Chapter 38
ALEX
What’s more annoying, waking up next to a woman who used to hate me, or not being able to kiss her?
Both.
Also, the fact that she’s gorgeous; I want her like I’ve never wanted anyone before, and I can’t have her. That’s essentially what’s driving me crazy. She’s cute, so tiny we both fit on her couch, and it was so easy to just fall asleep with her.
It all started with her usual order of Chinese food followed by a marathon of Marvel movies. In theory, it sounded like a great idea up until now when it wasn’t.
Or maybe not, I amend, as I press her closer to my body, enjoying the feel of her soft curves against my hard muscles. Bruno and Draco aren’t around. I bet those two slept in their favorite spot—her bed.
Should I tell her the truth? I’ve been sleeping in her bed for the past year. It’s more comfortable and... I’m pathetic.
“Did I fall asleep?” she asks, yawning but not opening her eyes.
Nuzzling her hair, I fight the urge to kiss her. “Uh-huh.”
Why didn’t I try this back when I met her? Just staying next to her after…let’s not think about it. My lips almost touch her ear but not quite. I’m two seconds away from breaking the one promise I made.
Just friends.
It’d be so easy to slide my hand inside her sweatshirt. Fuck, this is pure torture.
“You’re comfortable,” she declares, resting her head on my chest. “I have to go to bed, don’t I?”
“Probably, if you’re planning on sleeping longer. I have to walk the guys, and then head to the gym,” I explain.
One thing is for sure, I have to leave soon, before she punches me for overstepping, because I’m seconds from losing my restraint. It’s fucking hard to ignore the air crackling around us.
The tension. The need. It’s always like this when we’re together. Not sure what I hate the most, that my brothers were right or that I have to stop myself. Ruining the chance to convince her that we can be more isn’t an option.
“At midnight?” she whines, hugging my waist. “You’re too comfortable, don’t leave me yet.”
Her raspy voice, the warmth of her breath and her hands are breaking my self-control. If I don’t get out of here now, I’m going to do something I’ll regret. Like tangling my fingers in her hair and claiming her mouth. I stiffen and push her slightly.
“It’s almost six, babe,” I announce, working on untangling myself from her. “Go to bed.”
“No, no!” Her eyes flutter open, and she springs off of the couch and disappears into her room. “I have an article due today.”
“Do you want to come to the gym with me?” I’m not sure why I offer.
No, that’s not true, I know. It’s because I want to spend more time with her. Hannah comes out of her room. I can’t interpret the glint in her eyes. Is she turned on and trying to hide it or upset because I spent the night with her?
It was an accident, but this sweet woman can be vicious if I upset her.
“Are you okay?” I ask, trying to understand what I’m facing.
“Of course, it’s just…I’m going to have to write about our failed date from last night,” she declares, twisting her lips.
“Failed?” I frown. “Your expectations are high, unicorn.”
“We fell asleep,” she reminds me. “That doesn’t scream excitement and sparks, does it?”
“Before falling asleep, did you have fun?”
She opens her mouth, then closes it and moves her lips from side to side. “You should leave,” she says in a quiet voice, and now I’m fucking confused.
“What, no kiss goodnight?” I tease her.
“Out,” she snaps irritably. “We have an agreement. Just friends. I—”
“You want me to leave, so you can call your little friend and talk about your hot date,” I say, not bothering to keep the amusement out of my voice.
“Out,” she repeats, pissed.
I take the leash and hook the guys into it before telling her. “Be ready, tonight we’re going out.”
“Where are we going?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s a surprise,” I say with a laugh, because for a woman who’s complaining about our date, she sounds not only curious but excited. “I’ll be back around noon, unless you want me to take them to work.”
“Work?” She blinks a couple of times. “Where is your shop? More importantly, where would you put them?”
“We built a special glass room for them. They’re safe and close to me.” I pull out a business card and give it to her. “In case you want to visit me.”
Narrowing her gaze, she steps closer to me.
“Why the suspicious look?”
“I’m onto you, Alexander Spearman. One misstep and…”
“I’m on my best behavior, Hades,” I reassure her.
“F-r-i-e-n-d-s and without benefits.” She lifts a warning finger. “This isn’t a joke.”
I chuckle and caress her jaw with the back of my hand, bending close to her. “At least accept it. You had a good time last night.”
Her eyes shine, and her lips part. I feel her need, the pull. It’d be too easy to give in to the moment. I don’t give in because this time I know the price I’ll pay for being impulsive.
Kissing her nose, I say, “See you around.”
“Hey, stranger,” Hannah greets me, as she enters my office.
She looks around and smiles when she spots the glass room. It has a couple of cat trees, a bed, and plenty of toys for Bruno and Draco.
“That’s pretty cool.” She points toward it. “Where did you get the idea?”
“Jackson’s wife,” I explain. “She has a special place for her cats in her company. Sushi and Ramen are social and would rather go to her office than stay at home. She helped me set this up.”
“If I didn’t hate you, I would kiss you for being such a caring guy,” she says and pulls her tablet out of her messenger bag. “Since you care so much. What do you think?”
“About?” I ask curious. This is the first time she’s asked for my opinion.
“Well, I just feel like we need to publish something different before I share the sequence of dates we plan on having,” she explains. “In fact, I thought that perhaps I don’t need to meet anyone real. You and I can just make up stuff. What do you think?”
That you’re scared. But trying to get out of this dating stunt is impossible because your followers want more.
Instead of answering what I think, I read her article.