Forbidden Attraction (Forbidden Trilogy) (24 page)

“That would be because you haven’t. Small doses, baby. I don’t want to scare you off. I can’t take you from zero to sixty without incremental exposure,” he chides.

“I wasn’t a virgin so I didn’t start at zero, you ass,” I huff.

“Pretty close, babe. Liam didn’t handle his business. My gain though. I’m going to put that hot ass body of yours through the paces. I’m going to own all your firsts with the exception of your virginity.” He’s so sure of himself. I love that he’s so confident and takes control.

“What other firsts could there be? Anal sex was the last first I had to offer.” I’m confused.

“That is what you think. It is a testament to how sexually naïve you are. We haven’t pushed past your vanilla boundaries yet baby, but we will.”

“VANILLA?” WHAT THE heck is he hinting at?

“As in plain. When I turn it up a notch, you will know.” He winks. God, how can he wink at me when I’m this sore? “Let me run a bath, baby, so you can soak away some of the soreness. I’ll find something you can wear home.”

“Is that why you took a shower without me this morning? You knew I’d be sore?”

“Yes. Sore or not, I would’ve fucked you if you’d gotten your hot ass in the shower with me. That doesn’t mean I didn’t fucking get off in the shower to the mental images of that tight little pussy of yours.”

“Grayson,” I groan. I cover my eyes to hide my embarrassment and he chuckles.I soak in the tub and let the scented oils permeate my nostrils. The warm water relaxes my muscles as I lose myself in last night’s memories. I’m pulled out of my reverie by Grayson’s sexy voice.

“Hey, babe. I’m meeting my father for brunch. I won’t get to see you this coming weekend due to a business related engagement, but I promise to make it up to you the weekend after that.” He sees the pout on my face and leans down to kiss me. “I’ll see you in class this week. I’m not leaving until Thursday morning. Besides, you can use this time to study for your upcoming finals.”

“I guess so.” We only have two weeks left in the semester. I wonder what will happen after I’m no longer in his class.

Will we still have to keep whatever we have a secret? Will he ditch our secret rendezvous at hotels to bring me to his home? I won’t venture into these questions just yet. I’ll wait until I’m no longer his student. I’m looking forward to the end of this chapter.

“Finish your bath. Take as long as you need. I have an assortment of breakfast items on the table when you get out. The number for my driver is next to the orange juice. There is also a T-shirt and shorts on the bed if you want them.” He kisses me one more time before heading out. “See you tomorrow, baby.”

MONDAY MORNING I’M met with a brooding Grayson. His eyebrows furrow together as he reads something at his desk and refuses to make eye contact with me. His coldness from last week is back with a vengeance. I wish I knew what causes him to be so mercurial. Something is bothering him, but I don’t know what. Is it the business venture he has coming up this week? He’s given us a free class day to review previous readings for our upcoming final, as it will be comprehensive. The last fifteen minutes of class is being reserved for any questions we may have for additional preparation.

“Do you want to form a study group for the final?” Liam nudges me out of my Grayson haze.

“When you say study group ... do you actually mean you and me?” I see right through his attempt to be alone with me.

“Yes. Busted I guess. No pressure. Just two friends getting together to study for an exam.” He rushes the words like a rocket and wipes his sweaty palms on his jeans, awaiting my response.

“Okay, fine. I’ll be at the library all day Monday and Tuesday; I have finals Wednesday and Thursday. You’re welcome to meet me there as long as you keep our meeting strictly a study session.” Agreeing to study time with him better not come back and bite me in the ass. This is my attempt at rebuilding our friendship.

“No problem, Shiv. I won’t mess this up.” We turn to finish our reading, but I focus my attention on Grayson. Something is definitely off and I want to know what it is.

As class wraps up with our various questions, Grayson announces that we don’t have to come to class on Wednesday. He encourages us to spend time in the library, studying for our final. There are collective hoots from the class in appreciation of the free day, but I’m unable to join in the excitement. He still hasn’t looked at me. I’d do anything to see his sexy smirk or even a wink right now. He rushes out of class so hanging around until everyone has left is out of the question. I make my way to my next class in hopes that he’ll text me later. What could have happened between yesterday and today? Could it be me? I hadn’t thought of that. Either way, his mood swings are making me dizzy. I push these trivial thoughts aside and enter my economics class.

