Stanton Adore (Stanton #1)



I’m well on my way to drunken heaven by my fifth drink and fourth shot. I think I will be unconscious before I’m able to come through with the goods though. I’m finding it hard to even dance with men, knowing what the night might hold. How do people do this regularly? At this point in my life, celibacy in a monastery is alluring. And the men. Seriously, is this the best we’ve got? Not a single person here interests me. Todd, a guy we know, is paying me extra attention. I think he is scenting action, either that or my suspicions tell me Abbie has told him I like him. Liar. Why is he so short? Actually he isn’t that short—it’s just that I’m attracted to Amazonian men, six foot two being my cut off, or maybe six foot four like Joshua. Stop it, you idiot. Todd has started following me around and dancing a little too close. He keeps talking to me and because it’s so loud he has to talk into my ear. He keeps lingering a little too long after he speaks, waiting for a reaction. How in the hell do I get out of this? I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. I head to the bathroom to try and gain some distance and give myself time to think. As I sit on the toilet with the lid closed I give myself a pep talk. Come on, Natasha, snap out of it. It’s now or never. I do suppose Todd is as good as anybody, at least there is absolutely no chance of falling in love with the dick. And, anyway, even if Josh did want me, do I really want to live my life having slept with one person? That’s just stupid, really stupid. I finish up and wash my hands and it’s with the last thought in my mind that I look at myself in the mirror. He doesn’t want you, Natasha, move the hell on.

Thirty minutes later with a serious pep talk from Abbs under my belt I find myself dancing with Todd. We have moved across the whole dance floor towards the back wall, as he keeps moving forward and I keep moving back. I can’t help it. I’m really trying, but I’m just not into him at all. Just when I think it can’t get any worse he slides his hand down the length of my arm and grabs my hand. I look down at our entwined fingers and I know I have to make a decision. Sink or swim Natasha, what’s it going to be? He moves in for a kiss but I duck my head and he rests his lips on my forehead.

“Natasha, look at me,” he puts his finger under my chin to bring my face up to his.

“Fuck off!” I jump back in shock. My eyes widen as they fly up to Joshua who is breathing heavily and glaring at Todd. “I said Fuck off!” he repeats. Oh shit, impeccable timing, where did he come from?

“Joshua, stop it,” I stammer. Immediately my heart races at the sight of him. Todd goes to grab my hand, but I pull it away.

“Don’t, Todd,” I shake my head. Abbie is aware of the impending situation and quickly comes to my rescue, grabbing Todd’s hand and leading him away.

And there he stands, all 6 foot 4 inches of male perfection. Testosterone is obviously coursing through his veins as he sucks in precious air to try and calm himself. And here I stand, absolutely off the charts thrilled that my knight in shining armour has come for me. The smile on my face is nearly beaming off my face. He grabs me around the waist and jerks me to him.

“You find this funny?” he snaps.

“Yes,” I smirk. That sounds ridiculous. I should be mad, I should be fuming. What I am is thoroughly thrilled. Just the sight of him, no wonder I’m not attracted to anyone else. He’s beyond beautiful, even when he is acting like a psychopathic maniac. He pulls me close and wraps his large arms around me, then he puts his lips to my temple.

“Stop making me act crazy,” he whispers as his hands clasp the back of my waist.

“Act crazy, you are crazy.” I do wide eyes at him to accentuate my point as I smile.

“And that is funny because?” He looks puzzled.

“I attract crazy people Josh.” The alcohol is finally starting to kick in and I find myself woozy on my legs.

“Were you going to fuck him?” he snarls in my ear. I step back, shocked and hurt that he would think that, although it could have been true. I shake my head.

“Liar,” he snaps. His voice has dropped several degrees. He snarls again. “Tell me,” as he gives me a jerk.

“Josh, stop it, let me go.” He’s beginning to frighten me. I try to pry his hands from around my waist. “Stop it,” I repeat.

“So you want to be fucked tonight, do you?” he whispers in my ear as he grabs a fistful of my hair and pulls my head back. Goose bumps scatter over my body as his breath blows onto my neck. He jerks me again. “Answer me.” My eyes dilate as I look at his lips. I can’t help it, I slowly lick my lips and look back up into his eyes. Yep, alcohol’s taken the inhibitions alright, too bad it’s with the wrong man.

“Kiss me,” I whisper.

He stills. “What?”

“Kiss me,” I repeat.

“That’s not a good idea,” he whispers.

“Why not?” I ask.

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