He whispered something in her ear and an obvious blush rose to her cheeks.
“We’re going to get the check and head home,” Logan said as he raised his hand, signaling the waitress.
It was apparent the reason they were rushing home. I would be lying if I said I didn’t want to do the same with Violet. I shifted uncomfortably, willing my dick to not make a scene as I tried to push away thoughts of plowing into her. How her plump lips would part as she moaned my name, her perfect tits bouncing each time I drove into her.
I blinked and bit back a groan. Jesus. I really needed to get my shit together. I’d never had such a visceral reaction to a woman before, and I had no idea how to handle it.
Once we paid the check and were alone at the table, Violet and I sat, continuing to nurse our drinks.
“Did you have a good time?” I asked.
Her gaze met mine, holding me captive as she searched my face. For what, I wasn’t sure. Did she feel the same thing between us tonight that I did? Was she questioning it?
“Yeah.” She ran her tongue along her bottom lip, and I tracked the movement, swallowing down a groan that bubbled up as I was inundated with memories of the kiss we’d shared last weekend at the softball game.
Noticing her drink was now empty, I downed the last of my beer. “You ready to go?”
She pulled her lower lip into her mouth with her teeth and sent me a slight nod. Neither of us said a word as we made ourway to the car and I drove toward her townhome. Obviously, I knew what my issue was. I wanted an excuse to kiss her. In truth, I wanted so much more than that. But I had no intention of screwing up something real between us by having one night together.
Why was she so quiet, though? Was she having the same thoughts?
I parked in front of her townhome and looked over at her. All the air left my lungs at the desire that stared back at me. But it was mixed with so much hesitation and uncertainty, it just cemented the conclusion I’d already come to.
I couldn’t let this happen. Not tonight. Not yet. And if she asked if I wanted to come in, I wasn’t sure I was strong enough to say no.
“Thanks for coming out tonight.” I choked out the words, hating what I had to do. “Do you want to grab coffee or lunch one day this week?”
Hopefully, that was enough to remind her of our plan, without sounding like a total dick. Her brows pulled together, and I saw the moment in her eyes when she put us firmly back into the fake dating category.
I wanted to screamNo, don’t. Invite me in,but I couldn’t.
“Yeah, I’ll text you.” She grabbed the handle, not even glancing over at me as she opened the door and slipped out. “Goodnight, Seth.”
“Goodnight.”
I sat frozen, hands gripping the steering wheel until she was safely inside her house. Because every fiber in my being wanted to go after her.
Chapter Twenty-Three
SETH
It had beenthree days since I dropped Violet off at her house Friday night, and every day since then I wanted to call or text her. But the problem was I had no clue where to go from there. I put my other earbud in and pushed play before raising my ax and bringing it down in the center of a piece of wood, splintering it in half.
It wasn’t like I needed the wood yet. It was still August, so I wasn’t planning on using my fireplace. But the task helped keep my body busy while I struggled to calm my mind. I put another log in front of me and brought the ax down hard again.
After ten more pieces, I pulled my phone out, not able to stop thinking about her.
Me: How’s your day going?
After ten minutes with no reply, I typed out another message.
Me: Want to grab lunch or coffee or something one day this week?
What felt like forever, but was probably only twenty minutes later, she responded.
Violet: I’m home sick today. I’ll let you know once I’m feeling better.
Home sick? Was that just an excuse? Had she decided she didn’t want to do this anymore? The thought sat like lead in my gut.