TONIGHT’S FLAVOR FOR our margarita night is strawberry. This will probably be our last one since finals are next week. After that, everyone will be heading home for winter break. We’re about two drinks in before hearing a knock on the door.

“Yea. Bailey is finally here,” Angie squeals as Jordan gets up to unlock the door. Jordan freezes mid swing of the door opening. She flashes me an apologetic look over whom Bailey has brought with her. Shit. It’s Vanessa. Bailey has no clue about the recent happenings between Grayson, Vanessa, and me. No one does with the exception of Jordan. This evening is going to be awkward.

“Hey ladies. Hope you don’t mind that I invited Vanessa. We were out shopping and I told her about our margarita Mondays. She was ecstatic about the idea,” Bailey says.

“Don’t be ridiculous. The more the merrier, right, girls?” Angie looks around the group as everyone but me nods their agreement. I, on the other hand, am still in shock. Vanessa made it clear how much she dislikes me on the dance floor Friday night so why is she here? What is she playing at?

Jordan connects her iPhone to speakers so we can enjoy the music in her Margarita Monday playlist. The conversation is going smoothly until Meghan inquires about our longest relationships. I answer five years with Liam and the rest of the group provides their answer for comparison. Vanessa is the last to speak up.

“Grayson and I have been on and off for five years. Our relationship is complicated, but we are each other’s best friends. We’ve known each since middle school. We have a special bond that can’t be cracked,” she smiles.

I know her explanation is for my benefit.
Bitch.
“That doesn’t sound very promising. Some people are better off as friends,” I quip. Right back at you. After five years, maybe she needs to give the hell up. Jordan is quick to change the subject to celebrity gossip, but Vanessa’s glacial stare speaks volumes. After another drink, I welcome the buzz it brings. We’re all laughing and having a good time until Vanessa gets a text.

“Oh, ladies, I’m going to have to call it a night. Grayson just sent me a text and wants us to meet up for dinner,” she coos. I want to punch her in her obnoxious face. Jordan grabs my hand because she knows where my thoughts have ventured. “Bailey, do you think you could get a ride home?”

“No problem Vanessa. Have a good time.” Bailey waves good-bye and turns back to our discussion. As soon as she is out of sight, I rush to my room to text Grayson. Maybe she is lying.

Me: What are you up to tonight?

Five minutes go by before I get a reply.

Grayson: About to have dinner.

That’s it. It is all the confirmation that I need. The coldness that reaches through my phone is disheartening. He didn’t even ask what I was doing or attempt to explain his standoffish behavior from today.

What does this mean for us? Is this his way of ending our arrangement as the semester comes to an end and the novelty wears off? Of course, why didn’t I see this before? After the semester ends, he loses his excuse not to be seen with me. He’s afraid that I’m going to want more. Well to hell with him. I don’t text him again and neither does he.

The week passes in a blur. Grayson makes no attempt to reach me and this cements my suspicion that he’s looking for a way to end our arrangement. I’ve been to the library every day this week trying to bury thoughts of him between the pages of my textbooks. Today is no different. I’m curled up on one of the sofas with some leisure reading. My brain needs a break from formulas, graphs, and strategic planning. My phone vibrates in my pocket and I’m careful to view the caller ID before answer. I’ve been diligently ignoring all unknown calls, but I see this time it’s Jordan calling.

“Hello,” I whisper.

“Why in heck are you whispering?”

“I’m in the library,” I reply as I begin gathering my books to head outside.

“Enough already. Get your butt home. We’re going out. No excuses. You’ve been at that damn library every day this week.” She pauses in her rant and I know she has more to say, but decides against it.

“I’m on the way. No need to twist my arm.” I admit that going out may be just what I need. The sooner I forget about Grayson the better. “No Vanessa ... okay?”

“It’s just you and me tonight, chica. I’m thinking we could grab some dinner and then head to Drai’s again.”

“Sounds like a plan.” It’s been a while since Jordan and I hung out without the others. I’m determined to have a blast.