“Ugh… why can’t I remember?” I ran my fingers through my hair, desperate to recall anything from my obviously steamy night. If he had made me feel so good, if he had made me forget the depression of my divorce, then maybe I would want to see him again.
My psychologist always told me that my selective amnesia was a way of protecting myself since I was quick to feel guilty if I thought I was having sex with the wrong person. As long as I didn’t remember their face, it was an act of desire and not one of the brain.
Still, it was damn annoying.
Snatching my robe from the back of the bathroom door, I put it on, tying the sash around my midsection.
Feeling a little refreshed, I headed for the kitchen, knowing I would need a cup of coffee. I looked around, half-hoping my mysterious lover would be sitting down, waiting for me, but of course, he wasn’t. No man I had ever been with had bothered to stay until the morning. Even David left for work before I could wake up…
Sighing, I started a pot of coffee, listening to the machine grinding the beans. Soon, the strong aroma filled the room. Looking in the sink, I saw two plates with leftover risotto. I stared at the uneaten rice, an inkling of something flashing across my mind.
The coffee machine started to drip into the empty tray underneath and my eyes widened, quickly scrambling to get a mug. By the time it was done, it had only filled the cup halfway.
I took in a deep breath, knowing right away that my morning was already off to a rocky start. I reloaded the coffee beans and grabbed a new mug.
This time, as I waited, I looked out the window, the bright sunlight glinting off my engagement ring that was sitting on the windowsill.
I couldn’t stop myself from looking at it.
A few weeks after the divorce, I had snapped, trying to get rid of it down the garbage disposal, but it just backed up the system, forcing me to call a plumber who salvaged the ring, leaving it on the windowsill. I had yet to find the courage to touch it since that day.
Now, it was nothing more than a painful reminder of my failed relationship.
Chapter 8
Luke
“What’s up with the bowtie?” My friend, Bill, asked as he handed me a beer.
“I have a hot date tonight,” I said before taking a sip.
“Don’t you have a hot date every night?” He pondered, cleaning a few glasses behind the counter.
“This one’s different. She’s one hell of a fuck… and she’s loaded. Who do you think paid for this nice tuxedo?” I chuckled, looking up at the flat screen TVs that lined the bar. There was a baseball game playing, all the fans singing Sweet Caroline.
“Don’t tell me you’re back to your thieving habits.”
I shrugged. “She had a whole box full of jewelry. I doubt she’ll miss the few pieces I took.”
“Let me guess. You pawned them off, and if she ever questions their whereabouts, you’ll go get them and act like you “found them” for her.”
I grinned. “This, Bill, is why you’re my friend. You know exactly how I work.”
“Doesn’t mean I like it. Have you ever thought about starting a real relationship? It might do you well to have that kind of support.”
I scoffed. “We all know how that worked out the last time.” A bitter taste formed in my mouth at the mere reminder of my past. I tried to distract myself by focusing on the ball game.
“You know, it’s been five years since Melissa –“
“Don’t say another word. I told you never to speak her name again.” My voice dripped with venom.
“I’m just saying that it’s been five years… maybe it’s time to move on…”
I couldn’t stand to have this conversation. Bill had been on my case for years, trying to get me down the road of forgive and forget, but I didn’t do either. Before he could stop me, I stormed out of the bar, not even bothering to pay for my drink.
Outside, the rain was coming down hard, the skies dark. I stood under the awning, looking at the valet, who just nodded back at me.
A few minutes later, he pulled up to the entrance with my car. I got in quickly and closed the door, even as he waited for a tip in the downpour. Still angry at the mention of Melissa’s name, I sped out of the parking lot and onto the open road, going from zero to sixty in a matter of seconds.
Even on the slippery back roads, I drove fast. Maybe, in a way, I was asking to hydroplane, to lose control until my car barreled down the side of a cliff. At least it would stop the memories of her smiling face, of her lips that had done nothing but lie to me for years. I had been such a fool. But, I would never be a fool again.
I adjusted my grip on my steering wheel, making a sharp turn. For a split second, my tires lost traction before they screeched against the wet asphalt, panning out just in time to avoid collision with an oncoming car.
I guess it just wasn’t my time yet.
Turning on the radio, I lost myself in the lyrics of a trashy song, driving in an autopilot-like state until I arrived at her house. It had been almost two weeks since I had seen her, but for whatever reason, I hadn’t been able to get her out of my head. Her wild blonde hair, the way she moaned my name, the look of satisfaction in her eyes when we laid in each other’s arms at the break of dawn…
I shook my head, feeling like I was going soft. In fact, I hadn’t even been with anyone else since our night together. I didn’t think too much about it. I was just building up to my greatest scam yet. She wouldn’t know what hit her.
