Lie to Me

by Natasha Preston

  "Where were you all night?"

  "I don't mean me. I'm curious to see why women go for all that arrogant bullshit."

  "I'll show you next time."

  There is something seriously hot about her watching me put the moves on someone else. Would she be jealous? Yeah, she'd definitely be jealous. Would she get turned on, knowing I was only doing it for her? There's no way I could leave with someone else when there was a chance of getting up close and personal with her.

  Her eyes turn stormy, and she takes a ragged breath. "Oddly, I'm looking forward to that."

  You're not the only one.

  We reach her building.

  "Thank you for the lift, Kent. Tonight has been great."

  I dip my chin. "That's all right."

  She opens the door with her good hand, slips her handbag over her shoulder, and grabs the tub on the floor.

  "Do you need me to carry that?"

  "Oh, I've got it, thanks."

  "Savannah," I call as she swings one leg out.

  Looking back over, she replies, "Yeah?"

  Am I actually doing this?

  I hand her my phone.

  Her eyes drop to it and then back to me. "Huh?"

  "Your number. I can't get you shit-faced one night if I can't reach you." I could, of course, find her at work.

  I want her number.

  She sees right through me but doesn't make a comment. Instead, she rests the tub on the chair between her legs--fantastic place to be--and taps her number on my screen.

  "Don't use my number to sign up to daily sex position subscriptions or anything like that."

  I laugh and put my phone back in the cup holder. "I swear."

  With a smile, she picks up her stuff and gets out. "Good night, Kent."

  "Night," I reply.

  When she's inside and climbing the communal stairs, I leave. I can't see her once she's past there anyway. I drive home, which doesn't take long, as I'm only twenty minutes from hers. At this time of night, the city isn't rammed with traffic.

  I take the lift to my apartment and let myself in. My phone, now in my pocket, feels heavier. I want to take it out and text her.

  She's drunk, so I should make sure she got in okay.

  Fuck it. I'm not the type to overthink talking to a woman.

  Kent: You get in okay? Not passed out in the hallway?

  Savannah: Couldn't make it. Going to camp on the stairs tonight.

  She's joking, of course, but I kind of need confirmation.

  Kent: Get in bed, and send me a dirty pic.

  Okay, so although I wouldn't say no to a picture of her, that's not exactly what I'm after here. I want her to tell me she's in a certain part of her apartment. She'd better not be outside.

  Savannah: Sorry, just put my PJs on.

  Good. I walk to the fridge to get a bottle of water to take to bed. It's still too early for me to sleep, but I feel like I need to lie down. Trying to figure her out is just as exhausting as trying to figure out why I want her so badly.

  Kent: Next time. ;) Night, Savannah.

  I wince as I press Send. I already said good night when she got out of my car.

  Savannah: See you at the carnival. Night.

  Shit. Sighing, I scrub my face with my hand and close my eyes. I'm looking forward to it.

  11

  Savannah

  It's Saturday, and I have plans. I feel like I should mark it on the calendar or make an announcement in the newspaper. This past week, I've gone out more times than I have in the previous three years.

  Yep, I'm a loser.

  Heidi is dragging me to the summer festival--or so she thinks. Kent invited me on Wednesday, but I've obviously not told Heidi that.

  The streets are lined with stalls selling food and drinks and crafts. There's music and dancing, and I'm finally going to get to experience it from the ground rather than watching a small part of it out of my window.

  Hello, having a life.

  I chuck my phone and keys in my bag and head out to meet Kent, Heidi, Brooke, and Freddy.

  Since dinner at Harrold and Judy's three days ago, Kent and I have been texting. A lot. It's mostly been flirty texts and teasing each other, but it's been fun. I've not flirted in years, and it has taken me by surprise how much more confident I feel, knowing someone is interested in me. It shouldn't. I know confidence should come from within, but after the way Simon made me feel, I was sure no one would ever find me attractive again.

  I lock my door and head down the communal stairs to the front door. My building is quite small. I don't know any of my neighbours but the old couple opposite me. Everyone else keeps to themselves, which is good because I do, too. There's nothing I would find worse than small talk out in the hallway.

