Now or Never

were both slightly breathless. “Just in case I don’t see you again,” he said giving her a charming wink and smile.
    She nodded and walked out the door without saying anything.
    Well, that had been interesting. She touched her lips and looked back at the door. She was surprised by how much she enjoyed Christopher’s company, but it wasn’t like how it was with Derrick. With Derrick, it was exciting and with Chris, it had been comfortable. What the hell was she thinking? He was a married man, for crying out loud. Maybe there wouldn’t be any harm at staying friends with him. The male companionship was nice; the sex was more than ok, and at least he was honest with her about what he wanted.

CHAPTER 27

    After Grayson pulled herself into the jeep, she plugged in her phone and drummed her fingers on the steering wheel waiting for it to turn on. She had a couple of missed calls from Luna, and a text from Derrick. Even though she was so pissed at him her heart still sped up seeing he’d messaged her. She once again thought that she should probably put an end to this crazy relationship. The up and down was driving her absolutely bonkers.
    Enjoy yourself?
    Grayson stared at his message and debated on responding. Of course, she lacked any sense of self-control, and it gave her a small sense of pleasure to get under his skin.
    Immensely. You?
    Not really.
    Her fingers flew across the key board. That’s too bad. Perhaps you picked the wrong date? She was acting like a child, and she knew it, but she didn’t care.
    Maybe I did. I want to see you.
    I’m busy. Grayson stared down at the phone nervously and waited for his reply, but was met with silence. A few moments later her phone buzzed and she felt relief wash over her.
    How about tonight?
    The thought of having sex with two different guys on the same day made her feel a little more than gross. I have plans tonight with Luna. How about tomorrow?
    Ok. Around 10am?
    Sure. He must really be anxious to see her. They usually saw each other in the afternoon or evening.
    Lost in her thoughts, Grayson made her way to her mothers. She couldn’t wait to crawl back in bed.
    ***
    Grayson dropped onto the seat. Derrick stared at her without saying a word. His face was expressionless as usual, which made her want to scream or throw something at him. She wondered if it was hard for him to constantly keep his emotions hidden, or if it just came naturally to him. Either way it pissed her off.
    She might as well get it out in the open, she was sick of all the mind games they were playing. “So that’s your girlfriend?”
    “I told you she’s not my girlfriend.”
    “Sure looks that way to me,” she said as she propped her feet up on the dashboard.
    “Who was the knucklehead you were with last night?”
    “He’s not a knucklehead, and his name is Christopher. He happens to be very nice.”
    “First time you’ve been with him?” Derrick asked glancing over at her. “Or is this someone you knew already?”
    “Well, technically it was three times. Twice last night and once early in the morning before breakfast.” She just had to get that dig in. Especially since Derrick had never stayed the night with her.
    His hands tightened on the steering wheel. She could see his knuckles whiten. Her lips twitched trying to hide her satisfied smile.
    “And where did he fall on your sliding scale?”
    “I don’t think that’s any of your business.”
    “I guess you’re right.”
    Grayson tilted her head and took in his strong profile. “Does it bother you?”
    He didn’t say anything for a minute; his face looked like he was in deep thought. “Free will, so it doesn’t matter if it bothers me or not. You’re grown woman you can do what you want,” he finally said expressionless.
    “That’s not an answer.”
    “Well, that’s all you’re going to get.”
    “What if I said I wanted you? And only you.”
    “I thought you didn’t want a relationship? No strings. No dating. No falling in love, remember?”
    “Maybe I changed my mind. I don’t like seeing you with someone else. It sort of pisses me off.”
    “Too bad,” he said and Grayson’s heart sunk.
    “I’m leaving for three months next week. Not the best time to start a relationship. And no offense, but I have a hard time believing you’d wait for me to come back.”
    “And why is that? Don’t you trust me?”
    Derrick stayed silent and refused to look her way.
    “You don’t trust me, because of what