deeply as I wash my face and let the breath out as soon as I realize what I’m doing. His spicy sent is undeniably appetizing. What is this attraction? Because let’s face it, there is something about Kent that buzzes and lives like a pulse. It’s alive between us. But just because something feels new and exciting doesn’t mean it has a right to. Not for the first time I remind myself of my handsome, irresponsible addict father. He cheated on Mom all the time. He went out and didn’t come home, and he dragged Mom down with him. If you let them men will drag you down with them, because they can’t fail alone. Their failures aren’t dignified unless they take someone with them.
I refused to let Kent turn me into another one of his failures.
He’s sitting at the kitchen table nursing a mug of coffee when I come in. He drinks it slowly, as if everything hurts. He looks up at me and quickly looks away.
He remembers. I’m hot all over again as I crack open a cold soda. I down it and let the bubbles burn my nose, peeking at him like a fiend. All he has on is a pair of black cargo shorts, and his muscular back and chest are exposed and subject to my ogling. His gold hair is adorably mussed. Every sip he takes he cringes.
“Hurting?” I guess.
“Let’s cut to the chase. You’re acting weird. What did I say last night? I can’t remember anything after I ordered the fifth shot.”
“You don’t remember anything at all?”
He frowns deeply. “No. I can’t even remember getting home.”
My relief is tangible. “I drove you.”
“What did I tell you?” His eyes delve into me, searching for something.
He can’t remember what he told me about his ex-fiancée last night. If I let him know I’m out of here. “Nothing, I promise. Okay,” I relent, when he gives me a doubtful expression. “You made out with my cheek and grabbed my ass on the way up the stairs.”
He stares at me. “That’s all?”
“You need more? You nibbled on my earlobe.”
He still won’t stop watching me. “I don’t nibble. I bite.”
“Well, you nibbled on me, and by the sound of it you wanted more.”
“Did you?”
I look him right in the eye. “No.”
He looks relieved, but something in the back of his gaze tightens. “I’m sorry I crashed your job. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll throw you a party this weekend.”
I refrain from groaning. This boy doesn’t quit! The last thing I want is another party with more alcohol and Auburn Hair. “Sure, Kent. You want something to eat?”
“Soup. There’s this good pho place around the corner.”
The mention of food makes me yearn. “Your treat?” I check.
He finally cracks a small smile. “Sure, Raina. My treat.”
Right as I’m locking the apartment door he grabs my hand and turns me towards him. “Tell me the truth. What did I say to you last night?”
If I don’t say something he’ll know I’m lying. He clearly thinks he said something. “You told me I deserved better than the couch and that you wanted to kiss me. And you touched me like this.” I reach over and gently drag my knuckles down his handsome cheek.
He closes his eyes in dismay. “I said that?”
“You did.”
“Shit.” He opens his eyes and scratches his face where I touched him. “I was drunk…”
“I know. You also spilled beer all over your shirt and slept in the break room. I didn’t take anything you said or did seriously.” Mostly.
“Damn it!” he roars. “I’m sorry. Sometimes I get like that. I want to forget.” He looks at me, narrowing his eyes. “Anyway, it won’t happen again. I’ll stay away from your job.”
“You don’t have to stay away.” Although I don’t mention how much that idea comforts me. Kent at work, Kent at home, and now Kent’s lips on my ear. Kent is everywhere. We need some distance. I sigh, because we’re going to lunch, and that is most certainly not distance.
When we get in my car I can see him trying to remember last night. He knows he said more. I reach over and turn the radio on, hoping some music will distract him as I drive to the Vietnamese restaurant around the corner. It is aggravatingly packed with bodies. Kent and I wait in the small air-conditioned space. I notice how girls pause and stare at him. He doesn’t appear to be aware today. He plays on his