Book Two: ShamelessMy panties dampen at the way he growls out those words. His anger and prickly attitude shouldn't be a turn-on, but they are. Oh god, are they. The way his teeth clench, flashing in the light, and the muscle in his jaw tics against his sun-kissed flesh does strange things to my insides. His eyes ignite with a mixture of fury and something else I can't quite identify.Lust?Desire?Exactly how far would I need to push for him to lose control again?If that happened, would he kiss me like the other night?A thick shiver of desire slides through me just remembering the way his lips took possession of mine. It was passionate, controlling, and nothing short of addictive. More than anything, I want to feel it again.He takes a swift step forward, swallowing up a bit of distance between us before slamming to a halt. It's almost as if he's hit an invisible wall that stops him from moving closer. "And I'm pretty sure I told you that I can do what I want."His eyes nar
Book Two: ShamelessI can't stop thinking about what it would be like if you just let go.Those fifteen words arranged into a sentence are what finally snap my tightly harnessed control. Without thinking, I leap forward to take what I've spent the last thirty-six hours obsessing about.Even as my mouth roves over hers, I know this is a terrible idea. And yet, that knowledge isn't enough to stop the moment from unfolding.Instead of being a passive participant like the other night, she kisses me back with an equal amount of fervor. That only stokes the flames of my desire. My cock is so hard it feels like it'll explode any second. I can't remember the last time a woman turned me on to this degree.Maybe never.It's a disturbing thought. One that gets shoved away before it can take root inside my brain and do permanent damage.When she nips at my lower lip, everything circling viciously through my head vanishes until this girl is all I'm cognizant of. My hands go to her ass to lif
Book Two: Shameless"I don't have a condom," I ground out. It's so tempting to wrap my hand around my cock and squeeze the tip to relieve some of the pressure. Otherwise, I'm half afraid the damn thing might blow off. I can be one of those horrific stories you see on Sex Sent Me to the ER."There's one in my purse." She points to the little pink bag lying haphazardly on the floor ten feet from the counter.Funny…I didn't even notice she dropped the thing when I hauled her against me. Three long-legged strides are all it takes to reach the bag. With a glance speared in her direction, I hold it out."It should be in the side pocket."For a second, our gazes stay locked. If there's one thing I've never done before, it's rummage around in a woman's purse. When I remain still, unsure what to do, she arches a brow. I blow out a steady breath before cautiously opening the flap and peeking inside. It's like getting a glimpse behind the curtain.Just like she claimed, there's a foil p
Book Two: ShamelessYou should probably get dressed.Those five words are all it takes to snap me out of the thick sexual fog that has descended. They're like a sharp slap across my face as I blink back to awareness and realize I'm still sprawled naked on the counter in Mason's pole barn while he stares dispassionately at me. Heat floods my cheeks as I attempt to kick my brain into gear and scamper off the long stretch of linoleum.As my bare feet hit the concrete, I avert my eyes and drop down to grab my panties before hauling them up my legs. Snapping up my bra, I chance a peek at Mason. He's turned away so that the wide expanse of his bare back faces me.Is he so repentant that he can't even meet my eyes?That's all it takes for fury to explode inside me.I pick up the shorts and tank before covering myself. Once I've slipped my sandals on my feet, I glance around for my purse before nabbing it from the counter. It's only when I'm fully dressed that I clear my throat.If Mason
Book Two: ShamelessI manage to keep it together until her VW rolls down the gravel drive and turns onto the county road that leads to town. As soon as she's gone, I lose it. Bitter regret and anger churn in the pit of my gut before bubbling up like a geyser. I storm to the counter and grab her broken alternator before hurling it across the open space. It crashes against the barn wall before dropping to the concrete where it clanks, shattering the silence of the afternoon.Fuck.Fuck.Fuck.How stupid am I?She wasn't even here for five damn minutes, and I couldn't hold it together without screwing her.Here's an even better question-how the hell am I going to face her father after what just happened?The anguish that escapes from my lips is cut off by a deep voice."That pissed off, huh?"I swing around, only to find Hunter. My first impulse is to launch myself at his tall form and wrap my arms around him in a giant bearhug before squeezing the life out of him.Instead, I stay ro
Book Two: Shameless"Would you mind getting the door?" Anne asks, grabbing an oversized platter piled high with thick wedges of watermelon.I pad to the slider that leads to the patio and yank it open. Dad is already outside, manning the grill. Even though it's early in the afternoon, there are already fifty people in attendance for the annual Claremont Cougars barbeque that will officially kick off the season.Unconsciously, I scan the yard. The pool is packed with shirtless guys. Since they train all year round, most are in excellent shape. It's certainly no hardship to stare at them. I should be basking in man candy heaven.Instead, my attention is continually snagged by the brooding man standing with a small group of coaches. He's barely glanced my way since arriving an hour ago.It's been just about a week since the incident at his garage.He slinks into Psychology before the start of class and hightails it out the moment our professor wraps up his lecture. After the disas
Book Two: ShamelessWhat the actual fuck?Did Poppy just disappear into the pool house with Levi?I glance at her father only to see that he's deep in conversation with our defensive coordinator. He probably doesn't realize his daughter just went missing. Anne is busy checking out the food situation while she chats with one of the coaches' wives.I drag a hand over my face and grit my teeth until my jaw aches from the pressure before glancing at my sports watch."Mason?""Yeah?" My attention reluctantly returns to Jason, another assistant coach. Honestly, I have no idea what the hell he's been yapping about. Maybe a new exercise regimen he wants to implement? I've spent the past hour covertly watching Poppy, all the while nodding and grunting at appropriate intervals.I can't stop my gaze from dropping to my watch again. It's been three minutes since they shuttered themselves inside the structure.What the hell are they doing in there?Only one answer comes to mind.My hands tig
Book Two: ShamelessThe knock on the apartment door sends my belly into freefall. I flatten my palm against my lower abdomen, hoping that will settle everything that riots dangerously within. It's as if there's a horde of angry butterflies attempting to wing their way to life inside me.It's ridiculous how nervous I am about this date. It's not like I haven't been on dozens of them throughout the years. But for some reason, going out with Mason feels like a big deal. I have the sneaking suspicion it's because I like him.Really like him.Once I reach the tiny entryway, I inhale one last deep breath before grabbing the handle and yanking the door open. I find Mason standing on the other side of the threshold in the hallway. He's wearing a navy polo and dark wash jeans. Normally, in class, he wears T-shirts. Once, at the garage, I found him bare chested. I'd be lying through my teeth if I didn't admit that I prefer him without a shirt, but he looks seriously handsome dressed li