My Rebound (On My Own #2) - Carrie Ann Ryan Page 0,38

could be a different person. I could figure out who I was. But I couldn’t be casual about it.

There was nothing casual about who I was, and I hoped Pacey understood that.

I looked in the mirror again, noticed the bruised and swollen lips, and I let the sheet fall. My nipples were still hard, a little darker than before as if swollen from Pacey’s mouth. I had slight bruises on my hips from where his fingers had dug in as he pounded into me from behind. I knew he likely had bruises on his back and his arms as well because I had held on for dear life as we rode each other into oblivion.

It was the sweetest, softest, and yet hardest sex I had ever had in my life—and all at once.

Pacey was a conundrum, and I had fallen right into it. And now, I wasn’t sure I wanted to get back out again.

I let out a sigh. I needed to get through my day. And we at least needed to have this conversation so I could move on to wondering what I was going to do next about everything in my life. And not just Pacey.

I went about my business and used the spare toothbrush he had. I hoped that it wasn’t one he had for random girls he had over, but that would be none of my business. Maybe he just had spares for when he needed to replace his. I would go with that. After all, I did the same thing. I pulled out a brush from my backpack and ran it through my hair, and then piled it on the top of my head. I jumped into the shower, looked around at the gorgeousness of the stall, and wondered how on earth the guys could afford this place. It was stunning. Everything looked intricate and nearly antique.

I was a little jealous.

I turned on the tap, and it immediately began to steam. I smiled, letting the hot water soothe my aching muscles. I poured some of Pacey’s soap into my hands and ran it over my body. It smelled just like him, that scent of sandalwood and man, and I pressed my legs together.

Now, I would smell like him all day after washing off the scent of sex.

Maybe this had been a mistake.

Not last night, but this moment.

I rinsed off and used the plush towel he had set out, wrapping it around my body.

I had a spare travel kit in my backpack because I never knew when I might need it, and quickly put on some concealer, mascara, and a little lip gloss. I didn’t need to look perfect for the day, but I needed to look as if I had gotten more than two hours of sleep. Pacey had kept me up most of the night.

I needed to go back to my house later anyway to pick up my books and notes for the classes that I had, ones I had with Pacey. So, while I would have to do a slight walk of shame to my house in the clothes I had worn the day before, I wouldn’t have to run into the school.

I tucked my underwear into my backpack and slid on my leggings without them. I put on my bra and tank top, a shirt over it, and called it a day.

I looked... different. A little more relaxed, maybe? No, I was still as high-strung as ever.

I honestly wasn’t sure what I felt.

Maybe talking to Pacey would help.

I packed my bag and went downstairs, steeling myself for the inevitable conversation that I knew needed to happen, though I wasn’t sure what I would say.

I was also afraid of who would be around because I didn’t know everybody’s schedule. For all I knew, there could be a gigantic study group of fifteen people I didn’t know, and one or more of Pacey’s roommates, staring, judging. Waiting.

And yet, when I went down to the living room and looked around, there was no one else.

“Everyone’s at school. It’s just us,” Pacey said from the kitchen. The smell of coffee and something on the stove that smelled savory filled my nose, and I made my way to the kitchen.

“Oh,” I said and cursed under my breath. “I know other words other than oh. Good morning,” I said.

I stood next to Pacey, my hands on the kitchen island. He just smiled at me and then leaned forward and brushed a kiss against my lips. My toes curled