Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21230 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 106(@200wpm)___ 85(@250wpm)___ 71(@300wpm)
I reached a hand up to explore the stubbly texture of his jaw, then ran my fingers through his hair and pulled him closer as our kisses grew more fevered.
Axel backed me up a step until I was against the car. He leaned over me, rounding my body over the smooth curve of the coupe, trapping me. His hardness pressed into me as he laid a trail of burning kisses along the exposed skin of my neck.
My breasts were arched toward him, my nipples hard and needy, poking against the thin blouse. His mouth moved lower on my neck; his hot breath and wet tongue making me grow hot and wet in response. When he reached the fabric of my shirt, he paused and lifted his head.
"Don't stop," I panted.
He inhaled sharply and returned to my mouth, crushing his delicious lips to mine, leaving not an inch of space between our bodies. We fit together perfectly. He pushed his hips into mine and I could feel his excitement throbbing against me as his hands explored my body hungrily.
Axel wants me, I thought. I was in the moment, but I also felt as if I were outside of my body, like I was watching from above in disbelief. I heard myself moan, and I breathed his name as if I was dreaming. Like I'd dreamt of him so many times. Axel.
"Kayla," he said, holding me in his arms like he never wanted to let go.
I sighed and melted into him. And then part of my brain woke up and replayed what he'd just said. Kayla. He'd called me Kayla. I froze and pushed him away, or tried to. He was still pressed against me, so I shoved harder and he moved backward, away from me.
Flushed and breathing hard, I stared at him and took in his surprise, watched him realize what had just happened. My body was instantly cold, already missing his. My stomach twisted into a knot.
How had he known who I was? Was I that obvious? And why hadn't he said anything? And why was he kissing me, knowing who I was? My mind raced and I had no clue what to say.
CHAPTER 5
FOR NOW
AXEL
Shit! I'd fucked up! I'd gotten carried away and fucked up, and now Kayla was running away from me, or at least trying to.
"Kayla, wait!" I caught up to her in a few strides and grabbed her shoulder.
My heart fell when I turned her toward me and saw tears in her eyes.
"What's the matter?" I said. "Why are you crying?"
She looked away and wouldn't meet my eyes.
"Don't cry," I said. "Talk to me." I never could stand to see her cry.
She shook her head. "I can't." She pulled away from me and stormed back to the car.
I didn't want to upset her further. I stayed a few steps behind and tried to figure out what to say. She'd been deceiving me, so I didn't feel that I needed to apologize for not telling her right away that I knew. She'd been enjoying kissing me; there was no mistake about that. Maybe she was embarrassed? I decided not to push her, to let her calm down, and talk when she was ready.
I stood back as she got into the car. Her face was red and she looked angry, and I had no idea why.
I got in, put the key in the ignition, but didn't turn it. I stared straight ahead and felt hot emotion radiating from her side of the small car.
I tried again. "Kayla—"
She interrupted in an outburst. "Why did you do that? Why did you kiss me?"
I was at a loss for words. Why wouldn't I kiss her? What kind of question was that? She was looking at me with narrowed eyes, and it started to piss me off. "I wasn't forcing you," I said firmly. "You were kissing me too."
"Why were you kissing me if you knew who I was?" Her voice cracked and her face softened a little. I was afraid she'd crumble again.
"I kissed you because I wanted to." I said, simply and honestly, my tone calmer.
She looked away again. We were back to this. I read the moment and decided to give her space to calm down, to let us both clear our thoughts. I started the engine, turned around, and went slowly down the drive.
I felt like driving fast. I needed to drive fast, and it would've helped me process my emotions, but I sensed that it would have the opposite effect on Kayla, so I stuck to the speed limit as I drove back to the restaurant. Also, I was in no rush to part from her. I wanted her to cool down so that we could talk. I had a lot of questions for her, but I knew this wasn't the time.