He holds up his hands in surrender. “Okay. I get it.”
“I’m not sure you do. When I caught you kissing that girl, you broke me apart. You see, I believed you. I believed everything you told me, that you loved me, but your actions crushed me. You betrayed me. I never told you any of this before because it didn’t matter. When I saw you with her, I knew there wasn’t any reason to talk to you about it because if I couldn’t trust you, I couldn’t love you. So now you know. And now that I know what you were doing, it makes it even worse.”
“Jesus, Sam.” He put his hand behind his neck and looks up.
“Yeah. ‘Jesus, Sam,’ is right.” I look around a second and then I say, “I think I’m going to call it a night.
“Please don’t leave.”
“I think it’s best that I do.”
“Then at least let me drive you.”
“Trevor, I only live a few blocks from here and I think the walk might do me some good. You know, clear my head and all.”
He eyes me skeptically, and I shut him down.
“I’m not really giving you a say in this, and I’ll be fine.” Score for pushover Sam. And it’s about time too.
As I take to the crowded sidewalks, my brain analyzes what occurred between us. Was I wrong? I’m reeling over the fact that he fucked around on us and I didn’t know it. How many times and with how many women? But if I’m honest with myself, I don’t care anymore because the real truth is, I don’t care about Trevor. And why is that?
Weaving my way through the throng of people, I finally make it to a less crowded section of town and suck in a giant cleansing breath. I make it about a block and that’s when it happens. I take my eyes off of my bubble gum pink toenails and come face to face with Ben Rhoades.
Big hazel eyes meet mine and for a second, I can’t think beyond my next breath. My eyes drop to her kissable mouth and I lick my own until I remember myself. I want her, but more than I should. The weird ideas in my head have to stop, but the liquor coursing through me makes me feel bold.
I kick up my smile, which feels devilish even to me.
“Samantha.”
The innocence that turns her frown to a blushing smile makes my dick go on alert like a puppy at the door.
“Ben, I—”
I’m not ready to hear about the asshole she was with. So I cut her off. “It’s a nice night. But you really shouldn’t be out here alone.”
Her chin lifts in defiance and it’s cute.
“I don’t live far. I’m capable of walking home by myself.”
I raise my brows, accepting her challenge.
“Well, it’s a good thing I ran into you, because now you don’t have to.”
Without giving her a chance to argue, I take her hand in mine relishing the touch. “I know all about feminine rights and all that. But my mother raised me to be a good Southern boy. So let me walk you home.”
My charm is as thick as molasses. And she shakes her head in amusement.
“You are something else, Ben Rhoades.”
“That I am.”
Remembering where she lives, we walk in the direction of her house. Her hand is soft in mine. And suddenly I feel like a teenage boy on my first date. Get your shit together, Rhoades.
“It’s a beautiful night,” I say breaking the silence.
She shrugs and the lift of her shoulders draws my attention to her amazing chest. I blink because the alcohol in my system is fucking with me.
“Tell me, Samantha, how did you end up on the streets of Charleston this late at night alone?”
It’s not really a test because I can come clean and tell her that I saw her earlier. Still, I’m curious what she’ll say. She’s quiet for a moment, too quiet.
“I could ask you the same.” Her eyes lock with mine and I feel lost.
I let her win the staring contest and glance away. Something about this woman makes me want more than I should. I have to get us back on track. Being with her can be fun. So I tell her the truth.
“I was out with friends and decided I’d rather be home dreaming of you than out unsatisfied with someone else.”
Her laugh is quiet. “You’re dangerous, Ben Rhoades. From anyone else’s mouth, that would have been a bad pick up line. But I almost believe you.”
“You should. It’s the truth, scout’s honor.” With my free hand, I give her the salute.
She nods and her hair cascades over her shoulder when she looks at the ground for a second. I immediately think about how I can wrap it around my hand and expose her neck as I slide into her.
“We’re here.”