Cherry Creek - Dani Matthews Page 0,49

rid me of my panties as I yank the belt out of the loops of his jeans so I can unfasten the top button, but instead, he goes completely still against me.

One minute I'm working to free him of his jeans, and the next, Trace is yanking my hem back down over my hips, and he's physically pushing me away from him. I stumble back slightly and sway. I can't see his expression, but I peer at him with puzzlement anyway. Why are we stopping? “What's wrong?” I ask breathlessly.

I see him run his hand through his hair as he swears softly. “Look, you're hot as hell, but Khristos will kill me if I have sex with you.”

That's why we're stopping? I smile and walk up to him. “I don't plan on telling him,” I promise as I reach out to finish unzipping his jeans.

Trace grabs my wrist firmly. “Livvy, stop.”

“Why?” I ask with confusion. “No one needs to know.”

“This isn't like you, are you drunk?” he asks tightly.

“I had one drink. Tatum gave it to me.”

He mutters something under his breath and shoves my hand away from his body. His hand slides against the wall, and a second later the light in the foyer turns on. I blink at the sudden brightness and find Trace's face inches from mine. He holds my chin in place, but it’s a struggle for him to keep me there, because I keep trying to jerk my face from his grip so I can look at his body. He holds my head prisoner and peers into my eyes. I give up trying to see his body and instead push my head forward so I can kiss him, but Trace jerks back abruptly. His eyes darken to a charcoal gray as I see barely veiled anger within their depths.

I shrink back. The need I'd felt for him moments ago fades with my bewilderment. “Did I do something wrong?” I whisper as I stare up at him.

His jaw clenches briefly before his eyes soften. “No. You haven't done anything wrong,” he assures me quietly. “Let's go get you a little something for your head.”

“My head?” For once it's not bothering me.

“Yeah. You're drunk off of whatever Tatum gave you. It'll make your head hurt in the morning, so let's get you a little something now to save you from a really bad hangover.”

“But...” My eyes run over his bare chest with longing. He's broad and powerful, with defined muscles that urge me to run my fingers over them. I lick my swollen lips, and I can still taste Trace on them. I feel that burn within me beginning to spread again.

“Nothing's happening, Livvy,” Trace says firmly as he leans down to grab his shirt off the floor. I'm disappointed. Like really, really disappointed. I watch as he jerks the shirt over his head, and that beautiful chest disappears under the material. He quickly fastens the button of his jeans, then bends down and retrieves his belt off the floor. “Go up to your room, and I'll grab something for your head,” he tells me as he straightens up.

“I have some stuff in my room,” I mutter as I realize I have no way to ease this burning inferno that's been awakened inside me. I look at him with feverish bewilderment. How do I regain control of my body? Why is this happening to me?

“This is better, I promise. Go,” he says gently.

When I realize he'll be coming up to my bedroom, I perk up. I might be able to change his mind. “Okay,” I say immediately as I turn and walk away, making sure my hips sway a little more than usual. I hear him mutter a curse under his breath, and I smile. As soon as I reach my room, I leave the door open as I turn on the light. I quickly take off the heels and shimmy out of the dress. I'm left in just my white, lacy bra and lace panties.

When Trace walks in, I'm standing there, waiting for him. He has a bottle of water in one hand and a white pill in the other. He averts his gaze when he sees me. “Take this,” he orders.

“What am I doing wrong?” I whisper with frustration. Why does he no longer want me?

Trace meets my questioning gaze with strained eyes. “Take the pill, and then we'll talk.”

I take the pill, swallowing it down with a sip of water. I look at him