Second Chance Mine, page 11
I never expected him to admit, “You’re right. I’m not.”
“Does that mean you’re here for more than just insisting that you’re protecting me from guys like you?”
He stepped toward me, getting close to my face before he countered, “What if I am?” Eyeing me up and down with a cocky expression, he added, “What are you going to do about it, Cherry?”
If I thought Adrian couldn’t surprise me any more than he already had in the last few months, he totally ripped the rug out from under me with this one.
In one quick fluid motion, he backed me up against the wall and snatched the tie off my wrist. Only to wrap it around my hands to hold them above my head with his grip.
I sucked in a breath at feeling the weight of him on me, making me weak in the knees.
“Cherry…” he rasped along my mouth. “This is what’s going to happen next. You’re going to be my good girl, and get your sweet little ass in my car, so I can take you on our first date.”
“I will on one condition.”
“Is that right?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“All right, sweetheart. What’s that?”
“You’re going to admit you kissed me that night.”
“I see.” He grinned. “And what if I don’t? What if I didn’t kiss you and I’m telling you the truth?”
“Then you’re not going to be able to kiss me today.”
He chuckled. “Look at you, Paige Summers. Wheeling and dealing like you’re in charge.”
I shrugged, feeling proud of myself.
“Have I told you how fucking adorable you are?”
“Quit trying to flirt with me and tell me the truth.”
He narrowed his gaze at me, sharing, “I did kiss you.” Gripping onto the back of my neck, he leaned into my ear and whispered, “And I can’t fucking wait to do it again.”
I turned my face up to his, feeling my stomach flutter and my heart race faster than it had been. He shifted his mouth to almost touch mine, lightly enough to where he was there in my space, but still leaving the desire for wanting his lips on mine.
“Today, Paige.”
I wanted this moment to last. Especially with what he expressed next…
“You’re my girl.”
Seventeen
Paige
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”
“No.”
“Oh, come on! I don’t like surprises.”
“All the more reason to torture you.”
“I think you have that area pretty much nailed.”
He winked at me.
“Besides, this is my first date. You should set the bar high for all my future dates.”
“So you want me to ruin you for every other man?”
I wanted to say he already had, but instead I responded, “I’d think that’d be your dream come true.”
He tried to grip onto my thigh to tickle me, and I intercepted his hand at the last second.
“Did you see that, Adrian Drake? I have cat-like reflexes.” I wiggled my eyebrows. “I’m really a ninja.”
He wickedly grinned, nodding in front of me. My gaze followed his movement and he used it to his advantage, squeezing my inner thigh.
“No!” I pitifully thrashed around; I hated being tickled.
“What was that, Cherry?” he mocked, squeezing tighter. “What was that about you being a ninja?”
I squealed, laughing and feeling like I was going to pee my pants. “Please!” I begged.
“You want my mercy?”
“Yes!”
“Then repeat after me.”
“I can’t! Stop tickling me first!”
He did, leaving his death drip on me for good measure.
“I, Paige.”
“Are we getting married?”
He clutched on like a vice.
“Okay! Okay! I’m sorry!”
He paused his attack, continuing, “Will love whatever Adrian has planned for me today because my pussy is worth ten thousand dollars.”
My mouth dropped open, and he busted out laughing, throwing his head back.
I slapped his chest.
“I’m kidding.” He half-laughed, glancing at me. “Your pussy is priceless, Cherry, and don’t you ever forget that.”
I smacked again, lighter that time.
I thought he’d remove his hand from my thigh because our game was over, but he didn’t. It stayed there. Though he loosened his hold and started to caress my skin with the tips of his fingers.
I loved it.
My crush on him was simply multiplying with each second I spent in his presence, and it’d only been an hour.
I was screwed.
Adrian didn’t make it easy on me either. He was a playboy. His charm and wit came naturally. It was one of his traits I liked the most about him. He was easy to talk to.
He asked, “How’s school going for you?” Pulling me away from my thoughts.
“It’s good.”
“How’s class?”
“Most of my teachers are pretty nice. The workload is less intense than I thought it’d be though.”
“You were taking college credit in high school. You’re just fucking smart.”
“You knew that?”
He nodded.
Unable to resist, I questioned, “What else do you know about me?’
He smiled. “You’re going to have to liquor me up to answer that question.”
“But we’re having such great conversation.” I moved my hands. “Let’s keep that going.”
“At whose expense?”
“Currently yours.”
“I see. You’re trying to find out all my secrets, huh?”
“As a matter of fact, I am.”
“Alright. I go first then.”
“But I just asked you my question first.”
“These are my conditions.”
I rolled my eyes. “Fine.” I coughed, “Cheater.”
He gripped my thigh.
“Don’t you dare! We’re done with that game, and we’ve moved onto a new one.”
“And who won that round?”
