Series: Torn and Bound Duet Series by K. Webster
Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77415 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 310(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Sure.”
We stop at a small deli and grab sandwiches and coffee, then head to the airport. The flight is long, and I find myself falling asleep in Brayden’s arms, not waking up until we’re landing.
When we arrive back to campus, Brayden insists the Uber stop at my apartment complex and he’ll walk back to his dorm from there.
After the driver takes off, Brayden closes the space between us and cups my jaw. His mouth descends on mine and his tongue delves past my parted lips. The kiss doesn’t last long, but when he pulls back, I’m already breathless.
“Do you, uh, want to come up?” I ask, even though I could really use some time to myself to decompress.
“I do, but I’m not going to. I need to get home and get some reading done before my tutoring session tomorrow.” He shoots me a flirty wink and throws his bag over his shoulder. “My tutor is a real ballbuster.”
I laugh as I watch him saunter through the parking lot and disappear down the sidewalk. It’s crazy how quickly life changes. Who would’ve thought Brayden Murphy would end up being my white knight?
Definitely not me.
I’m an idiot.
Every time my fingers hover over my phone, hell-bent on texting Mia, I stop myself. She deserves better. Especially after the douchebag way I’ve treated her. I need to get over myself and talk to her. Explain myself. Beg for forgiveness.
Truth is, I can’t stop thinking about her.
It’s not a phase or something that’ll go away.
I need her.
But what about Drew?
Guilt niggles at me, but I can’t let that cloud my judgment. What we did was just something fun to pass the time. Two guys fucking around to get off. It happens all the time with me. Sure, I like dick, but I like Mia too. Right now, that has to be enough.
Because, without her, I feel pretty fucking empty.
Biting the bullet, I type out a message to Mia.
Me: Text me when you get home.
MiMi: I’m home.
Me: I’m coming over.
MiMi: I’m tired.
Ignoring her message, I throw on a hoodie and slip my socked feet into my Adidas slides. Drew’s door is closed. After our intense gym session, we came back and retreated to our own corners. A part of me craves to dwell on how good it felt to be with him, but my heart, for once, has taken lead on this one, making my dick sit the fuck down.
I slip out of my apartment and head over to hers. She’s locked it, but I anticipated this and use my key to enter. The apartment is quiet, so I meander my way through, looking for her. I find her in her closet, hanging clothes up. Gripping the top of the doorframe of the closet and leaning in, I clear my throat.
“Jesus! Fuck, Ashton! You can’t sneak up on me like that.” She shoves the hanger on the rod before putting her hands on her hips, glaring at me. “Why are you here?”
Her fiery words poke holes in my resolve, but I don’t let it sink me.
“I came here to talk.”
“Now?” she seethes, her nostrils flaring. “After you let me feel like shit all week? Especially right before I left? Screw you, Ashton.”
If only…
“MiMi,” I grit out, releasing the doorframe and stepping toward her. “I’m sorry.”
“Sorry isn’t good enough.” Hurt cracks along her angry façade, blinding me with its intensity. “Sorry is just a word that you’ve been throwing around all too many times lately.”
I scrub my palm over my face and sigh. “I’ve always liked guys, MiMi. Ever since I could remember. It’s just a part of me.” I frown, stepping even closer to her. “But then you kissed me.”
Her brown eyes dart away. “It was a mistake.”
“A mistake typically means it was an accident or something that never should have happened. But, the kiss was good,” I remind her. “So good, you completely fucked my mind with it.” A heavy breath of frustration escapes me. “Years of knowing my own brain suddenly felt like a lie. Everything was confusing. When I kissed you that second time, I absolutely wanted it.”
She chews on her bottom lip, her eyes darting all over my face, trying to understand.
“It’s taken all week, especially this weekend, to realize I love you, Mia,” I admit, “and not in just some friendly way. I love you with parts of me I didn’t know existed. I can’t turn it off. You’re here.” I tap my chest over my heart. “I thought maybe I wanted to get rid of that part. But the truth is, I can’t without killing me in the process.”
A gasp tumbles past her lips when I grip her jaw, tilting her head up. I press my lips to hers, desperately craving another taste of her sweetness. My tongue teases hers, as I apologize soundlessly for the way I’ve behaved. Kissing her feels good. It feels right.