Chapter 15: Chapter 15

REED

I storm out of the alley, rubbing a hand along the back of my neck as I drag my phone out and call an Uber.

~Damnit. That backfired.~

I had been counting on Avery being too nervous to pick up someone she didn’t know. Thought she’d just put some moves on me, maybe try out some pickup lines, and turn that pretty smile my way. But she didn’t.

She surprised me.

~Fuck, she would have gotten that guy’s number if I hadn’t been there. Or worse. I need to get a better handle on this. No more taking her out like that. One-on-one dates only.~

Avery catches up with me, a frown on her face. I sigh.

~I have got to stop messing this up. I’ve got to prove I’m a good guy to her and to Josh.~

She sighs and crosses her arms, unknowingly pushing up her chest as we wait for the car. I stifle a frustrated groan as I try not to stare.

~But man, does she make it hard.~

AVERY

The ride back to my apartment is painful. Reed shifts to the farthest corner of the seat, his gaze fixed on the world outside the window. The silence between us is thick and heavy, making my stomach twist in knots. It’s unbearable.

I reach out, placing my hand on his thigh and hoping to break through his sullen mood. Humor always works for Olive, so I decide to give it a shot.

“What’s the plan for our next session, Coach?”

He stares at my hand, then slowly lifts his head to meet my eyes. He looks at me for a long moment, wearing that same hungry look he’d get when he flirted with girls in high school. Like he’s wondering what I taste like. Like he’s desperate to know.

~No. He’s never seen me as anything more than Little Avery, right?~

Suddenly, he grabs my wrist, and I can’t suppress the gasp that escapes my lips. His grip is firm, his thumb pressing against my pulse.

“You shouldn’t touch me, Avery,” he whispers, his gaze holding mine as he swallows hard.

“I’m sorry.”

I bite my lip, my eyes darting nervously away.

~He’s got someone, ~I think to myself~. Remember this is all for her, Avery. He’s not interested in you. He’s training to be a better man for her. That was the deal.~

His fingers trace a slow path along the inside of my arm, sending a rush of heat through me. Goosebumps break out all over my skin.

“I think it’s time for your next lesson,” he murmurs.

“What?”

He slides closer, trapping me between him and the car door. My stomach flutters, waves of anticipation crashing inside me as I glance up at him. His eyes are filled with desire.

He leans in and whispers, “Make me kiss you.”

And just like that, my world is set on fire.

I’ve dreamed about this moment for so long. Nights spent in my bed while he was just down the hall in Josh’s room, wondering what his lips would feel like if he kissed me. How it would feel to have him inside me, the weight of his body pressing against mine.

My eyes drop to his mouth, and a shiver runs through me at the thought of what he could do with it. My tongue darts out to moisten my lips, and I see the flicker of want in Reed’s eyes.

“Wh-what?” I stutter, unsure if I heard him correctly. I glance at the driver who’s not paying any attention to us, chatting away into his headphones. “Now?”

“Make me want to kiss you, Avery,” he murmurs, leaning in to brush his nose against my neck and inhaling deeply.

The contact sends a wave of heat through me, making me squeeze my thighs together to keep the pleasure from overwhelming me. I try to hold onto rational thought, but it’s a losing battle.

“You smell amazing,” he groans, breathing me in. “Like an orchard in the middle of winter.”

I tilt my head back, offering him more skin. My body is on fire. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts. I want him so badly it hurts.

“Kiss me, Reed. Please,” I plead.

His fingers thread through my hair, pulling my gaze back to his with a low growl that sends a jolt of desire through me.

“You’re going to have to do better than that. I’m a fighter, Avery. I have a lot of self-control.”

I slide my hands up his chest, gasping as the heat of his body sears my palms through his shirt. He tenses, his sharp intake of breath showing that he’s clearly enjoying our little game. He wants me to work for it.

“Kiss me, Reed,” I whisper, my fingers tracing circles over his firm muscles and enjoying the feel of them.

I struggle to control myself. I never thought I’d get to touch him like this. I never imagined I’d be in front of him like this. So desperate and needy.

A smug grin tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Better, but show me you’re a real contender, Avery.”

~He wants a fight? Okay. Time to play dirty.~

“Do you know how much I want you right now?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“How much?”

“My panties have never been this wet before, Reed,” I say, running my tongue over my top lip and watching as his heated gaze follows the movement.

He freezes, his eyes darkening with desire. “Goddamn, Avery.”

I giggle, the sound filling the small space of the car. “Do you want to kiss me now?”

“I-I don’t think I can now,” he stammers, struggling to find the words.

“Why not?”

He’s silent, his heavy breaths brushing along my skin. I can’t help but feel victorious.

“Oh, Reed Everett, has ‘Little Avery’ left you speechless?” I tease. “Is the man with all the best comebacks, the man who’s left a trail of swooning women in his wake afraid of little ole me?”

“I’m afraid because I don’t think I’ll be able to stop at just a kiss,” he groans. “I’ve never been this fucking hard in my life.”

I glance down at his lap, where his erection is straining against his jeans. My body clenches in response.

~That’s because of me?~ I think, absolutely shocked. ~He’s turned on by me?~

I recover quickly, determined not to lose whatever magic is happening between us right now.

“And I’ve never been this wet in my life,” I reply, slowly spreading my legs and running my fingers up the inside of my thigh.

He cradles his pulsating arousal in his hand, giving it a firm squeeze in an attempt to find some temporary relief.

“Once we reach your place, you need to make it upstairs before I can lay my hands on you.”

“Why’s that?” I ask, feigning innocence while playfully twirling a strand of my hair.

He leans in, pressing his forehead against mine, his eyes burning.

“Because if I catch you, I’m going to do something I know I shouldn’t.”