different person from the icy, aloof man I
usually saw. “Put it on my tab,” he announced.
“Enjoy yourselves!” He added, with a wink, “My
grandpa’s eager for grandkids, so we’ll take off.
Drinks are on me again after the wedding!”
As soon as we were outside, I pulled away from
Tom. He tightened his grip, lacing his fingers
through mine.
He chuckled. “Use me and then ditch me, huh?”
My cheeks burned. I couldn’t meet his eyes. I
felt awkward and clumsy around him. “Mr.
Anderson, thank you so much for helping me
back there.”
He looked at me, waiting. Finally, he said,
“And? Shouldn’t you be offering to buy me
dinner?”
I stared at him. He didn’t look like the type who needed anyone to buy him dinner. I couldn’t
<
8:19
possibly impose on his time.
His voice dropped, almost a whine. “So, you
won’t even buy me dinner?”
How could I say no after that?
764
I tried to pull my hand away again, but he
stopped me. “Ben and Amy are watching. Want
them to know we’re lying?”
I shook my head, not wanting to lose even a ‘
shred of dignity.
“I can help you,” he said softly. “If you’ll let
me.”
His voice, low and persuasive, washed over me
as he spoke. I nodded without thinking.
He leaned in, his breath warm with the scent of alcohol, and kissed me. His hand cupped the
back of my head, the other resting on my waist.
<
8:19
My mind went blank. I couldn’t remember what
he’d just said. I was only aware of the pressure of his lips, the heat of his body, and the burning
gaze I felt on my back.
Distantly, I heard Amy’s voice, laced with envy.
“Wow, Benny, looks like Lisa and Tom are the
real deal. So romantic.” Then, with a hint of
disbelief, “Who knew Mr. Cold–as–Ice could be
so… passionate? I always thought he wasn’t
into girls.”
The next thing I knew, Tom was carrying me to
his car, my legs weak beneath me. My head
spun like I’d been the one drinking. My mind
flashed back to the first time we’d been
together.
That night, I’d gotten a call from Ben’s number,
thinking he was in trouble. I rushed over, only to
find it was a prank. He’d left his phone
somewhere, and some guys had picked it up.
They’d pressured me into drinking, and
<
8:19
2000
764
someone had spiked my drink. By the time I realized, it was too late. I ran, bumping into Tom. Drunk and disoriented, I’d been bolder than usual. I’d thrown my arms around him and kissed him. His lips were soft, and he smelled… amazing.
I pulled away, the last vestiges of sanity clinging on. But Tom caught me, pulling me close. It was like he’d been holding back for a long time. The cool, sophisticated facade he showed the world crumbled. He was gentle, taking his time, guiding me through the experience.
The memory merged with the present. Tom’s
kiss deepened, and my legs gave way.
“Tom… we can’t,” I whispered.
He brushed his thumb across my lips, his voice husky. “Why not? We’re both single. And
everyone thinks you’re my girlfriend now.”
<
“But we…..” are pretending.
He didn’t let me finish. My protests were lost in
a rush of sensation.
I woke up to the sight of Tom’s face above me.
His long eyelashes, the curve of his lips… I’d
never really taken the time to look at him
properly before. He’d always seemed so
untouchable.
I carefully slid out of bed, gathering my scattered clothes, and hurried home.
Ben was waiting for me outside my apartment.
He saw me limping and grabbed my collar, pulling it down to reveal the marks Tom had left. His face contorted with rage.
