Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(111)



I want Ellie to be happy, too. I’m sure she’s stressing about how this will work out. It pains me knowing that she was shocked by James’s appearance in her life. I honestly thought she knew about the post. I feel like a jackass for not bringing it up sooner. I could’ve saved her from that surprise. I know how much she detests them.

The thought of Ellie and James building a relationship in order to take care of their daughter makes me want to puke. The pain shoots through my chest again, my heart constricting. I don’t want to lose her, but I can see how this could be a good thing for her and Bianca.

Part of me wishes he’s a douchebag and makes Ellie hate him. That would be more beneficial to me. I could come in and pick up the pieces.

If only it were that easy. The problem with that is I don’t want Ellie or Bianca to be hurt by this man. I want them to be happy. No matter what that means for me.

On the other hand, what if he really does want to experience all that? To see how great Bianca is. What if I don’t get to be part of that anymore?

It’s a selfish thought, I know. And it’s not something I really want to contemplate right now.

My phone vibrates on the table. I reach for it and hesitantly glance at the screen.

Ellie: I met with James. It went well. Better than I thought it would. He’s a nice guy and he’s willing to do this at my pace.

I stare, not sure what I’m feeling. Although I want to be cold and unaffected, it’s not happening. Not with Ellie. I’ve spent the last two months falling in love with her. No. Actually, I think I’ve spent the last sixteen years falling in love with her. If only James would’ve showed up two months ago, I think I could’ve walked away.

Kingston: Glad it went well.

Ellie: I was wondering if you’d want to come over tonight.

I don’t respond right away. I try to convince myself that staying away from her is the right thing to do. When that doesn’t work, I try to convince myself that my body craves hers and that’s all this is. If we keep this about sex, I might get through it. Why shouldn’t I reap the benefits? That was our agreement, right?

Kingston: Depends.

Ellie: On?

Kingston: What are you wearing?

She doesn’t answer me back for several minutes. I wonder if I’ve pissed her off.

Ellie: Depends.

Kingston: On?

Ellie: Are you coming over or not? If you are, I’m wearing nothing. If you aren’t, I’ll keep my leggings and my sweater on.

Damn. I like the idea of her naked and waiting for me. Okay, not completely naked.

Kingston: Keep your panties on. But nothing else.

Ellie: Okay. And so you know, Bianca’s spending the night with Gabby, so we’ve got the house to ourselves.

Very good to know. It makes it even easier to pretend this is nothing more than a booty call. Which it is. Definitely.

Kingston: Thanks for telling me. Now I don’t have to worry about how loud I make you scream my name. I want you to be playing with your * when I get there. Can you do that for me, Ellie?

Ellie: Mmm-hmm

Kingston: Good girl. I’m on my way.

Ellie: There goes the sweatshirt. The leggings are next.

I don’t even bother to grab a coat as I make my way out to my truck and head over to Ellie’s.

I’m sure I break more than a few traffic laws on the way, and it doesn’t bother me in the least. Maybe this isn’t going to be the love that lasts a lifetime, but for now, it can certainly be the lust that sets off the smoke alarms.





45

Ellie

Lying in my bed, I stare up at the ceiling, nervously waiting for Kingston to arrive. I did as I told him I would. I removed all of my clothes with the exception of my panties. When he first made the suggestion, I was a little nervous. Then, when I crawled on the bed and slipped my hand beneath them, my room suddenly got warm. The more I thought about him, the warmer it got.

I definitely don’t mind where he has taken tonight. I think his head is in the same place mine is right now, and I’m happy about that. After my meeting with James today, I’ve been an emotional wreck. I haven’t confronted Bianca about the Facebook post yet, and I know I can’t until I’m willing to introduce her to her father. Which I’m not. Not yet, anyway.

So, the fact that Kingston didn’t drill me about how the meeting went was perfect. Him turning this into something sexual was even better. I know that’s what I’m supposed to want from him. After all, that was the agreement. I would be his pretend girlfriend for the sake of his reputation, and during the course of our time together, he is going to kinkify me in exchange for having to dance on my bar. So far, he’s held up his end of the bargain, but tonight I need something that will take my mind off everything. The kinkier, the better.

Kingston: I’m about to open your bedroom door. You better be fingering yourself.

My breath hitches as I read the words.

I don’t answer, but I’m smiling when my bedroom door opens. Granted, my smile disappears the instant his eyes rake over me. The way he looks at me warms me to my very soul. His gaze meets mine first, then slowly trails down my body, pausing where my hand is working beneath the red lace of my panties.

“Fuck,” he mumbles, turning to lock the bedroom door.

Heat churns through me, making my thighs squeeze together. I work my index finger over my clit, moving in slow circles. I’m worked up simply from his text messages, so I’m trying to hold back. I feel a little vulnerable as I lie here while he’s completely dressed and observing my masturbation session. It’s unnerving and fiercely sexy at the same time.

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