“You just want to hear me say it.”
“And yet I’m still waiting.”
“You won, Adrian Drake,” I stated in a high-pitched voice. “Because you’re the best at everything.”
He loosened his clasp. “I’m glad you’re aware of that.”
“Okay.” I mockingly smiled. “Now answer your question.”
“You’re so bossy.”
“Come on… I know what you’re doing. You’re sidestepping my awesome game of let’s get to know each other.”
“Is that what I’m doing?”
“Stop asking a question with a question and just ask me yours.” I paused. “Please.”
“Only because you’re begging me.” He thought about it for a second. “Why don’t you have any girlfriends?’
“You’re first question is why I’m not into chicks?”
“Paige…”
“I know!” I squeezed his leg. “I’m just giving you a taste of your own medicine.”
He died laughing again.
“But to answer you, I never needed any. Cade was always there.”
“And if he wasn’t?”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m referring to the future, like after college. What if you two want to live in different cities? Or travel? Or I don’t know…be on your own for a while?”
“Has Cade said—”
“No. We’re not playing that game, Paige. I’m not here to make you feel insecure about your friendship with my brother. He loves you. Nothing is ever going to change that regardless of where life takes you. I’m simply asking from genuine curiosity. You two have been best friends since I was nine. Don’t you want to experience things without him?”
“I mean...” My eyes widened. “I guess I’ve never thought about it.”
“I could be way off base here. Maybe that’s enough for you, but for me, and take this with a grain of salt, I’d need more than that.”
“I see where you’re coming from. I think about the future all the time, I’d love to see the world, travel and learn a new language. Maybe take up a hobby—”
“What about your art?”
I jerked back. “How do you know about that?”
“The first time I saw you, you were drawing on your porch swing. It looked like a portrait or something. You were biting your bottom lip and you kept sweeping the hair away from your face, putting it behind your ear. Is that why you always wear a hair tie around your wrist? For when you’re drawing?”
I was shocked.
The man rendered me speechless.
“What?”
I shook my head, bewildered.
“You don’t think I notice you?”
“I… I… I don’t know.”
“You have this amazing talent with your hands. I know you’re a business administration major, but maybe consider minoring in art or design. Just seems like a waste to not utilize that gift you have. Don’t you think?”
“I’m not that good.”
He rolled my arm over. “That’s a badass cherry. You draw that?”
I tried to pull my arm away, he wouldn’t let me. “I forgot to wash it off.”
His expression turned mischievous. “Was I your muse?”
I blushed. “I didn’t have to liquor you up at all.”
“What can I say, Paige? You bring out the best and worst in me.”
“Is that a good or bad thing?”
“That’s yet to be known.”
“So far, I think it’s better than good.”
“You mean excellent?”
I dotingly nodded.
The light turned red, and he reached over to caress the side of cheek.
“Did my answers exceed your expectations?”
“You have no idea.”
He eyed me with a grin. “I think I have some.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you saw me on my porch swing?’
“It wouldn’t change anything. I was already too late.”
“For what?”
There were moments in life when you knew they would be monumental. It was a memory you were going to carry to your grave. This was one of those instances for me.
When he simply stated…
“You were already my brother’s.”
Eighteen
Paige
About an hour and a half later, we were pulling into a boat marina in Port Charlotte.
“Are we going on a boat?”
“More like a yacht.”
“You rented a yacht for the day?”
“Mmm hmm.”
“Ah!” I jumped out of the car.
I explored my surroundings, taking notice of the huge marina holding all types of different boats and yachts as he grabbed my hand, leading me toward the most beautiful piece of machinery.
“Wow!” I exhaled, keeping up with his long stride.
The fresh air and ocean scent hit my senses in the best possible way. It was such a perfect day for boating. Living in Florida was hit or miss when it came to our weather. It was either sweat your balls off hot or the humidity was being your friend and it was beautiful.
Where you could stand outside, feel the breeze on your face, and enjoy the sun hitting you in all the right places. The view was breathtaking, the colors of the sky matched the hue of the water.
I pulled Adrian to the front of the yacht, on the bow.
I grabbed my phone from my back pocket and held it up high. He caught on, tugging me close into his chest as I snapped a picture of us. I hated staged photos, there was nothing like a candid image which was exactly our shot.
He helped me off the bow and I roamed the yacht while he spoke to what I assumed was the owner. This space had the works, four bedroom suites, full kitchen, dining and living room. A flatscreen that slid up from the lower cabinets with a click of a button.
I couldn’t believe he set this up on his own. As far as first dates were concerned, he was definitely setting the bar high. The fridge and liquor bar were fully stocked. There were even snacks and drinks for us.
I smiled when I opened the fridge, seeing my favorite Hint water and chocolate covered strawberries. A huge staple for me. How Adrian had known that truly signified how much he knew about me. It was crazy. He was leaving a lasting impression I’d remember forever.