Grinning to myself, I straightened my bow tie in the rearview mirror and ran a comb through my slicked-back hair. Dressed as I was, I knew she wouldn’t be able to resist me. If she was all over me last time, tonight she would turn into a downright animal in bed.
Finally, I got out of my car and approached the front door, ringing the doorbell. In the window, the blinds shifted as someone peeked outside. A few seconds later, the lock came undone, the door pulling back a few inches.
Amanda’s face appeared in the gap, her eyes widening when she saw me.
“It’s… it’s you…” She said, recognition apparent on her face, and yet, there was a hint of confusion in her voice.
“Did you miss me?” I stuck my foot in the door so she wouldn’t slam it in my face.
“I… No… You can’t be here.” She shook her head, pushing on the door, trying to close it. “What we did… no…” She ran her fingers through her hair, biting her lower lip as if feeling guilty. “I shouldn’t have done that… I wasn’t thinking straight that night.”
“You offend me, dear Amanda,” I said, leaning against the doorframe. “You and I both know that was the best night of your life. You loved every minute of it whether you want to admit it or not.” I flashed her a charming smile. “There’s no point denying it.”
“No. I wasn’t in my right mind… You have to leave.” She repeated, trying to close the door on me again.
“But then, who will take you to the 5th Annual Charity Ball?” I asked, grinning from ear to ear as her reaction changed from one of regret to utter surprise.
“H-How… did you know about that?” She stammered, sounding fearful. “Have you been stalking me or something?”
“No, of course not. What kind of man do you take me for?” I chuckled. “But, the last time I was here, I noticed the invitation pinned to your refrigerator. Don’t tell me you already have a plus one. You’d be breaking my heart...” I gave her the puppy dog eyes, knowing they worked like a charm nine times out of ten.
And they didn’t fail this time either.
Her guarded expression faded away and her hand dropped from the door. “Now, I would really appreciate it if you let me in. After all, it’s raining and this tux is a rental.” I said, hoping to coax her further.
She hesitated, but she eventually undid the deadbolt that prevented me from stepping inside. Before she could even invite me in, I walked inside and straight into the kitchen, a smirk flashing across my face as I remembered the last time I had
been in the room. Her claw marks were still there, a clear reminder of our time together.
“Luke…” She whispered, standing behind me, wringing her fingers together. She looked like she wanted to say something, but instead, she just bit her bottom lip, almost as if she wanted to tempt me.
“Now, what did I tell you about the lip biting?” I walked toward her and she stepped back, her eyes widening. Soon enough, I had her pinned against the counter, our hips locked together. With a finger under her chin, I tilted her head until she was staring into my eyes.
Slowly, I leaned forward and kissed her. To my surprise, I didn’t have the urge to make out with her. On the contrary, it was a slow, gentle kiss where our lips danced together. Usually, my tongue would be fighting for entrance into her mouth, but this time, it was like I was savoring her taste, taking my time to really enjoy myself.
She moaned ever so slightly, her arms wrapping around my neck, pulling at my hair. It was another big turn on for me. If I didn’t know any better, I would say that this woman was trying to play me just as hard as I was trying to play her.
Amanda seemed to melt into the kiss, her body growing limp in my arms, forcing me to hold her, keeping her upright. When my hands rested on her hips, a flashback from our first night together played in my mind, causing an almost instant erection.
Not liking the amount of control she seemed to have over me, I pulled away, holding her at arm’s length.
Her lips were slightly parted, again like she wanted to say something. I could almost see the turmoil playing out behind her eyes as she tried to justify her attraction to me in her mind. She was definitely persistent, I had to give her that. Most girls would have fallen head over heels for me by now. But, I knew it was only a matter of time.
“Anyway, I’d love to stay here and make out with you all night, but if I remember correctly, the party starts at ten.”
“I’m not going to the party.” She said, her voice suddenly firm.
“Why is it on your fridge then?” I asked as I pointed at it, helping myself to a chocolate bonbon she had on the counter.
“It doesn’t matter.” She snatched the invitation off the fridge and threw it into the trash.
“Is he going?” I asked, raising an eyebrow with interest. “Because if he is, I could help you out.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Your ex, he’s going to the party. That’s why you don’t want to go. Maybe all your old friends are going too and it would be awkward to face them now that the two of you are not together.”
By the way her lips pressed together, I knew I had hit a nerve.
“Think about it. If you go to the party with me, you’re bound to make him jealous. Wouldn’t that make you feel better? He hurt you and now it’s your opportunity to get back at him. No one needs to know that I’m just a one night stand… hell if you want you can be my girlfriend for the night. I won’t tell a single soul.” I winked, getting closer to her.
