Christian (The Mitchell/Healy Family #3)(5)
Author: Jennifer Foor

He seemed disappointed, but for only a short time. “I get it. You don’t know me. Nice girls like you don’t usually put out. That’s a good thing, even if guys like me don’t like it.”

“I’m impressed that you have both looks and brains.”

His chuckle let me know that he took it as a compliment. “Since you have me pegged, and you certainly have every right to, tell me something about you.”

I looked down at what I was wearing, suddenly realizing how uncomfortable I felt. I motioned to the garment. “For starters, this isn’t what I’m about. Becca let me borrow it for tonight. I know you’re probably thinkin’ that I look cute, but I feel ridiculous. ”

“For what it’s worth, you look hot. I think we’ve already covered that though.” I was getting this vibe from him that he wasn’t like other guys. He kept paying me compliments like he was determined to win my trust. Seth was sitting far enough away to assure that I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable. “If you want to go change I can wait right here for you to get back,” He raised his brow and paused. “Or you could show me what you learned at the club tonight.”

I laughed at his comment, until realizing he was being serious. “That’s not happening!”

“Well that’s a shame because I’ve got a feeling you’d give those girls a run for their money.” His half-smile made me feel like he was being cocky. Did he expect me to dance around my room?

“How about I just take off my clothes and spread out on my bed for you to join me?” I waited to see his reaction.

Sure enough, his face filled with excitement. In a way I was flattered that the idea was appealing to him. “Seriously?”

“No. I’m not serious. We may be adults, but I’ve got no intentions of flaunting my naked skin to you tonight.”

He stood up and walked toward the door. “It’s obvious you don’t want me in here. It’s a shame, because I’d rather hang out in this room with you than be out there with those drunks. Maybe in time we’ll become friends. Until then, it was great talking to you tonight, Chris.”

Chapter 4

Christian

As he exited the room I stood there staring at the door. Had he really just walked away without an argument? I’d never known a guy to give up so easily. After sulking for maybe losing an opportunity with a perfectly decent guy, I decided to get changed and join my roommates. They’d taken me out and been so nice. I couldn’t just hide out in my room all night.

It took only a few minutes to throw on a baggy t-shirt and a pair of shorts. I then followed the laughter into the large kitchen where I found everyone conversing. Since I’d assumed that I had chased Seth away, I was surprised to find him standing there amongst the group of people. Our eyes met and I couldn’t help but smile.

My attention was grabbed when Becca pulled me up to the counter and slid a glass of some liquor concoction my way. “Come on, Chris. We’re playin’ a drinkin’ game.”

Even though I didn’t feel like participating, I knew it was imperative to make a good impression if I wanted to find friends.

Two hours later I couldn’t feel my face. Everything that was said was somehow hilarious, and my shyness had suddenly ceased to exist. It was also very obvious that Seth was still interested in me. As the game progressed he’d ended up sliding in closer to where I sat. Most of the people had exited the room once it was over, leaving only a few standing around. Seth brought his lips up to my ear. I closed my eyes, feeling turned on that he was so near. “Let’s go back to your room.”

I mumbled my words, speaking softly with intentions that nobody else could hear. Unfortunately, in my drunken state I wasn’t as quiet as I thought. “Definitely.”

At some point Amber had showed up. Thankfully she was clothed, because I liked talking to her, but felt uncomfortable when we’d met. Throwing herself in between Seth and me, she got up close to my face. “Is this guy giving you trouble?” Even in my condition I could tell she was drunk.

“No. He’s fine.” I looked to Seth as I answered. He was mid sip on his drink and pulled away with a smile on his closed lips.

She placed her palm on his chest. “We go way back, Seth and I. Don’t let him fool you. He’s a smooth talker.”

I giggled. “I didn’t think otherwise.”

“Just so you know I have firsthand experience with this guy. He likes to be in control.”

While laughing at her comment, Seth rushed forward, gently grabbing my arm and leading me out of the kitchen. “Don’t listen to Amber. How about we go somewhere quiet?”

He may have felt embarrassed, but I appreciated her honesty. If I were sober it may have bothered me that he’d been with my new stripper friend. Apparently I was too emaciated to consider what I was actually doing.

By the time we’d made it into the confines of my room, we were already lip-locked. Seth had his hands on my ass as I pressed him against the door to close it. Mid-kiss I backed away, noticing his intent-filled eyes watching me. He licked his wet lips and stepped forward toward me as I continued moving backwards. “We’re back to the same place,” I noted.

“Are we still strangers?” He gained inches on me, finding my waist before my butt reached the bed. “I can still leave if that’s what you want?”

I could feel his breath on my face, as well as the lingering smell of the whiskey he’d been drinking all night. This was it. I could tell him to leave like the old Christian would have done, or I could take a leap of faith and let my new found freedom guide the way to happiness.

It was no secret that I was attracted to this guy, and with the amount of alcohol we’d both consumed it would be easy to let go. The truth was I wanted this to happen. There was some necessary desperation to feel accepted by not only this guy that I barely knew, but the people in the next room. I needed to fit in, and if I could do that and receive some much needed satisfaction I was up for the challenge.

It was time for the new me to shine. “I’m not going to ask you to leave, Seth.” Our eyes met, and I could see the excitement shining across his face. “In fact, I’m thinking that I’d like you to stay.”

Our lips connected, lightly brushing together. I could taste the liquor on his tongue as it coursed over mine. His gruff whiskers tickled my face while our kissing intensified. Large hands cupped my ass, lifting me onto my soft mattress. I pulled away to back up so that he had room to join me. I didn’t have to ask. Seth leaned forward bringing one knee up before the other. I could feel his weight on the bed as our mouths connected again. Immediately he brought one hand up and cupped my breast. My normal instinct would have been to push him away, but I refused to be that person. I couldn’t be that innocent little girl that my parents expected me to always be. Independence was something I strived for; something I needed to find on my own.