Rush: The Season (Austin Arrows Book 1)(58)

I can only imagine. I’ve seen Kingston with his brothers. The word competitive doesn’t even begin to describe it. I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Kingston’s mother. She passed away shortly after Kingston started college. She died from complications of pneumonia. Based on how her sons turned out, she was a great mom.

For a few minutes, Kingston is quiet, and I find myself staring up at his face. Neither of us are looking away, and the tension seems to be pulling my body closer. The heat that glimmers in his eyes makes me want to lose my inhibitions and give in to this man.

I remember the bet. It instantly makes me think of the way Kingston’s hand is leisurely running down my back, over the curve of my butt. If I’m not careful, I’m going to find myself in a dark closet letting this man…

I shake off the thought and look away, choosing to take this to safer ground. “So, do you think it’s been a good turnout?”

Kingston looks around. “Hopefully. I know Spencer is being run through the ringer. They’ve got him socializing with everyone.”

That they do. Hell, he was even chatting it up with the governor earlier. Although he’s putting on a really good show, I can tell he’s extremely edgy. More so than I’ve ever seen him. For people who don’t know him well, he’s good at hiding it. I’m his sister… I see these things.

Personally, I would’ve preferred to leave a long time ago. Not only because I’m not a fan of public events like this but also because I think I need to put a little distance between Kingston and myself. I can’t seem to stop the carnal thoughts running through my head, and I fear if I don’t get some distance, I’m going to do something stupid.

Like sleep with him.

Not that sleeping with him would be stupid. It would probably be fantastic. But it would also be more than I can handle. I’ve never been the casual-sex kind of girl, and when it comes to Kingston, the only thing it can be is casual. He’s my friend, first and foremost. I’m doing him a favor because he asked me to. Well, technically my brother asked, but still. It’s not supposed to turn into something more. More importantly, I’m not supposed to expect anything more.

It wouldn’t be fair to Kingston or to me.

Now, I need to figure out how to bow out gracefully tonight without letting on that I’m ready to jump this guy’s bones.





21

Kingston

I’m not sure who’s more on edge, Ellie or Spencer. Both of them are acting strange tonight.

For the past couple of hours, I’ve witnessed Spencer damn near break out in hives from having to talk to so many people. If they would’ve asked him to go up on stage, I’m pretty sure he would’ve passed out.

As for Ellie, I think I make her nervous.

I can see that, though. I mean, I did practically maul her when I arrived at her house earlier, but I hadn’t been able to resist the kiss. On top of that, we’ve got the bet hanging between us. I’m sure she’s expecting me to jump her any second and strip that sexy f*cking dress right off her body.

I’d like to, sure. But that’s certainly not my intention.

Not tonight, anyway. And that isn’t a decision I came to lightly.

You don’t know how badly I want to spend the night with her, to sink so deep into her body that she only remembers my name… I’m trying to hold back for her benefit. I intend to make love to her at some point, but I certainly don’t want her to think that it’s only because of a bet. When she’s ready, she’ll let me know. Until then, I’m planning to be the perfect gentleman. Even if it does make my nuts turn cobalt.

Now, as we sit in the back of the limousine—alone—I think she’s debating on whether or not she should jump out of the moving vehicle. Ever since Spencer said he needed to stay a little while longer, Ellie has been sneaking glances at me. The kind meant to gauge my next move.

The ride to her house takes about half an hour, and I watch as Ellie fidgets the entire way. I thought about bringing up the bet, but I’m not sure what to say to her. The fact that I want to sleep with her isn’t something I can deny. Nor is it something I intend to play off as though it’s little more than a game. When the time is right, I’ll make my move. But right now, I think Ellie needs a little time to process whatever it is that has her clenching her hands together and tapping her feet.

When the car stops, the driver opens the door and I exit, then help Ellie out.

“Give us a minute,” I tell the driver so that he’ll get back in the car. I don’t need an audience when I kiss this woman good night.

And I fully intend to kiss her good night.

“You don’t have to walk me to the door,” she says as she practically sprints up the sidewalk.

I don’t respond. I can’t. I’m ready to laugh, but I’m trying to hold back. She’s so damn cute when she’s nervous.

Once she has the door unlocked, I reach for her arm, spinning her around so that her back is against the wood and I’m crowding her. Without a word, I cup her cheek and press my lips to hers. She tastes like champagne, sweet and addicting.

“Thanks for going with me tonight,” I say, my lips brushing hers.

I pull back enough to meet her gaze. Her eyes are wide, and I know she’s thinking the same thing I am. Sex right now … would be hotter than hell.