She seemed to be thinking it over, her lips twitching slightly. I knew she would take the bait. They always did.
“Fine. But after tonight, you stop coming around to my house uninvited, got it?”
I frowned. “Now, why would I do that? You’re a lot of fun. Or do you want to tell me that you didn’t enjoy our little dinner date?”
She bit her lip again and I had to do everything in my power to stop myself from pouncing on her.
“I’ll get dressed, but I mean it about you leaving me alone.”
“Fine, fine. I know when I’m not wanted.” I shrugged, shoving my hands into my pockets like I wouldn’t push the issue.
She looked at me one last time before heading up the stairs to her bedroom. I waited for the shower to turn on before I crept into the living room. Carefully, I edged the TV stand out of the way, revealing a slightly discolored square of drywall. To an untrained eye, it looked like nothing more than a botched paint job, but I knew better.
The wealthy always had a knack for hiding their safes in crafty places. Closets, offices, and other typical choices were never where you found the good stuff.
Running my finger along the seam, I found the opening. The hidden door sprung open, revealing a large safe. Remembering the combination from the previous time I was there, I entered the numbers with ease, a green light flashing at me.
It was always so amazing how a little bit of alcohol made people so open about their personal information – the kind of information they used for things like locking away their valuables. Evidently, Amanda’s combination was still the date of her wedding anniversary. People were so predictable.
Inside the safe were precious jewels, important papers, a stack of which was labeled ‘divorce.’
I shifted through the contents, trying to find something that wouldn’t be missed. Holding a dazzling ring against the light, I noticed an inscription engraved on the band. No. This would never do. Too much sentimental value. I placed it back before I found a golden chain with a broken clasp. Perfect. No one missed broken jewelry.
I quickly pocketed it before finding a pair of earrings that were missing a few gems. The main diamond, however, was still intact. I grinned to myself, knowing it would get me quite the pretty penny at the pawn shop.
Satisfied, I closed the safe and returned the TV to its proper place. Walking away, I passed a mirror Amanda had hanging on her wall. My grin deepened as I saw my reflection. I fixed my bowtie and ran my fingers through my slicked back hair, making sure everything was perfect.
How was anyone supposed to resist a face like mine?
Before I could admire myself any further, I heard the shower turn off. Thinking I could have a bit of fun before we left for the party, I climbed the stairs two at a time. I entered her bedroom, instantly remembering the last time I was there. For some strange reason, my heart sped up and a small fire burned inside my chest. What was this feeling?
I shrugged it off when I saw Amanda emerge from her bathroom, wearing nothing but a towel. Her eyes widened like she was surprised to see me. I smirked at her, leaning against the wall, my legs crossed, my hand on the lapel of my tux as if I was a model posing for a photoshoot. “Like what you see?” I teased, noticing her gaze run down my body, lower and lower, until it settled on my pants.
She shook her head. “What the hell are you doing?” She suddenly said like she had finally figured out what was happening. “You shouldn’t be in here. I haven’t even gotten dressed yet.”
“Oh, I think that’s all the more reason for me to be here.” I pushed myself off the wall and approached her. “I’ve had my fair share of experiences with dress zippers. They can be quite tricky… you might need a helping hand.” As I got closer, she backed up until she was pressed against the wall.
I pinned her there, looking into her chocolate-colored eyes, the urge to kiss her overwhelming, but I wanted to rile her up, to get her so addicted to me that she wouldn’t be able to think of anything else.
“What do you say, gorgeous?” I leaned down, kissing the side of her neck, my fingers moving to the towel.
In a flash, I ripped it off her body.
Chapter 9
Amanda
My eyes widened as my body was suddenly on full display. Instantly, my hands wrapped around my torso, covering my naked breasts. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” I screamed.
He leaned even closer until our noses were practically touching. I could feel his hot breath mingling with mine and a series of flashbacks flooded my mind, leaving me dazed for a moment.
Everything we had done in this bedroom flashed before my eyes. He was the man I had slept with. The one that had mysteriously disappeared, leaving me with a disheveled bed. I could see it so clearly now. As these memories returned, so did the feeling of ecstasy that had raged through my body that night.
“Luke…” I whispered, ready to push him away, but instead, I grabbed him by the jacket and pulled him closer. As our lips collided, the fire that had been hidd
en away inside of me exploded like a firecracker. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as the kiss intensified, his tongue moving into my mouth, dominating mine.
He pushed me against the wall, his hips rubbing against my own until I could feel the outline of his cock against my thigh. I was just about to reach down and rub him through the thin material of his pants when he pulled away, a devious look on his face that nearly drove me wild.
Pursuit: A Bad Boy Romance Page 6
