Rogue Devil (The Rourkes #11) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,26
which is not how I usually operate. The fact is, I care enough about her I’m not going to get in her way. She needs to focus on her studies. She’s going to do great things with her life. I’d just be a distraction.
And isn’t that the most important reason to keep my distance? Beyond the family connection fallout, her ex, and the almost certain fact that I’d screw up a relationship—I’m never going to do anything as great as she is with her life. She’s made it clear that she has a long, hard journey ahead of her with no space for a relationship. It’s why she turned down her ex’s proposal. Chloe is on a quest. And my job is to step aside, keeping the path clear for her to continue on her heroic journey.
The only logical solution to her neighborly temptation is for me to go out as much as possible. Just never be home. I’m tired just thinking about it, but it’s the right thing to do.
Chloe
It’s Friday night, and I’m trying to relax after an exhausting first week at my internship. Of course I’m grateful just to be part of any research at such a cutting-edge facility. On the other hand, the lead researcher, Dr. Ruhan, doesn’t know me well and started me on the most mind-numbingly rote work. I know you have to start at the bottom, every person on the team has an important role, blah, blah, blah. But I was doing more advanced work in high school. On Monday, I hope to get a moment to remind her of my research credentials. I’ve already been published as co-author with professors in two medical journals.
I set my empty bowl of ramen on the coffee table and flip channels restlessly. Giving up, I turn off the TV. I hear footsteps going down the hallway and my ears perk up. Is it Brendan? He doesn’t seem to be home much. I’m here every night after work, and I never hear anything from next door. I think he goes out every night. Not like it’s my business.
I’ll read. There’s plenty of research coming out of the cancer center where I’m working that I haven’t read yet. I get my laptop, a glass of water, and curl up on the sofa for a deep dive into science. Three articles later, I’m actually tenser than I was when I got home. Maybe some music would help? Or I could get Blaze to take the edge off with a nice solid orgasm. Now there’s a plan.
I head to the bedroom, lock the door, even though it’s just me here, strip out of my jeans and panties, and climb in bed. I’m feeling more relaxed already. I pull Blaze out of the nightstand and let him work his magic. Ahhh, yeah, that is good. I close my eyes, pleasure spiraling through me. Sky blue eyes gleam in my mind and my eyes fly open in alarm. Brendan can’t be part of the fantasy anymore. He’s right next door! I’m trying to forget he exists! Who else do I got? I search my mental inventory and settle on that swaggering guy from The Fast and the Furious.
Ahhh…so much better. I close my eyes again, settling into the mattress. A sexy smile with a dimple flashes through my mind. Next! Manly form leaning against my doorframe, arms crossed, bulging biceps. Okay, okay. Let’s face facts. I haven’t been with a guy in a while. That’s the only reason my mind keeps going back to Brendan, the last guy I spent time with. I don’t need a guy. That’s why I have Blaze.
I’ll just keep my eyes open and focus on Blaze. A wonderful invention for the independent woman. Back to business. Serious stuff. I stare at the ceiling, refusing to think of him, waiting for the pleasure to return. At this rate, I’m going to run out of battery power. Oh. Okay. Getting there.
Yes. Yes. Yes. Faster, faster. I need to outrun memories. More power, Blaze!
I cry out harshly as my release slams into me. I pant as I ease back to reality, slowing down the vibrating power and finally turning it off.
A sharp knock on the front door startles me. I uncouple from my trusty boyfriend, leap out of bed, and quickly dress. My panties are damp, but what can you do. Hopefully I don’t look like I just got off.