Cheaters Anonymous by Lacey Silks Page B

important.
    “Who are you, and what have you done with Scar?” I shook my head.
    “I’m a man who’s made too many mistakes and has been given a chance to correct one of them. Please don’t rob me of that chance.”
    Guilt me into it, why don’t you?
    My entire body coiled from the inside out. What was that elite feeling brewing in my chest? Happiness? Excitement? Was I really going to do this? I hadn’t dated anyone in six years. Yes, that sounded odd for a twenty-eight-year old, but that was the path my life had led me on and I couldn’t change the past. All I could do was create a new future.
    Scar pinned me between him and the counter again. I probably had that ‘deer stuck in the headlights’ look right about now. My heart was beating off the charts. The earthquake in my chest that was tearing me apart and putting me back together as I struggled to find a compromise between what I knew I should do, which was walk away, and what I really wanted to do, which was to jump into his arms and give us a try. The first choice meant no future, two broken hearts and a friendship forever ruined. The second choice was a big question mark – it could be fatal to us both, or it could be the single best decision we ever made.
    Both his hands came back to my face. He cupped it and neared his mouth to my lips. Inches away, I could feel its warmth. How could I say no to him? My entire body was screaming at me to agree. I wanted to taste him and hold him and give my everything to him, but instead I turned my face sideways where he planted a soft wet smooch to my cheek.
    “I’m sorry,” I whispered.
    “So, it’s a no.”
    “No, it’s not a no.”
    “Then is it a yes?” he asked with hope.
    “Give me some time to think about it. There are things I need to figure out. If we date, I need to find a way to keep satisfied without hurting you.”
    Did I just say that?
    “You mean sexually?”
    “No. I mean yes. I don’t know what I mean. It’s just a lot to take in, Scar. I’ve never been with someone more than once, and I’m afraid my mind will wander because when I’m with you all I want is to...”
    My hand flew up to my mouth and I felt my eyes bulge out.
    “What, Jules? What do you want?”
    But he already knew the answer. Scar leaned into me, saying, “Once you let me, I will make you come over and over again, until you beg me to stop, Jules. If there is anything I’m good at in this life, it’s satisfying a woman.”
    My throat tightened. Would it be odd if I asked him for a sneak peek? I shook my head.
    He crossed his arms over his chest. “I can wait until you figure all that stuff out.”
    I looked him over and leaned back against the counter. “Scar, I’m gonna need a bit longer than a few minutes.”
    “Well, since I’ll be busy this week, that’s perfect timing then. But know that by next weekend, if I’m feeling the same way I do now, there’s no way I’m taking no for an answer.”
    “Okay. I’m willing to try. If we can last this week and not find a way to ruin it or run the other way, I’ll go out on a date with you.” I paused. “And Scar?”
    “Yes?”
    “You are normal.”
     

 
     
    C HAPTER 8
     
    I couldn’t stay away. On day one without Scar, I sulked on the couch watching re-runs of CSI: Miami, thinking how kick-ass it would be to know kickboxing. Their jumps never appeared rehearsed or fake, but then again what did I know about being a cop? After the third re-run I finally took a shower, pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, got in my beat up car, and drove to Manhattan. An hour later and in the middle of the day I was parked in front of Hounds, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel.
    Why couldn’t I stay away for longer than twenty four hours? It was early afternoon on Monday, and Scar was probably not here. Since I didn’t know where he lived, I first contemplated driving to his parents’ house. But what would I say? Heck, I didn’t even know what I’d say