Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27770 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 139(@200wpm)___ 111(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Guilt consumes me and my voice shakes when I speak. “I’m not perfect,” I say, dreading the next few moments. I’m about to ruin everything, especially when Brent sees the mark on my neck. It’s a mark of pure passion and one that didn’t come from him. He’ll never understand the need I felt last night. I had to get him out of my mind. Did it work? Not at all.
Brent slides his hands up my arms and cups my cheeks. His lips are warm and sensual when they touch mine. I give in and open to him, letting him claim me.
“That kiss was perfect,” Brent whispers, kissing me again. He wraps his arms around me, pulling me in tight. I don’t want him to let me go but it doesn’t change the fact that he’s still going home soon.
“We can’t do this,” I say, trying to pull away only he doesn’t let me. “Long distance will never work.”
Brent nods and holds me closer. “I know. That’s why I’m going to stay.”
My mouth drops in shock. Did I hear him right?
“Stay? As in here in Portland?”
He nods again. “I don’t want to wonder what could’ve been anymore. I’ve always wanted you, Scotlyn. There has never been a day when I haven’t thought of you. And then, when I saw you here, I knew it was my second chance.” He brushes his thumb over my lips. “I just didn’t think you’d want to be with someone like me.”
My eyes burn as the tears fall down my cheeks. “You’re exactly what I want, Brent.” The knots in my stomach twist and turn. “But I don’t deserve you. Not after what I’ve done.”
His brows furrow when I take his hands off my face.
“What are you talking about?”
I step back so he can see my body, especially the spot on my neck I was trying to hide.
“I did something, Brent. Something you’re not going to be happy about.”
He moves closer and touches the hickey on my neck. “What did you do?”
Before I can even answer, he places a finger on my lips, his eyes searching mine. Then he kisses me with an urgency I’ve never felt before. I melt in his arms, and he moans into my mouth. All I want is for him to take me here and now, but why would he want to? I had sex with another man last night.
I gasp and try to pull away. “What are you doing? Do you not see the mark on my neck? I was with another man last night.”
Brent’s chest rises and falls with his rapid breaths. The look in his eyes is one of outright raw passion. He glances down at my lips then at the mark on my neck. “I’ve tasted you before, Scotlyn. I know we kissed the other night when you dropped me off at my hotel and I feel like such an idiot for not recognizing it sooner. But that wasn’t the first time.”
It’s like a spark goes off in my mind. What he says is true. His touch is familiar. His kiss is familiar.
“Did you go back to your hotel after our date last night?” I ask.
Brent’s gaze never wavers from mine. “No. And I know you didn’t, either.” He touches the hickey on my neck again. “I was with someone last night. And I remember marking her in this exact same spot.” His hands trail down my arms to my waist. “Even though I never saw you in the Dark Room, I’m smart enough to recognize the feel of your body.”
“Oh my God.” I close a hand over my mouth. “I was with you both times. I took your virginity.”
Brent smiles. “And I’m so glad you did. I wish you knew how nervous I was and still am.” He looks away and sighs. “I didn’t join the club to go in there and have sex all the time. I was hoping it’d give me the courage to take things to the next level with you.” He turns back to me. “I didn’t want to let you down. I thought being more experienced would help me.”
I cup his cheeks. “You never had to worry about that, Brent,” I say, slowly stepping away from him. I slide off my skirt and underwear and unhook my bra, letting it fall to the floor. “I would’ve been more than happy to teach you.”
Brent’s eyes darken with need. “You still can. I have a lot to learn.”
I climb up onto the bed. “Then what are you waiting for. It’s time we do this in the light.”
Watching Brent take off his clothes causes everything inside of me tighten. He comes over to the side of the bed and trails a finger down my neck and between my breasts. His hands are warm as he runs them down my legs to spread them, caressing my thighs.