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I don’t turn in his arms. I let him use me and just enjoy where I am, nestled against his body for this long moment. He rests his chin on my shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The scruff along his jaw scrapes across the sensitive surface of my neck as he moves. His warm breath pebbles my skin. My pulse ratchets up, and I wonder if he can feel my heart beating faster where our chests are pressed together.
“I’ve been right here.” His deep voice rumbles in his torso.
“I’ve been looking for you …” Her voice trails off uneasily, and I can imagine the frown on her pretty face.
I feel her eyes burning into my back as she tries to determine who I am and why I’m in Ollie’s arms. Our embrace isn’t friendly. There isn’t an inch of space between us. As much as I enjoyed the feeling of Connor pressed close to me earlier, this is a hundred million times better. Because it’s Ollie. In the past, I’ve fantasized about how it would feel to be in his arms more times than I care to admit. But reality trumps the dream.
There’s an awkward silence for a few beats. I’m tempted to peek at Ollie’s face to see his expression, but he tenses when I start to move back, holding me closer instead. I snuggle in and stay.
“I thought …” the woman starts again but trails off.
“Dallas,” he says. There’s a scolding note to his tone.
Dallas.
Another tense silence follows.
Finally, she speaks. “I’ll go.” Her voice trembles some, and I feel sorry for her.
I know Ollie’s using me as a shield. He’s trying to make a point to the brown-haired beauty. He’s showing her he’s unavailable.
And another one bites the dust …
Ollie relaxes a minute later, and I know she’s gone. He releases his hold on me, and the room is immediately colder. I step back and act like his touch didn’t affect me. The same way he doesn’t seem to be overwhelmed by me. I meet his glowing sapphire eyes, wondering if he realizes how magnetic he is. Panties melt every time he smiles that cocky, crooked grin. Including mine.
“That was painful,” I comment.
He frowns. “I didn’t realize hugging me was so repulsive.”
I roll my eyes. “Not hugging you … witnessing that blow-off.” I glance at the door, but she’s long gone. I bite my lower lip and look back at him. “I kind of feel sorry for her.”
“Don’t,” he insists, his expression hard. “I was up front with her from the beginning. I never called her. I didn’t ask her to meet me here.”
I shove his shoulder, but he doesn’t move an inch. “Heartbreaker.”
He looks away. I can feel the frustration radiating from his body.
He runs a hand through his thick, dark hair. “I can’t even hook up anymore without it turning into a big deal.”
“Maybe hooking up once is a big deal to her,” I protest. “Maybe she was hoping it meant something more than it obviously did.”
He glares at me, like I’ve offended him somehow. Or maybe I’m just categorized with all the other women in the world that he wants to keep at arm’s length.
“And that’s my fault? I never promised her more.”
I shake my head. Not because I’m disappointed in Ollie. I’m sure they were both consenting adults who decided to spend a night together. And I don’t think Ollie’s the bad guy in this situation. I just think he has no clue how enticing he is. He’s the complete package. Athletic. Great shape. Gorgeous face. Funny. Strong. Solid. Dedicated. Comes from a good family. Any woman would be lucky to be with him, even for a night. I can’t blame Dallas for wanting more. I already want to be pulled back into his sphere, and all he did was hug me.
He was just using you to get rid of her.
It’s a harsh reminder, but one I seem to need.
“You can’t blame the girl for wanting more,” I argue, trying to get him to see the other side.
“And you can’t blame me for not wanting more,” he counters stubbornly.
I sigh. Connor enters the kitchen. Ollie sees him, too, and blows out a frustrated breath.
“I’m bailing,” the hockey stud says testily. “Be careful there.”
