“I hear that clicking sound in the back of your throat.”
His baritone still poured over me, igniting something in my core. Butterflies sprouted in my belly and my skin heated. I glanced over my shoulder and found Stenton’s lanky frame in a black v-neck tee revealing the black, red and yellow ink on his neck and lower arms, cargo shorts and black Lanvins. His hair freshly cut with small curls at the top of his head and face neatly manicured with striking stubble.
“Shouldn’t the graduate be outside receiving praise from her guests?”
I snorted. “More like the graduate could use a moment to herself.”
He stepped closer, affording me the torture of his tantalizing scent. My body reacted, suddenly I was aroused. He hadn’t even touched me and I was aroused. How pathetic.
“So, studying my walls is providing calm?” he joked.
“No.” I shook my head and attempted a smile. “I like what you’ve done to this place, though. My mom is out there shouting her amazement. She’s truly impressed.”
“I like pleasing a woman like Sarah Barrett. She’s humble…down to earth. I like gaining your approval, too. Glad you like the place.”
Those lips…
“Looks so different. Almost makes me forget it’s the place I seduced you in on my first visit here…” my voice trailed off, revealing my gloomy mood.
He snorted his brief amusement. “Yeah,” Stenton brushed his lower face as his eyes perused the foyer, telling of his subtle surprise at that statement. “I guess it would.” It also reminded me of how distant we’d become.
“Sorry. That wasn’t very appropriate.”
An apology was necessary because that referenced our former sexual relationship. A relationship that had clearly perished and was made evident to me a few weeks back while in Italy. I’d booked the vacation he gifted last Christmas as a post-graduation getaway. I packed up Jordan and Eligia for the two-week excursion. To my surprise, at the middle of the second week, Stenton arrived. Elation wouldn’t accurately describe my sentiment seeing him at the door of our suite. He didn’t stay with us and I didn’t understand why right away. It wasn’t until his third day there without touching me did it click. Stenton had begun a sexual relationship with Erika. It was the only explanation as to why the usual desire in his eyes for me hadn’t changed, but his actions did. That was a hard pill to swallow.
“What’s got you sulking, Zo?”
I shrugged. “It just feels weird to be celebrated here when my setback is closely related to this place where it all started. I’ve made risky decisions and, I’m sure, put more on your plate than you bargained for.”
He flinched. “Zo—”
“No.” I shook my head adamantly, silencing his rebuttal. “I’m tormented by my guilt for my carefree and reckless behavior that set me back, but can’t muster regret because had I not texted you asking to get together that winter break, I wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t be a part of the success of this occasion. There would be no connection between us. I wouldn’t have you in my life.” I stopped myself. Stenton belonged to someone else. He was Erika’s. I snorted. “I’m sorry. Another inappropriate admission. It’s just that you’ve been generous and loyal to Jordan and me. I really appreciate that.”