A Mess of a Man (Cruel & Beautiful #2)(23)

As I take to the crowded sidewalks, my brain analyzes what occurred between us. Was I wrong? I’m reeling over the fact that he f*cked around on us and I didn’t know it. How many times and with how many women? But if I’m honest with myself, I don’t care anymore because the real truth is, I don’t care about Trevor. And why is that?

Weaving my way through the throng of people, I finally make it to a less crowded section of town and suck in a giant cleansing breath. I make it about a block and that’s when it happens. I take my eyes off of my bubble gum pink toenails and come face to face with Ben Rhoades.





Big hazel eyes meet mine and for a second, I can’t think beyond my next breath. My eyes drop to her kissable mouth and I lick my own until I remember myself. I want her, but more than I should. The weird ideas in my head have to stop, but the liquor coursing through me makes me feel bold.

I kick up my smile, which feels devilish even to me.

“Samantha.”

The innocence that turns her frown to a blushing smile makes my dick go on alert like a puppy at the door.

“Ben, I—”

I’m not ready to hear about the * she was with. So I cut her off. “It’s a nice night. But you really shouldn’t be out here alone.”

Her chin lifts in defiance and it’s cute.

“I don’t live far. I’m capable of walking home by myself.”

I raise my brows, accepting her challenge.

“Well, it’s a good thing I ran into you, because now you don’t have to.”

Without giving her a chance to argue, I take her hand in mine relishing the touch. “I know all about feminine rights and all that. But my mother raised me to be a good Southern boy. So let me walk you home.”

My charm is as thick as molasses. And she shakes her head in amusement.

“You are something else, Ben Rhoades.”

“That I am.”

Remembering where she lives, we walk in the direction of her house. Her hand is soft in mine. And suddenly I feel like a teenage boy on my first date. Get your shit together, Rhoades.

“It’s a beautiful night,” I say breaking the silence.

She shrugs and the lift of her shoulders draws my attention to her amazing chest. I blink because the alcohol in my system is f*cking with me.

“Tell me, Samantha, how did you end up on the streets of Charleston this late at night alone?”

It’s not really a test because I can come clean and tell her that I saw her earlier. Still, I’m curious what she’ll say. She’s quiet for a moment, too quiet.

“I could ask you the same.” Her eyes lock with mine and I feel lost.

I let her win the staring contest and glance away. Something about this woman makes me want more than I should. I have to get us back on track. Being with her can be fun. So I tell her the truth.

“I was out with friends and decided I’d rather be home dreaming of you than out unsatisfied with someone else.”

Her laugh is quiet. “You’re dangerous, Ben Rhoades. From anyone else’s mouth, that would have been a bad pick up line. But I almost believe you.”

“You should. It’s the truth, scout’s honor.” With my free hand, I give her the salute.

She nods and her hair cascades over her shoulder when she looks at the ground for a second. I immediately think about how I can wrap it around my hand and expose her neck as I slide into her.

“We’re here.”

She tilts her head in the direction of one of Charleston’s famous single-styled homes. They’re called that because even though they can be many rooms long, they are always only one room wide.

I hold out my hand with the intention of walking her all the way to her door. My motives are clear—to me anyway. When we get there, she fumbles in a small purse and pulls out a key. It dangles on her finger as I cage her in. She is so tiny, I could easily pick her up. Lots of images that have been running through my head like a marathon go on fast forward. I should walk away and continue to traverse this world alone. Closing my eyes for a second, I push back the melancholy of loss. I let the alcohol settle my thoughts because the well of emotions that threaten to rise needs to be tamped down. And there is one sure way to forget. One that works every time.

“You can’t get rid of me so easily.”

Her lashes flutter and I can tell I’m making her nervous. She doesn’t know me, not yet.

“Thank you for walking me home.” She looks me squarely in the eye.

I’d been focused on her mouth until that moment. I step closer and fit my left hand to the side of her head on the door. Then I capture her chin in my other.

“Tell me. Did you let him kiss you?”

Her startled gaze dances all over the place. “How did you know?”

It’s time to play my card.

“If we’d been playing poker, you would have just revealed your hand. But I saw you with him earlier.”

I hold her gaze, curious about how she’ll spin it. She doesn’t back down.

“I had a date. Is that a crime?”

Oh, I’m really starting to like her.

“It depends.” I rub my thumb over her lips. “Did you let him have a taste of you?”

Her head moves side to side and she’s ready to say something else. But I don’t wait to hear her. I have to do what I’ve waited for all night. I angle her chin to where I need her and press my lips to hers. She’s soft just the way women should be. My cock jerks in my pants doing the happy dance.