To Love and To Lust

Chapter 11

Amelia

As I enter the patio at MH Bar and Grill, I can feel Martin's blue and brown eyes on me, and when I turn to look at him, it is confirmed that he's eating me up with his intense gaze.

I have to try my best not to let my father and Claire see me smirking at him, but at the same time, I can't help it. Knowing that he's not able to resist the pull as much as he thought he would, pleases me. We stare at each other for a few seconds longer than we should.

Quickly, as if coming to the realization of what he is doing, he holds his head down and mutters something inaudible, and just like that, the trance between us is broken.

"Amelia, there you are," Dad says. I'm not entirely over him blindsiding me, but at the same time, I don't want to hold a grudge, especially against my own father and for the sake of his happiness.

"Hi, Dad. Claire. Mr. Hill," I say, casting a quick glance at Martin.

"Hi, Amelia," Claire greets. I have to admit, she’s lovely.

"How are you, Amelia? It's nice to see you again," Martin says.

"Again?" Dad inquires.

"Yes. Amelia was here last night with her friend, Lily," Martin answers before I can get a word out.

"Amelia, why didn't you tell me that you were here last night? I wouldn't have been so worried," Dad says.

'Worry would be the last of your concern if you knew what took place in the bathroom last night' I want to say, but instead I say "Dad, I was so tired. I just wanted to get to bed."

"David, leave the poor girl alone," Claire comes to my defense and winks at me. I smile at her in response.

"Aren't you going to sit, Amelia?" Martin asks.

As my father is about to stand, Martin beats him to it and pulls out a chair for me. I sit and do everything I can to control the shiver that runs through me when his hand grazes my bare shoulders.

Martin and I are sitting on the same side of the table. Him facing my father and me facing Claire.

"Thank you," I clear my throat and speak.

Briefly looking up at Martin, I realize that his little move was intentional. He makes me so confused, because one moment he's saying that what we did together was a mistake and another, he is giving me all kinds of mixed signals.

The dinner goes by smoothly. Conversations flow, and it is not as awkward as I thought it would have been.

When I hear some of the things they faced together, I know that my father and Martin are the best friends they say they are. It makes me feel a little bit more guilty about what happened.

That thought immediately vanishes when I feel a hand land on my knee, causing me to stiffen momentarily.

From my periphery, I can see that Martin remains relaxed, though his hand is sneakily creeping up under my dress.

It feels so awkward and disrespectful because Dad and his wife are sitting right across from us. Scooting back the chair and causing it to make a loud noise, I stand.

"Excuse me. I need to use the restroom," I say and quickly dash away before anyone can say anything.

Not wanting a repeat of last night, I make sure to use the public restroom this time. It is empty when I enter, thank God. I use the toilet, wash my hands and fix my minimal makeup.

When I open the door, take a guess who's standing there. Of course, it is Martin. I try to push past him, but he puts his body in the entire door frame, blocking me from exiting.

"I just want to go," I tell him.

"Do one thing for me," he says.

"What?" I ask skeptically. What the hell is he up to?

"Let me taste those lips,”he says so boldly that it shocks my eyes wide open.

"But I just reapplied my lipstick," I tell him instead of saying 'no' outright. When I realize it, I try to correct myself, "No, I will not let you kiss me."

"Why not? I know you want me to," he says arrogantly, pissing me the hell off.

"Why not? You're not going to keep playing games with me. One minute you're hot and the next, you're cold. You told me this. Right after fing*ring me and eating my p*ssy, you told me it was a mistake. Why the f*ck would I want you to kiss me?" I blurt out, watching as regret forms on his face.

"Amelia..."

"No, Martin. Let me go," I say sternly. I want him to know I'm not joking.

Reluctantly, he let's me go and turns sideway to let me pass, and when I do, I brush up against him, igniting my desire for him once more. I ignore it and walked away.

I make sure that I am composed before going back to the table. When I see how my father and Claire are well-engaged in their conversation with each other, so much that they don't even see me approach, I decide I should leave.

Honestly, I thought that their marriage was one of convenience, but, seeing them now, gives me a different idea. I suddenly feel like a third wheel. I clear my throat, catching their attention.

"Dad, Claire, I think I'm going to go right now. See you guys at home?"

"Are you sure?" Dad asks.

"Yes, Dad. You can have the rest of the night to yourselves." My words make Claire smile.

"OK, Pumpkin."

I roll my eyes at myself when I exit the restaurant, looking for Martin while doing so, and remember that I haven't called a car.

Retrieving my phone to do just that, a Mercedes truck pulls up beside me. Cautious, I watch as the window rolls down, revealing Martin.

"Need a ride?" He asks.

"Uhm... I-I don't," I stutter, clueless if I should even engage.

"Please, Amelia. Let me take you home. I need to apologize for earlier. I was out of line." The sincerity of his words causes me to agree to let him give me a ride.

Cautiously, I open the door and join him inside the luxurious car. We ride in silence straight to my house. When he parks, he leans back in his seat, his brows furrowed as if he doesn't know what to say.

"Amelia, I'm sorry for being a d**k earlier. You don't deserve that," Martin says, "I just..."

"What?" I ask, eager to know what is on his mind.

"Nevermind. Can I kiss you?" I'm taken aback by the question.

My mind is telling me that it's not a good idea, but my body is saying otherwise. In the end, my body wins.

"Yes," I reply with my eyes closed, hoping I don't regret this later.

Martin cradles my cheek and gives me the most gentle kiss I have ever received. My panties dampen in the process, causing me to talk without thinking. I pull my lips away from his.

"Martin?"

"Yeah?"

"Please come inside."