  Heidi is walking toward my building when I get out. Her sister and future brother-in-law are behind her. And Kent is trailing behind, looking at a group of women in short shorts and sports bras.

  He's already annoying me.

  It's hot today. I have on a light-yellow summer dress and gladiator-style sandals.

  Heidi grins. "How awesome is this! We're getting our faces painted. I just walked past this stall, and you can have glitter and--"

  "Are you drunk?" I ask. This is so unlike her to be all bouncy and wanting to get something painted on her face that isn't makeup.

  Kent laughs and runs his hand over his dark hair. He looks edible in a plain white shirt and denim shorts. "She actually is."

  "Heidi, it's eleven in the morning!"

  "Hey, don't judge. We also passed a stall selling the most amazing gin cocktails." She points at me. "You will love them."

  She's drunk before lunch.

  "I don't know what to do with you right now," I say, laughing as she throws an arm over my shoulders and hugs me.

  "We're going to get some food," Brooke says, leaning her head on Freddy's shoulder.

  I don't miss anything about Simon, but I do miss having someone there who cares. I miss the affection of being in a relationship and being held. Being in someone's arms, feeling the beating of their heart and the rise and fall of their breath, gives you a sense of belonging. Everyone wants to belong somewhere, to someone or something.

  But am I seriously letting my mind go to Kent? He's not all that fluffy.

  He was at one point; he has an ex. An ex who hurt him and made him want to keep interactions with women strictly strings-free.

  Sex is something I've been missing, too. Three years and nothing. Before now, I just ignored it because I didn't want anyone near me. But Kent has me constantly hot under the collar, so I've not been able to avoid wanting to get physical for the last week. I've been a nun for too long now.

  Simon was my first and last, the only person I've ever been with. Now, that makes me pathetic.

  Maybe I should have a one-night stand.

  I wrap my arm around Heidi's back since she's not letting go of me. "Where to then?" I ask.

  "Tequila!" Heidi shouts, gaining a cheer from the surrounding crowd.

  Okay, I wish I were drunk, too.

  "Where's the nearest restaurant?" Brooke asks.

  "There's a nice Mexican on the corner," I reply, tipping my head in the direction of the restaurant.

  "Let's go then. I'm starving," Kent says, walking off ahead.

  Brooke and Freddy are in front of us. Heidi is slowing us down, but I don't care because, one, I love her drunk, and, two, I have a nice view of her brother's butt from here. He might be a massive dickhead most of the time, but he's very easy on the eyes.

  "Kent's jolly today," I say sarcastically. "You should have made him have some of those gin cocktails, too."

  She giggles and then pointedly stares at me. "He's moodier than usual."

  "And that's my fault how?"

  "You two rub each other up the wrong way--which is funny to watch, by the way--but the sexual tension is palpable."

  "There is no sexual tension," I say as we walk around three women dres
sed as flamingos.

  Heidi stops dead, and I almost pull her over. We let go of each other in the process, and I turn to look at her.

  "What're you doing?"

  "I know you've been out of the game for a while now, but please tell me you're aware that you two want to jump each other's bones." She scrunches her nose up. "It's totally gross because he's my brother, so I don't ever want any details."

  Oh, I'm acutely aware.

  "Okay, let's get you some food and coffee because you've stopped making sense," I lie.

  Heidi rolls her eyes but starts walking with me again.

  We both know she's making sense. Kent might make me want to stab him, jump him, and run away from him, all at the same time, but I can't lie to myself. I would run my tongue all over that body.

  We're seated as soon as we get inside. The festival and street food means that restaurants are quieter than usual.

  Heidi smirks at me as she sits next to Brooke, meaning I'm between her and Kent. He's on my left, too, so I can't even whack him if I need to, not without being in pain anyway.

  "Can we have five shots of tequila to start?" Heidi asks as the server hands out menus.

  "Okay, I don't think we're going to be successful in sobering her up," I say, opening my menu.

  "Nope, but I'm going to be successful in getting you as tipsy as me."