I smiled at the thought as he wrapped his arms around my waist from behind me, causing me to lean into his embrace.
“You’re awfully affectionate.”
“And that surprises you?” He rubbed his facial hair on my neck, making me giggle.
“I’ve never seen you be affectionate with anyone who’s not your mom.”
“And she usually forces me.”
“Exactly my point.”
“Are you going to state the obvious all day?”
“It seems to be the only way to make you understand.”
“Is that right?”
I blinked and he was throwing me over his shoulder with my ass in his face.
“I think it’s time to go swimming!”
“Adrian! Don’t you dare! Oh my God! There’re dolphins!” I shouted, holding myself up on his back to look at the ocean.
“Let’s throw you in with them.”
“Wait! Let me put my bikini on first!” I tightened my arms around his neck. “If I go in! You’re coming with me!”
He chuckled, “You do realize I’m a hell of a lot bigger than you, don’t you?”
“And you realize I could—”
“You could what, Paige?” He knew he had the upper hand. With ease, he shifted my body, and my legs naturally wrapped around his waist. “Tell me what you could do?”
I opened my mouth, but his cellphone rang, ruining the moment. He slowly set me back down onto the ground before answering his call. I took the opportunity to compose myself and went to change into my bikini. A white bandeau top and matching cheeky bottoms.
While I was getting ready, the engine to the boat roared to life. Seconds later, it began moving. I was giddy with excitement, looking in the mirror to adjust my top. Once I was finished, I made us a jar of margaritas. I wasn’t a big drinker, but I could make a spicy margarita.
Adrian was driving the boat, looking so freaking sexy as the captain. When he saw me approach, he immediately eyed my body with his familiar predatory glare, and he wasn’t subtle about it.
“I think my bikini shrunk in the wash.” Slowly turning, I posed for him. “What do you think?”
“I think it’s going to stay in my drawer after today.”
“Oh, you want to wear it?” I sassed.
“You won’t be wearing it again without me. I’ll buy you a one piece you can wear out in public.”
“That sounds so attractive.”
“My thoughts exactly.”
I set the pitcher on the counter and leaned into the seat beside him.
With a serious expression, I argued, “I already have a daddy. Though he’s never around, but that doesn’t mean I have a daddy issues. So, this whole alpha, protector, you listen to me. Roar!” I clawed at him. “Type of control you’re stuck on, it’s not going to work for me.”
He said one word, and one word only.
In a deep, throaty tone, he warned, “Run.”
I didn’t have to be told twice, I turned and jumped into the ocean.
I had to.
By the sudden warning on his handsome face, I was in trouble. As I popped out of the water, I realized my top was gone.
“Shit! I lost my top!”
Adrian threw in the anchor before looking down at me. “See, that’s what happens when you’re a bad girl.”
“Hey! Less lip! More help!”
I was baiting him.
It was fun.
I loved having this effect on him. Even if it was just a few seconds of control, it was mine.
He was mine.
And for the moment, it was good enough for me.
“You losing your top is now my problem? What do I get if I help you?”
“You’re bargaining while I’m practically drowning?”
The asshole tossed over a buoy.
“Solved one of your problems, the next one is going to cost you.”
“Do you need my first born?”
“I'll take your first fuck!”
“Adrian!” I yelled, caught off guard.
“Here’s a piece of advice, Cherry. Never try to bully the bull.”
“Oh yeah?” I mocked with a shit eating grin, sliding off my bottoms. “Well then.” I held them up in the air as if it were my red cape, twirling it side to side. “Consider this my muleta, bullfighter.”
I swear he growled like he was a lion.
The next thing I knew, he was jumping in beside me and I didn’t hesitate. I swam the fastest my legs could kick, and my arms would pull. I barely made it a few feet before he was dragging me under the water with his grip around my ankle.
I shrieked, sucking in water from laughing at the same time.
I had no choice but to surrender, shouting, “Mercy! You win!”
“Say you’re sorry,” he ordered, holding me up so I could breathe.
“What?” I spit out salt water, giggling. “I already said you wi—”
Under I went until he yanked me back up.
“Say you’re sorry.”
“Okay!” I couldn’t stop laughing. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry!”
“Good girl.”
Who would’ve thought a man calling you those two words would be worth getting in trouble for? I sure as hell didn’t.
With my body wrapped around his, he backed me into the swim platform and caged me in with his arms, holding us both up. My naked chest was now pressed up against his chest and I swallowed hard.
Except, it wasn’t only my heart pounding that time, it was his too. Our hearts felt in sync with each other. It was the first time in my life I finally understood what all my romance books described.
From the way he was looking at me…
To the way he was taking every last emotion out of me like they belonged to him.
To how I wanted it to be him.
My hero.
My villain.
My Prince Charming.
