Still, even with as little experience as she had and as few conversations as she’d involved herself in over her twenty-three years, she couldn’t believe the responsive path her body had decided to drag her down all night.
She’d slept in her normal attire of T-shirt and cotton shorts, but her nipples had pebbled and remained hard and achy under the covers. She’d even resorted to pinching them to squelch the need for pressure against the tips. She’d gripped the entire globes with both hands and squeezed, only to make the need more intense.
And that was just her breasts. The pressure low in her abdomen had been worse. Unidentified feelings that made her crush her legs together and grip her pussy at nothing.
She’d had to stuff her face into her pillow numerous times to keep from moaning into the night. When she’d opened the window to let in the cool air, it did nothing to keep the feelings at bay. Wetness leaked into her panties and distracted her thoughts.
Now she lay on the couch, frustrated on so many levels, flinging her hand over her face. She was frustrated at herself for allowing some wolfman to control her body’s reactions. But she was equally frustrated on a sexual level, the need driving her to distraction, making her want to scream.
A knock at the door dragged her from her lounging. Who the hell could that be? She hoped it wasn’t Darrell, wanting to explain himself further. She was so over him already she didn’t want to hash things out anymore. The thought of how long she’d been “dating” him in total denial embarrassed her to no end. She’d rather leave that episode of her life in the past and not think of it again.
Kenzie stood on weary legs and headed for the door. Probably some kid selling something.
She was in no way prepared for who greeted her when she opened the door.
She gasped and stood frozen to her spot, unable to move. Her hand shook where she gripped the edge of the wooden door. If she were smart, she’d shut the damn thing and walk back into the house.
She wasn’t all that bright this morning. Lack of sleep and horniness worked against her.
“Hi.” Drake smiled. He leaned against the frame as casual and fresh as if she’d been expecting him. “Can I come in?”
What? Come into my house? No. But her body didn’t agree. Instead, she opened the door wider and stood back as though she were a robot.
He stepped inside and pushed the door closed behind him. “You look … tired.”
She looked up into his eyes and met his gaze. “Really?” Her sarcasm couldn’t be contained. She narrowed her gaze. “Why don’t you?”
He chuckled and stepped farther into the room. He glanced around and decided to sit on the couch she’d just vacated. “Oh, I am. Don’t be fooled.”
“Make yourself at home, why don’t you,” she mumbled. He was so pushy. Wasn’t he?
Girl, all the man has done so far is knock, enter, and sit. He has every right to that much. After all, you opened the door and permitted him entrance.
“Mackenzie, how old are you?” He motioned to the couch, indicating she should sit also.
She did, but not next to him. She chose an arm chair on the other side of the coffee table. She couldn’t stand the way he seemed so highhanded with her even though his actions were subtle. He didn’t verbally command anything. But his actions demanded compliance. Her skin crawled.
“Why? You wondering why I live with my parents?” Do I have to be so defensive? It’s just a question.
“Among other things. Just curiosity. It occurred to me last night I had no idea. I’m gonna guess twenty-five? But on the other hand, you’re clearly inexperienced, so maybe I’m crazy and you’re more like twenty-one.” He stared at her with his penetrating blue eyes. Again, demanding without speaking.
“Right in the middle. Twenty-three. I live with my parents because I’ve only been out of college one year, and my job doesn’t pay enough to cover living expenses. Plus, I don’t like to be alone.” What the fuck are you talking about? She hadn’t ever considered that idea in her life. Where did it come from?
He smiled. “Are you always so defensive?”
“Yes.” She leaned back and glanced down. Shit. She still wore the stupid revealing clothes she’d had on in bed. She groaned and stood. “Let me go put something else on. Since you seem intent on staying.” She stomped up the stairs without glancing back.
Hands shaking, she pulled on gray sweatpants right over her shorts and grabbed the rattiest ugly sweatshirt she could pick up off the floor. Hopefully he’d run from the house.
When she returned, he simply looked her over from top to bottom and shook his head. “Kenzie, that isn’t going to work.”