The Complete Quake Series Boxset - Jacob Chance Page 0,241

first became friends and when she moved in with Kyle things changed for us all.”

“Isn’t that the truth. I’m more than happy for them, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the good old days.”

“I hear you. We had some great times.” My eyes flick to meet hers. We stare at one another in silence. “There’s no reason why you and I can’t spend time together without Janny.”

“You want to hang out with me?” She tips her head to the side lowering her chin, our gazes still connected.

“Yes. Does this surprise you?”

“Maybe. We have this love - hate relationship, now.”

“Yeah, but I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be in this tug of war with than you.”

She smiles. “Good point.”

Once our plates are empty, I place them both on the small table by the large window. As I slip back under the covers beside Elle, I realize how tired I am. It’s been a long few days and I’m more than ready to fall asleep with her in my arms. When we wake up in the morning, making love will be the top priority - and convincing her to go on a date with me. I can’t wait to show her what it’s like to be spoiled and cherished by someone. She has no idea what she’s in for.

Rolling over to my side, I pull her into my arms. Her face against my neck, I can feel every little puff of warm air she expels. Our legs tangle while my hand wanders down to caress over the curve of her ass in her black lace panties. She threw one of my white t-shirts on and she looks hotter than any other woman would look in the sexiest lingerie.

Her arm wraps around my waist when she moves closer to me. There’s no way she can miss my hard on digging into her thigh. My dick is definitely ready to go again, but there will be plenty of time for that later. All I want now is to hold her in my arms for the night and wake with her still there.

Kissing the top of her head, I whisper, “goodnight, Elle. I’m glad you’re here with me.”

“Me too. Night,” she murmurs, sleepily.

The mattress dips, waking me from a satisfying sleep. Raising my head, I notice Elle rolling over. Swinging her legs to the floor, she climbs off the bed. She tugs my t-shirt off and wiggles her dress back on while I sit up on the edge of the mattress still half asleep. Walking around the bed, she pauses in front of me, smiling. “Thanks. I had a great time.” Leaning over, she places a chaste kiss on my cheek. “This can be our little secret, right?” she questions with a raised brow.

Anger begins to course through my veins.

How can she do this?

After last night, how can she act like it meant nothing to her?

Fuck her.

“It was only a fuck between friends, Elle. It would have to mean something for me to want to tell anyone.”

A look of sadness washes over her face. She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes. “See you whenever,” she says, before sauntering to the door.

Once it closes behind her, I fall to my back on the bed, staring up at the stark white ceiling. I’m one dumb motherfucker, for letting this happen. Scrubbing my hands over my face, I remind myself this is why Elle isn’t the girl for me.

Sometimes, we must learn our lessons the hard way.

Chapter Five

Elle

Closing the door to the hotel room behind me, I squeeze my eyes shut and lean back against the cool metal surface. My legs are shaking and I feel like I’m going to vomit. Wrapping an arm around my stomach, I take a deep breath to calm myself. I can feel the sting of tears in my nose and I don’t want to give in to the urge to cry. Once I start, I might never stop.

Walking away from Josh was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Every cell in my body cried out to remain with him. I wanted nothing more than for him to make love to me again. I knew if I stayed in his room for a second longer, I might never leave. Josh is a forever kind of guy and I’m not the person he’s meant to be with. He deserves the best - which will never be me.

Pushing off the door, I make my way toward the