Hypnotized by Lacey Wolfe Page B

Evan had to understand I was going to pursue a relationship with Gabe. “Maybe you should give him a chance.”
    “Are you dating?”
    I shrugged. “I think.”
    Evan groaned. “Maybe you should ask him.”
    I cleared my throat, hating where this conversation was going. “You know, I don’t think he’s what your friend thinks. He isn’t pushing me to do more than I want. Besides, it’s my choice when I have sex and with who. I’ve not thrown my belief away on waiting until it’s with the right person. In the mean time, I can have fun.”
    Evan’s eyes went wide. “So you’re doing things with him?”
    Did kissing and over the clothes petting count? I stared at Evan and could see a different look in his eyes, as though it upset him more than it would a friend. “No, not yet.”
    Evan glanced away.
    “Why does it bother you, anyway?” I asked.
    Softly he said, “I care about you.”
    I touched his knee. “Evan, you’re going to meet someone, too.”
    He looked back at me then stood, my hand falling back to the bench. “Maybe the one I want is obviously not interested. Never has been.” He marched away with anger in his steps.
    I watched him as he shoved his hands in his pockets and headed back toward town. There was no way Evan meant me? He’d dated all kinds of girls in high school. Confided in me about everything. We were friends. Almost like a brother and sister, or so I thought. Had things changed for Evan?
    * * *
    As I stepped out onto the lighted street, I pulled my cell phone from my purse. Thankfully, my apartment wasn’t far, but the idea of walking alone was frightening. I’d buy pepper spray tomorrow. Clutching the phone in my hand, ready to call for help if I needed it, I crossed the street.
    “Paisley!”
    I jumped, but recognized the voice instantly.
    Gabe jogged across the street. “I was waiting on you so I could walk you home. But you came out of there like a bolt of lightning.”
    I hated walking the streets alone. “Yeah, sorry. I wanted to get home. Walking in the dark isn’t my idea of a good time.” I couldn’t believe he was here, and had gone out of his way to walk me home.
    “How was work?”
    “Boring.” We started to walk. “But I like it. Ms. Clara is flexible and keeps to herself.”
    He kept his hands at his sides, though I wished they were on me again, exploring. “I’ve got to be at work soon myself.”
    “Do you like it?”
    He chuckled and grinned. “Yeah, it’s not so bad.”
    I bet it wasn’t. I cringed at the idea of where some women might get a tattoo. The thought of a needle there—no thank you. “What do you do during the days?”
    “Sleep. Help with my brother. Write.”
    Write? “How old is your brother?”
    “He’s four.”
    We arrived at my place. I turned to him, wondering if I should invite him in. He had to work, but maybe he’d come in for a little bit. Going in there alone didn’t seem fun. Maybe I should start looking for a roommate. “Want to come in?”
    “Love to.”
    Excitement rushed through me as we climbed the steps to my place. As we entered, my insides began to churn and I knew he was staring at me. He still did that. Watched me all the time. Glancing over my shoulder, I sucked in my bottom lip then asked, “Can I get you something to drink?”
    He walked closer to me. “It drives me crazy when you do that.”
    Staring into his eyes I asked, “Do what?”
    “Suck on your lip.”
    The way he looked at me, my insides went crazy. Suddenly, a confidence I’d never experienced came over me. I stood on my tiptoes and kissed him. Me, I made the first move. I’d never done that before. Was this what it was like to mature?
    He groaned in pleasure and pressed me against the wall behind me, his hands on either side of my head, his body keeping me in place. Damn it, I liked this side of him. His hard chest pressed against me.
    Lacing my fingers around his neck, I deepened the kiss. This was something I would never tire of with