Page 43 of Risk It All
A muscle in his jaw ticked, and I was certain he was seconds away from cracking a molar. “I suppose I don’t know that.”
“I mean, my cursed sex life isn’t going to fix itself.”
Now I was just poking the bear.
Leo’s nostrils flared, and the street lights illuminated the intensity of his gaze. I knew I was playing a dangerous game, but I hadn’t ever done a very good job at playing it safe.
“You thought sex with that guy was going to fix everything?” he asked with apfft. “Highly doubt it.”
“Yeah? How come?” I challenged, just as the rain picked up. “What do you think I need?”
Leo ran his tongue along the inside of his cheek, as if he was contemplating whether or not he should answer my question.
In an instant, the rain turned into a downpour, saving Leo from answering.
Leo swore under his breath at the rain that pelted down, but all I felt was relief as the water cooled my hot skin and eased the tension I’d been feeling all week—even if it was momentary.
“C’mon, let’s book it back,” I called over the rain, reaching for his hand with a grin. He didn’t miss a beat. His large hand captured mine, and we ran the last couple of blocks.
We slowed once we made it to the front door and into the building.
We climbed the steps in silence, only the sounds of our ragged breath and water dripping from our clothes. I expected to part ways once we got to the second floor, but instead, Leo walked me to my door.
“I think you need someone who can keep up with you. Who doesn’t need step-by-step instructions on how to make you feel good. Who knows when and how to take control.” I could hear his heavy breathing behind me, unsure if it was from running or something…else. Maybe, he was as pent-up as me.
I turned to face him, my back hitting the door with athump.
His wet shirt molded even more to his body than it had earlier, showing every sculpt, ridge, and muscle.
My chest rose rapidly, and heat pooled in my stomach.
Everything he’d said was spot on. I’d had good sex, but evengood sex required some instruction on my end. That was what happened when you had sex with someone one time. It wasn’t enough to get to know their body and what they liked—and that was fine. But…maybe having someone who paid attention would make all the difference.
“Am I right?” he rasped, leaning closer.
The intensity in his stare let me know there was no point in lying. He’d be able to see right through me.
“Yes,” I breathed.
He was close.So close.
Closer than he’d been in years. It’d be so easy to wrap my hand around his shirt and pull his mouth to mine.
I typically had no problem making the first move, but in this moment, I wanted Leo to do it. I wanted him to be sure of this—even if it was just a one-time kiss that led nowhere.
I wouldn’t be a regret. I didn’t think I could bare it.
Leo started to pull away, but I wasn’t letting him off that easily. He froze when I asked, “Is that what you would’ve done three years ago?”
15
ELIZA
Three years ago
I probably shouldn’t be here.
Scratch that.