  Brooke and Freddy break off into their own conversation. They're so cute, only having eyes for each other. I don't remember having that with Simon, not even in the early days.

  "I'm up for that," I find myself saying.

  Hell, I should be having fun like her. I'm only bloody twenty-two. Somehow, I seem to have aged thirty years in only three. It's time I act like I'm in my twenties.

  Kent grunts. "So, you're getting drunk, and I'm going to be looking after you all."

  I look over, steeling myself for the reaction. My eyes meet his, and my heart jumps. He's wearing grey, and it makes his eyes look more on the blue side today. I can't help staring.

  "Why can't you drink, too?" I ask, my body kicking up a few thousand degrees.

  "Freddy and Brooke will head off early to have their alone time, so I'll be left with two drunk women."

  "Hmm, why do I think that's never been an issue for you before?"

  He glares. "If you want to ditch my sister and find another woman to get trashed with, I'm totally there, sweetheart."

  "I would rather never have sex again."

  "We don't have to find another woman, if you don't want."

  "Where's the tequila?" I mutter.

  To my right, I can see Heidi smirking as she pretends to read her menu. I need to stop this flirty banter with Kent in front of her, or she's only going to get more stupid ideas. Right now, I'm doing a crap job of convincing her I don't want in her brother's pants.

  The warm feeling in the bottom of my stomach and my fluttering heart make it impossible for me to fool myself. I want him. I want him over me, under me. I want his mouth and hand and cock.

  I can tell he'd be good in bed. He's had enough practice, and I really need mind-blowing sex.

  "I didn't hear a no," Kent mutters.

  He's watching me. I can feel his stare burning a hole in the side of my head.

  "No," I say, making my voice very clear when inside my head is a fuzzy haze of lust.

  "Keep telling yourself that."

  Tequila. Tequila, tequila, tequila!

  I ignore him and concentrate on picking something to eat, but all the words on the menu seem to blur into one. Kent presses his leg against mine under the table, and my breath catches.

  Read. The. Menu.

  "What're you all having?" Brooke asks.

  I don't know because it might as well be written in fucking Spanish!

  Words aren't making sense.

  What's Mexican? Quesadilla! That'll be on the menu. Just ask for one of those.

  Freddy, Heidi, and Kent reply, already having theirs picked out.

  "Savannah?" Brooke presses. I look up, and she smiles. "What's it between?"

  Everything. Every-fucking-thing.

  My foggy brain can't read a word right now; it's too busy doing all manner of dirty, naked things with Kent.

  "Um ..." Frowning, I look back down.

  Kent leans forward, resting his arms on the table, and chuckles.

  The bastard knows the effect he's having on me.

  "Chicken quesadilla," I say, my voice sounding like one of the bloody Chipmunks.

  "That's what I'm having, too," Brooke replies. "Shall we get nachos to share?"

  "Sure," Heidi replies.

  The server comes over with a tray of tequila, and I want to kiss him.

  He puts five glasses down in the middle of the table. "Are you ready to order?" he asks.

  We place our order and take our shot glasses.

  "Can we have five more of these?" I say over my shoulder before the server can get too far away.

  "There a reason you want to drink a lot at lunch?" Kent asks.

  "Yes, you're being your usual annoying self."

  He presses his leg harder against mine. "Is that right?"

  Fuck off.

  With a deep breath, I snap, "Yes."

  Why am I not moving my leg? His touch makes my brain short-circuit, and I want to forget all the aggravating or shitty things he's said to me and sit on his lap.

  Jesus, calm down, Savannah.

  Is it hot in here?

  Kent leans in and whispers, "You're looking a little flushed."

  "There is a knife in front of me, Kent; keep talking."

  Laughing, he sits back up as Heidi raises her glass.

  I down my shot, wincing at the burn, and put the tiny glass down. Yep, I definitely want more of these.

  "So, Heidi," Freddy says, "how is business?"

  I listen even though Heidi is very open with all aspects of the business with me. I know what's in the bank accounts, what comes out, and what is yet to be invoiced. Heidi is doing well, really well. She deserves it.

