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“You do,” he insists cheerfully. “You always have.”
This playful banter is familiar and comfortable, but it does little to cool the heat building inside me. If anything, it fans the flames higher.
Before I can quip back, though, he leans in closer—close enough that our faces are just inches apart. His scent fills my senses: whiskey, a hint of cologne, and something uniquely Parker. My heart beats wildly against my chest as he moves a strand of hair from my face.
“I’ve also noticed that you get quiet when you’re nervous,” he states as if revealing another secret about me.
“And what makes you think I’m nervous and don’t just have a lot on my mind?” I challenge him, even though he’s totally right.
His grin widens as he sits back again, never breaking eye contact with me while doing so.
“Just a guess,” he responds nonchalantly before sipping his whiskey.
I want to argue, but I can’t find the words. He’s right, of course. I am nervous. I’m nervous about the swirling feelings inside me, the desires that threaten to consume me.
I take another long drink as my mind swirls. An idea starts to bubble up in my head. It’s crazy, but it sounds less crazy the more I drink my chardonnay. I need an outlet. A little bit of fun in my life. I’m in no state to be looking for an actual relationship, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get laid.
Parker is single, gorgeous, and has been slowly getting my panties wet since he sat down next to me. Hell, since high school, if we’re being technical. I wouldn’t mind seeing him more regularly…
“Parker,” I start in a nonchalant tone, “I have a question for you.”
He arches a brow at me, clearly curious. “Go ahead.”
Licking my lips, I tilt my head and hold his gaze.
As much as I want to be smooth and cool, the words just sort of tumble out.
“What do you think about being friends with benefits?”
Chapter four
Parker
Istare at Chloe in shock for several moments, uncertain I heard her correctly.
“Um, what was that?” I murmur.
Her cheeks flush, and she replies, “You-you know what? Forget I said anything. I should get going.” Her voice is shaky, betraying her nerves, and I can tell that my response has made her feel rejected, though that was far from my intention.
Before I can come up with some coherent response, she slaps some money on the bar for her drinks and slips off her barstool. I watch her, dumbfounded, as she hurries to the bar’s front door and disappears from sight.
What the hell was that? I run a hand through my disheveled hair, trying to process her words.
The weight of her question hangs heavy in the air. Friends with benefits?
I would never have expected her to make such a proposal. I know she was a few glasses of wine in, but did she make that request just because of the alcohol? I don’t think so, but my uncertainty is the reason I was so tongue-tied and couldn’t actually give her an answer.
Then again, it’s not like the idea hadn’t crossed my mind. She’s alluring and undeniably attractive. I’ve fantasized about sleeping with her countless times before, but there’s something about crossing the line from fantasy to reality that seems daunting. Yet, here I am, sitting alone at a half-empty bar with nothing but the fading scent of her intoxicating perfume as my only company.
“Why didn’t you stop her?” The bartender, Mike, breaks into my thoughts. I look up to find him cleaning a glass as he watches me. He studies me for a moment with a knowing smirk before moving down the bar to assist another customer.
I’m left alone once again with my thoughts spiraling around Chloe’s proposition and my inaction. Standing up abruptly, I toss down a few bills and grab my coat off the back of the stool.
I step out into the cool night air and look around, part of me hoping to find her still out on the sidewalk. She’s nowhere in sight, though, and for the first time tonight, I feel something close to regret settling in me.
“Dammit,” I mumble under my breath as I run a hand through my disheveled hair. I’d fumbled it tonight, my first and probably only chance to keep Chloe close and indulge in the desire I’ve felt for her since high school.
However, there’s something inside me that’s hesitant to take her up on her offer. Of course, I’d love to know what it’s like to bury myself deep inside her and watch her expression shift in pleasure. However, I’m not sure if starting something casual with Chloe is really a good idea. I don’t know if I could compartmentalize my feelings for her like that.
