want to date you. I want to take you out and buy you things. I want to show you what it means to be pampered and loved.”
I gulp. I need to stop this right now.
“Caleb, we barely know each other. I don’t understand how you could want to date me after the way I treated you. I’m sure you’re a nice guy, although you’re alpha-ish tendencies have me wondering if you should get looked at by a licensed medical professional. No sane man walks into someone’s dorm room and then carries her out of the room like some damn caveman. You were one step away from grabbing me by the hair and dragging me across the ground. Honestly, I’m not looking for a relationship. I don’t want to date anyone right now. We had fun, sure, but you’re lucky I still remember your name. I needed someone to help me get over my ex. We had broken up the day before I met you. It was a bad breakup. I could’ve gone home with anyone that night . . . you were just the lucky one.” I’m lying straight through my teeth. I wouldn’t have gone home with just anyone. I was attracted to Caleb—I still am. I’d probably do it all over again, too, if I actually let myself. The fact of the matter is, I’m not going to settle for Caleb because he’s phenomenal in the sack and is sexy as hell. I have a certain guy in mind for myself, and that’s not Caleb. If that makes me shallow, then so be it.
He laughs. “I don’t believe you. There was a connection between the two of us. You can’t deny that. I know I’m not the only one who was affected by our night together. You’re so flushed right now that I can feel the heat radiating from your body. You want me, just as badly as I want you, and I do want you, Everly.” He moves a little closer to me; the tension in the car gets thicker. Being near Caleb has my entire body panting with lust.
He reaches out and lightly brushes the sides of my cheeks with his fingers. Involuntarily my eyes close, I’m succumbing to his touch. His whole body leans across the car. His breath lightly wisps over my lips.
“Caleb, we won’t work together,” I breathe breaking the almost kiss between us.
“Why?”
“Why what?”
“Why won’t we work together? What’s your reasoning behind it? Give me three good reasons why a relationship wouldn’t work between the two of us and I’ll leave right now.”
“That’s easy . . .” I tell him. “For one, I’m not interested in dating you or anyone else.”
“Fine, I’ll give you that one. What else? Because I can tell you right now, the best relationships start when you aren’t looking.”
“Two, I want to be with a guy with an accent. You don’t have one.”
“Anybody can have an accent. It just takes practice,” he says in a flawless British accent.
“You’re cocky and kind of an arrogant asshole,” I tell him, ignoring the fact that his fake accent just made me instantly wet.
“Well, you’re kind of a selfish, bitch. Oh and you’re also frigid and whiny. I think we’re even.”
“I am not frigid and whiny!” I screech.
“So you admit you’re selfish and bitchy then?”
“You’re impossible.”
“Just admit that you like me as much as I do you. It would make things so much easier.”
I cross my arms and glare at him. “Your ten minutes are up. Goodbye, Caleb!” I grab the handle to the door and go to get out of the car. He grabs my arm to stop me. The minute I look over at him, I’m met with the softest, most delicate kiss. My knees are instantly weak. His mouth searches for reciprocation as his tongue darts in and claims my tongue. Before I know what I’m doing, my hands are in his hair, and he’s pulling me onto his lap. His erection massages my thigh as I maneuver into a more comfortable position on top of him. Arousal overtakes me when his hands begin briefly brushing against my shirt, teasing my nipples over my clothing. I should be stopping this, but I can’t, not when my body yearns for more. I circle the girth in
Gretchen Galway, Lucy Riot
The Gathering: The Justice Cycle (Book Three)