I wasn’t pleased, but I felt I had no choice but to return to the couch and sit down. I knew this guy wasn't joking around, and I wouldn't be able to sleep knowing he was lurking right outside my door. Besides, I didn't want my roommates finding out that I even knew him.
He smiled as he sat back down beside me, handing me a fresh glass. I took a tiny sip, still trying to avoid drinking too much.
"Let's drink," he said, pouring more for himself.
I sighed. "No. I really can't. I don't drink anymore."
"When you're with me, you can have one," he said with a grin. My shameless heart skipped a beat. His smile was truly enchanting. Calm down, Beryl, I told myself.
"Are those people you're with your colleagues?" he asked. I didn't want to share anything about my personal life, but since we had nothing else to talk about, I just nodded. It was a better topic than s*x.
"How long are you staying here?"
"One week," I lied. Tomorrow is actually our last day, and we leave at eight the following morning. I missed my daughter so much. I couldn't wait to hug and kiss her again.
"Oh. So that means we'll be together for a few more days." Together? I stared at his handsome face, the undeniable source of Precious’s good looks. He definitely had good genes. He raised an eyebrow when he noticed me staring.
"You looked at me just like that on that night," he said, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.
"I don't remember. I was so drunk I didn't even recognize you at first," I lied.
"Me? You’d forget me? That’s a lie." He was so arrogant.
"Well..." I shrugged. "Why do you still remember me? I have a normal face. I'm sure you're used to one-night stands."
He licked his upper lip in a way that was far too sexy. I felt a flutter in my chest. It was a terrible idea to be in a confined space with this man; he was far too enticing.
"I don't usually sleep with virgins," he said suddenly.
Oh. So I was the first? "Then why did you continue? You didn't know until... well, until you knew."
"Virgins are usually clingy."
"Oh. So you’re a 'f**k and run' kind of guy?"
He laughed. "Did I run?" he asked pointedly. He had a point. I was the one who had disappeared without a word. "And you had the nerve to run away and pay me!"
I downed the rest of my drink and laughed. He eventually joined in, shaking his head as he refilled my glass.
"Since you don't like clingy, shouldn't you be happy with what I did? Besides, I left you two hundred dollars so what more could you ask for?" It was ironic. He was the one who preferred no strings attached, yet he was the one chasing me now.
"We should just ignore each other, then," I said, swirling the liquid in my glass.
He shook his head. "As I said, I feel insulted. You’re going to pay for what you did to me." We were back to the tension again.
"I’m on my period," I lied, standing up to move to the other couch. "I'm really sleepy. I'm going to bed now. Don't touch me. I'm warning you!"
He just watched me with a grin. I lay down, ignoring his gaze. I was truly exhausted and fell into a deep sleep almost instantly.
When I woke up, I was tucked under a warm blanket. The dim wall lights were on, and it was three in the morning. The man was still sitting in the same spot, a laptop resting on his thighs.
"Why aren't you asleep yet?" I asked groggily.
"I'm working," he replied, glancing at me briefly before returning to his typing. My eyes felt heavy, and I drifted off again.
When I woke up a second time, it was five a.m. He was finally asleep, so I took the opportunity to sneak out and head back to my room. I prayed my roommates were still out cold. I didn't want them thinking the worst of me. I breathed a sigh of relief when I found them all snoring. I had thirty minutes before their alarms went off, so I hopped into the shower.
***
At the breakfast buffet, we were all chatting and joking when he arrived. He glanced at me but went straight to his group's table. Nothing had happened last night, so I hoped he would finally leave me alone. We crossed paths several times throughout the day, exchanging nothing but glances. Surprisingly, I felt more at ease knowing he was nearby.
That evening, the team headed to the bar. The bosses went elsewhere with investors, so we were on our own. We started with tequila shots. I scanned the room for him, but he wasn't there.
Three shots later, the music turned wild and we hit the dance floor. People were jumping and screaming. The atmosphere was electric. A bottle was being passed around, and when it reached me, I took a swig. It was so strong it made me cough.
I danced with my eyes closed, letting my body move to the beat. Everything was a blur of motion. I saw couples making quick exits toward the beach or the hotel rooms. It was all so intense.
"Hey there..."
I jumped as a voice whispered in my ear. A strong arm wrapped around my waist. I recognized the scent of his cologne instantly. Instead of pulling away, I let him hold me. I kept dancing, smirking when I felt him match my rhythm.
I turned to face him, and we exchanged a look of pure challenge. We danced until the dizziness and fatigue began to set in. He pulled me into an embrace, his hand gently caressing my side. His touch sent a delightful shiver through me.
"You're a seductress, you know that?" he whispered. His voice was like silk. The warmth of his body against mine was overwhelming.
I looked up at him, leaning back into his arms. His hand moved slowly upward. I licked my lips, watching him. Before I could think, I was kissing him back. He was an incredible kisser. His kisses were intense and hungry. I couldn't stop, and I didn't want him to. I loved the way my body reacted to him.
I nibbled on his lower lip, drawing a deep, masculine groan from his throat. I felt his hand drop lower, squeezing my backside. I felt a sudden pang of disappointment when he pulled away.
"Not here," he rasped. He took my hand and led me out of the bar.