insinuate something else.
