“What the fuck, Xander? You scared me half to death. What the hell do you want?” Exasperated, I continue before he can get in a word, throwing my arms up in the air. “What will it be today? Scare tactics? Intimidation? Embarrassment? Want to chase me through the woods again?”
“Again?”
“Whatever. It won’t have quite the same effect considering I’ve already seen you this time.”
“You’re really pissed, aren’t you?” His voice rumbles out low and full of gravel. As he studies me, his jaw twitches.
And damn my eyes, because they follow every move of that chiseled deliciousness.
I shake my head, needing to think straight, then realize what he’s asked. “How could I not be? Do you have any idea what it’s been like for me since I started here?”
He reaches for my arm, his strong fingers encircling just below my elbow. I yank it free, holding it close to my chest.
He groans, visibly frustrated, then mumbles under his breath, “Oh, for fuck’s sake.” Running his hands through his hair, he clasps them over the top of his head while walking in a small circle, looking up at the sky.
I watch his chest rise and fall. He seems agitated.
Not my fault, buddy.
He blows out a breath, his gaze connecting with mine again. “I’msorry.”
I blink. Once, twice, three times.
“Did you hear me? I said I’m sorry.” He steps closer. “I’m sorry.”
“I heard you, Xander. But honestly? I don’t believe you.” I’m so irritated my lip trembles.
His hands tilt my face to his as his mouth crashes to mine in a dizzying kiss. He lets out a low, desperate sound as his lips rub against mine.
His tongue swipes over my lower lip, and like an idiot, I open my mouth for him. He’s ravenous, eagerly exploring every square inch of my mouth. I’m overwhelmed by this sudden shift, trapped in the madness, unable to push him away. Instead, I clutch at his chest, grabbing his T-shirt. I can’t think, and I’m being taken over by his touch, his scent, his taste. He’s waging a war—and winning.
His hands trail down, rough fingertips caressing my neck, teasing my skin. Desire courses through my system, thick and smoldering hot. He rubs his palms over my breasts, smiling against my mouth when he finds my nipples are already hard enough to cut glass. He nips at my lower lip, making me gasp.
And just like that, his lips leave mine. At close range, he stares into my eyes. “You may not believe me. You may even think you hate me. But youwantme.” He smirks like he’s just learned something very important about me, which he has. Because dammit, my bodydoeswant him. There’s never been any denying that, not since the first day I met him.
He backs away, then turns and takes off jogging back toward the school.
Motherfucker.
* * *
After Xander left, I’d run myself hard. So hard, I’d damn near exhausted myself. When I get to the locker room and hit the shower, I make it super quick. I will forevermore be leery of the stupid locker room and whether I’m the last one inside. I’ll never be left alone here again. I scrub furiously, trying to rid myself of the feel of his hands on me. If you’d told me a week ago that I’d end today sucking face with Xander freaking Grey, I’d have laughed at you. And now I just want to scream. He’d fucking played me. Said he was sorry, all so he could make me melt. Then turned around and pointed out that I want him before running off like a total dick.
My body had completely betrayed me too, going all gooey and soft, wanting to taste his mouth and feel his wild hands on me. Truth be told, I’d wanted even more than he gave me, and once again, I don’t know what would have happened if he hadn’t pulled away first. Not only is he capable of embarrassing me, but dammit, I’d embarrassedmyself.
I finish up and pull my towel over the door of the shower stall. As I dry off, I roll my eyes at the lengths I have to go since the naked-without-a-towel incident. I’m to the point where I leave my bag and all of my clothes locked inside my locker, and the towel stays where I can see it instead of being placed on the hook outside.Call me paranoid.Really, though, I’m just trying to save myself from a second round of humiliation.
Chapter 22
“How was your day, sweetheart?” My uncle hands me a plate with one of the steaks he just took off the grill.
“Thank you.” I hesitate for a fraction of a second too long. “Um, it was good.” My eyes flick up to Aunt Liz to find her watching me like a hawk. “I had a good run today, too.” And Xander tastes like the sweetest sin, but he’s a total dickhead.
“You’re sure everything is okay?”
I cut off a hunk of my steak and pop it into my mouth, chewing slowly before answering. I force myself to think about something other than Xander’s firm, masculine lips devouring my mouth. Instead, I think about the good things that have happened since I got to school.Focus on that.“Yeah. I like my job. And I’m getting to know Max and Daphne pretty well. They’re both awesome. My teachers are pretty cool. I didn’t think I was going to like Mrs. Harden, my English teacher, at first because I thought she was a strict you-know-what.” One side of my mouth tips up as I try not to smirk. “But she’s actually nice.”
Aunt Liz laughs. “I am pretty sure your mother had her for English when she was there.”