Hell-bent on pushing Leigh Storm out my mind, I rev the engine loudly and wait while Beth checks that we’re all ready. When she looks at me, I give a tight nod of the head, narrowing my eyes, and grip the wheel in determination. Waiting, coiled, ready for the drop of the hat. When it does, I’m off the line before the others and keep my foot on the accelerator as I speed along the quarter mile. There is no need to check my mirrors. I know they aren’t anywhere near me. I’m going to win this. And I do. Followed by Travis, Kyle, and Mason.
Ryder helps me out of the car and pushes a roll of bills into my hand before he slings an arm around my shoulder.
“You were on fire tonight.” He squeezes my shoulder tighter. “See you at The Three Monkeys?”
“Not tonight,” I answer while I seek out the girl from earlier. I spot her and he follows my line of sight. With a dirty chuckle, he slaps me on the shoulder and lets go.
“Catch you later.”
“Sure thing.” I move away from him and the small group of people and make my way over to Carly.
“Well done,” she purrs, her backside resting on the side of my Subaru.
“Let’s get out of here.” I pull open the passenger door, holding it for her. Pausing right before she climbs in, she stands on her tiptoes, presses her glossy lips to mine, and runs her tongue along the seam of my lips so they part. I cup the back of her head with one hand while the other holds her ass in a firm grip. When her tongue slowly strokes against mine, dancing around my mouth, I feel my dick start to stir. I can fuck her and forget all about Leigh Storm—piece of cake.
“Get in,” I growl and guide her into the passenger seat before jogging around and sliding in behind the wheel. Fuck the tradition and usual procession. I gun the engine and drive in the direction of town before any of them can climb into their cars.
The apartment is dark when I reach home. I’m glad; I don’t need Meghan and Causey knowing I’ve brought someone home and asking awkward questions.
“Do you want a drink?” I ask, but she shakes her head, her blue eyes fixed on me.
“Watch some TV?” I really don’t know why I’m asking; I didn’t bring her here to watch TV.
“No.” She tilts her head to the side and licks her lips. A teasing smile forms on her lips and she holds out her hand. She didn’t come her to watch TV either. With the formalities out the way, I take her hand and lead her down the corridor to my room.
The light from the hall illuminates my double bed and I step aside to let her pass me into the room. She moves straight to the bed and sits down, her back propped up against the headboard, slim legs stretched out in front of her. By the time I turn on a side lamp and close the door, she is already shimmying out of her jeans and pulling off her blouse. Before I get the chance to do anything, she reaches out and quickly unbuckles my belt, pulls apart my jeans, and starts to push them down my legs.
Whoa, this is quick, even for me.
I pull my shirt over my head and toss it to the floor as she bites her lips and moves to kneel in front of me. Reaching up, with her hands resting on my chest, she kisses me and I clear my mind, switch off all thoughts of Leigh, and let my body take over. When she lowers herself onto me, I realize it was a good idea to pick a blonde. That way it helps not to picture a certain brunette who I wish was sitting astride me.
The space beside me is empty when I wake up, and I breathe a sigh of relief. I felt like a dick last night when she started to get dressed and I made no attempt to stop her or get her to stay the night but it saves any awkwardness this morning. The truth was I didn’t want to wake up next to her and have a tsunami of regret hit me. It was already starting to happen last night. Carly said she was here visiting her cousin and was leaving in the morning. When she left with a cheerful wave and a bounce in her step, I wasn’t sure who used whom.
I roll onto my back and stare up at the ceiling. I did what I set out to do, fuck some girl to help me forget about Leigh. So why do I feel worse for having done it, almost as if I’ve betrayed her, which is silly. Sleeping with someone else hasn’t helped me in the slightest; it’s only made me miss her more, which I didn’t think was possible. I miss her in a way that makes my heart ache, and now I feel empty and lonelier than I did before. I tried this once before and it didn’t work. Why did I think it would work any better this time?
A great fucking plan that was. I flip onto my stomach and groan into the pillow at what a dick I’ve been and at how badly I’ve fucked things up. Just when I realize I love her, she walks out of my life but I’ve not given up. I meant what I said to Aaron; I’ll be waiting. I’m not accustomed to losing … but this time, I might just have to concede.