  Kent's hand comes down on my thigh, and I freeze. My body seizes up and bursts into flames.

  What the hell is going on?

  If I bat his hand away, one of them might see, but I can't exactly leave it there. He's waiting for me to react and shove him. This is a test, and I don't want to lose ... but how far will he take this?

  I literally can't just sit here while he fingers me under the table.

  I push my hair behind my shoulder and pretend to listen to what they're talking about. Their mouths are moving, so I know words are being spoken, but all I can focus on is Kent's hand. His fingers dig lightly into my flesh; it's maddening. I want him to remove his hand, and I want him to go higher.

  He pushes me further, gently grazing my skin with the tips of his fingers as he moves closer to where I really want them right now. I've never done anything like this before. The throbbing in my clit makes me want to scream. Simon was a very safe, in-the-bedroom-with-the-door-locked kind of guy. Kent pushes every boundary I've set for myself, and, bloody hell, I love it.

  The danger of getting caught doing something in public has my body begging for him.

  I slowly part my legs just enough to give him better access, and his reaction sends my heart into overdrive. His fingers grip my leg, cutting down into my skin, and he takes in a sharp breath.

  What am I doing?

  He didn't expect that, and knowing I'm now affecting him as much as he's been getting to me spurs me on.

  I'll be mortified if we actually get caught, but right now, that's not enough to stop me.

  We're only at lunch, too, so we have ages left of the day. I want to take him home. My apartment is so close to this restaurant.

  Kent leans closer as the others laugh, completely engrossed in their conversation to notice us. "You're so fucking hot. I've never wanted anyone this badly before," he whispers in my ear.

  I shudder.

  Thank God we're sitting with our bac
ks to a wall. Brooke, Heidi, and Freddy might not be able to see what's happening here, but if anyone were behind us, they would. The lighting is low, but I'm not sure if it's low enough to hide the blush that is probably lighting up my cheeks like a fucking Christmas tree.

  I squirm in my seat, desperate to relieve some of the tension building inside my body, too turned on and frustrated that this can't lead to anything in a restaurant. Kent has other ideas though. He stops gripping my thigh and trails his hand higher until he's right between my legs.

  Groaning quietly as he reaches his goal, he hooks his finger around my underwear and slides his finger beneath the fabric.

  I almost come off my seat. Clenching my jaw, I focus on trying not to fucking scream. Clenching my fists, I breathe through my nose, clamping my mouth shut so that I don't moan.

  Breathe.

  Forcing myself to sit still is a mission in itself. I want to move, rock against his hand, kiss him, or climb on his lap. I want to do something. I'm going out of my mind.

  My body ignites and tightens. He moves his finger, sweeping it over my clit, and I bite back a moan.

  Shit, I need more.

  Carefully arching my butt, I widen my legs. Kent's side presses against mine. He moves his hand, slipping a finger inside me while his thumb presses down on my clit.

  He's too good at this.

  I'm close. So, so close.

  I grind into him.

  The friction of the pad of his thumb against my skin is too much. I bite down on my lip, my body trembling, heart racing. Then, I fall apart.

  Dipping my head enough so that my hair falls in my face, I close my eyes as I contract around his finger.

  My body loosens as the last wave passes over me. I take a breath and open my eyes. Kent moves his hand, smiling at me like he just won the lottery. I don't dare look at the others, but I can finally hear them talking, so I know they haven't noticed us.

  Bringing his hand to his mouth, he pops his finger in while staring at me.

  Why the hell is that so hot?

  I look away as Kent chuckles and adjusts himself in his jeans. Neither of us says anything, but there is little to say right now.

  I can't believe I let him do that. And I can't believe I had the most intense orgasm of my life, sitting around a table in a bloody Mexican restaurant.

  "Heidi, you know you're going to be making adjustments to Brooke's dress up until the day," Kent says, slotting himself into the conversation so seamlessly.

  Brooke disagrees and starts to tell Heidi how perfect the dress already is and that it doesn't need any more work.

  Kent uses that distraction to his advantage. "You taste better than I imagined," he whispers when the others delve into another topic of conversation.