Page 9 of Rockstar Retreat

I jutted out my chin in defiance. “Because I decided to come. Because I happen to know you better than anyone else here does, but it was a mistake,” I said, my voice cold. “Don’t worry, I won’t bother you next time. I’ll be leaving now.”

But I didn’t move to leave because I kept my eyes on Jerrik. He still had that happy look on his face, and a flash of anger made me want to hurt him for it. Of course, I wouldn’t. Not only because he was a guest and I was an employee, but that was enough. But I didn’t want to turn away from him, because I knew he would reach out to stop me again, and I didn’t want to feel his touch on me.

Then he moved closer, and I felt my body stiffen before I was stumbling back again. I didn’t realize he was herding me until my back hit the wall and I jumped in surprise. I could have cursed myself because he had tried that trick on me once already and I still fell for it.

“Someone will be coming here soon, Jerrik,” I said in warning. “Whatever you’re trying to do, please stop it.”

He just gave me an innocent look. “I don’t know what you mean, Sharon.”

Before I could move away, he was suddenly there, forearms braced against the wall on either side of me, blocking my way out. I looked up at him with a glare, even as my body shivered because he was so close. His body was larger than mine, though he was only an inch or so taller than me and I couldn’t see beyond him with him so close. I felt a little betrayed by my body, knowing I shouldn’t like having him so close to me. It was dangerous to the life I’d built for myself—he was dangerous to my life here.

I shouldn’t like anything about Jerrik; he was a train wreck waiting to happen even without my involvement.

But when he leaned closer, his head tilting down a little, I didn’t even think to stop him. I should have pushed him away, done something. He probably wouldn’t have gone through with it if I had voiced a refusal, but even as my lips parted, all I did was exhale air and stand still, as though waiting for him.

He didn’t give me long to think and change my mind, and suddenly, I didn’t feel like there was any need. I should have fought against the urge, but I kissed him instead, standing on my tiptoes as I took his face between my hands and touched my mouth to his.

Almost immediately, I felt like my body was on fire.

When was the last time I kissed someone? I couldn’t remember. I also couldn’t remember if it had ever been this good.

His lips pressed against mine, almost softly. And, instead of pushing him away, I pushed into him, pressing the kiss harder so anything even remotely soft was wiped away. His lips moved a little rough against mine, and I couldn’t help a moan as I tilted my head for the right angle, nipping at his lip as he pressed my body back against the wall. I parted my mouth to run my tongue along his lower lip, and he groaned low in his throat, his mouth opening for me, his tongue coming out to tangle with mine.

I wasn’t sure how long the kiss went on for, but it could have been hours, and I might not have noticed. We panted through the kiss, our mouths and tongues pressing together, then we parted, but not for long before we were locked together at the mouth once more. His tongue slid between my teeth to map the inside of my mouth, and I sucked on it with a low moan. He pressed even closer, bringing our hips together, and I bucked a little into him when I felt him hot and hard as he pressed against my abdomen.

Damn, when was the last time I had a guy make me this hot? It felt like it had been too long.

Then it occurred to me that this wasn’t just some guy but Jerrik that I was kissing, and I went cold as realization hit me.

I froze and pressed my palms against his chest, even as he continued to kiss me, and I pushed him back. He was bigger than me, stronger, but the shock was enough to have him stumble back. There was a moment where our eyes locked together, and I gasped. His pupils were blown, his eyes dark with desire and confusion. I could tell, even without him saying it, that he wanted to continue, probably take it back to his room. But I couldn’t.

“I’ll see you later, Jerrik,” I said quickly as my eyes flitted away.

I turned to leave, and that time he didn’t stop me. I felt almost disappointed, before shoving that part of me down, feeling annoyed.

I should have known better.

I should have just stayed away from him.

I knew that the attraction was too strong and that kiss just made it even harder to stay away from him. Holy crap! I was in trouble. Big fucking trouble.