The more I tell myself not to care, to forget him, the more I find myself drawn to him. I thought giving my body to Kipton would help me move on. But now that I know what it feels like to have him inside me, I realize one time with him will never be enough. He made me feel—he made me come alive.

Caleb pulls me close, our bodies touching at every possible connecting point. There aren’t any sparks and definitely no fireworks booming in the sky. The only way I can make dancing with him believable is to pretend he’s Kipton. And the second I replace his blond hair with Kipton’s dark brown color, I close my eyes and get lost in the memory of his touch. Working myself up to the point of needing release, Caleb’s own arousal is stiff against my back. His hands roam to my chest and down to the waistband of my skirt where he slides the tips of his fingers beneath my belt to graze my lower belly. Everything about his touch is wrong, but since I’m envisioning Kipton in my mind, it’s incredible. Moaning, I lean my head onto Caleb’s shoulder. He spins me around so I’m facing him. “Jump up and wrap your legs around me, Sophie.”

I do as he says and once we’re at eye level, he kisses me hard on the mouth. But as hard as I try, I’m reminded it’s not Kipton’s tongue asking for permission to enter. When I open my eyes to stop him, it’s like a cold bucket of water was poured directly over my head. Caleb’s eyes are lust filled, ready to take our connection to the next level. All I can focus on is Kipton watching me from the stool at the Tiki bar—his date suddenly absent.

“Caleb, put me down. I need a breather.” I’m mortified I let things get so out of control with a guy I can’t even stand most of the time. He sets me on my feet, not releasing me from his grasp entirely.

“Let’s go up to my room, baby.” He pulls up the hem of my tank top to touch more of my stomach. I look into his eyes and blink slowly as I comprehend his invitation. We get pushed farther into the crowd right as one of Kipton’s girls return to his side. He pulls her in between his legs and kisses her on the lips with enough force to almost knock her over. She reaches out and braces herself against his shoulders. His fingers are splayed across her lower back and the sight of the two of them makes my stomach churn.

Remembering Caleb’s offer, I answer easily. “Yeah. Okay. Let’s go.” Without a word, Caleb leads me through the mass of bodies to the staircase. Each step takes me further and further away from the guy I truly want. The one who sets my body on fire from one simple look. I’m not paying attention and bump into Cara halfway up the stairs. She pulls me aside, letting Caleb continue to the top.

“What are you doing, Sophie?”

“Hanging out with Caleb.”

“Don’t do this. You’ll regret it,” she warns.

“It’s not like I have any other options tonight.” I’m letting my anger win.

Cara huffs and rolls her eyes. “That’s bullshit and you know it, Sophie. I don’t get this cat and mouse game you and Kipton are playing, but it needs to stop. Now!”

“Come on, babe.” Caleb reaches for my hand and pulls me up the last few steps before leading me down the hallway.

“Don’t you even fucking try it, Sophie.”

Frozen in place, I drop Caleb’s hand. When I turn around, I’m met with a smiling Cara and a fuming Kipton. “Come on, Caleb. Let’s go have a drink.” Cara pushes Caleb back downstairs before he can cause a scene. He’s obviously had a few drinks already because he goes willingly, looking at Cara like she’s his new conquest. Cara won’t put up with any of his bullshit and will have him safely parked next to the keg in no time.

Wearily, I chance a peek at Kipton. “Where are your dates? One girl not enough for you these days?”

Showing little emotion he replies, “Emily’s downstairs with her friend.”

I nod my head. Emily. I hate that name. “That’s nice. Shouldn’t you be using her as your personal shot glass?”

“Jealous?” he questions.

Damn right I’m jealous. You’re mine! “Nope.” I pop the p for added effect.

“You sure about that, beautiful?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? It’s the truth.”

His admission makes me want him even more. “Because you had your mouth all over Emily’s.”

He takes a step closer, pinning me against the wall. “You know damn well whose mouth I want, Sophie.” I look away, suddenly needing more air than he’s allowing me to breathe.

“Whatever.” I try to squeeze out from his intense hold, but he moves right along with me. Each time I try to escape, he matches my every move. Walking backwards, I realize I’m out of room to run. The only place left for me to go is in his bedroom. Sliding around the door jam, I find myself in a familiar situation. Only this time, I’m sober. We stand rooted in the middle of his room in a standoff of sorts. The sexual energy is charged and ready to detonate at any moment.

“Are you done running yet, Sophie?”

“Who said I’m running?” He takes a step closer, and I counter with a step back. We keep this up until I’m trapped against his closet door.

He runs his knuckle down my cheek. “You’re always running. Please stop fighting us, Sophie.” Picking me up around my waist, he deposits me on his bed—never breaking eye contact. “I want you so fucking bad. I can’t get you out of my head.”

“What about Emily?”

“She’s not you, Sophie. You’re the one I want. I never should have kissed her and I’m sorry I did, especially in front of you. You didn’t deserve to see that no matter how mad I was.”

Yes. I want him too. We’re grasping at each other’s shirts, lost in the moment. His kisses taste like shots of whiskey mixed with the cinnamon from his gum. It’s all man. Reluctantly, I pull my mouth away from his. “I’m sorry, too, Kipton. I kissed him.”

“I’ll break his lips later, just kiss me, beautiful.” His name tumbles out of my mouth over and over as I moan against his lips. He sucks on my neck sending shockwaves pulsating throughout my body. His shirt is off before I have time to even ask him to remove it. Running my needy hands over his naked back, there’s a knock on the door.

“Kipton, are you in there?” It’s Emily.

Quickly, I pull my shirt down to cover my boobs and adjust my skirt. I use the ponytail holder around my wrist to fix my sexed up hair. It’s knotted up from Kipton’s fingers mixed with the sweat from dancing. “I should go.”

“No. Stay. I’ll tell her to leave.”

“I got carried away, I’m sorry.” I catch my breath and move towards the door.

“Let me guess, this was a mistake.”

Not again. Spinning around, I shout at him with every ounce of anger built up inside me. “Will you stop fucking saying that,” I cry. “I’m not a mistake,” tumbles from my lips barely above a whisper.

“I know you’re not, Sophie.”

Needing air, I pull open the door and come face-to-face with Emily. If looks could kill, I’d be dead. “Why are you in here? Where is he?” she asks.

I don’t bother acknowledging her presence as I step around her and into the hallway.

“Did you just sleep with that girl?” Emily questions.

“Not tonight, but I have. And her name’s Sophie.”

She glances at me before kicking the door shut in my face. I flinch as it slams before sinking to the hardwood floor. Resting my head in my hands, I blew it—again. The thought of him being alone with her makes me queasy. Desperately, I want to run back into his room, begging him not to touch her. Instead I envision him naked, thrusting inside her. It sends me over the edge.

Hurrying into the bathroom, I splash cold water on my face. Still lightheaded, it’s not enough to erase the pain. And although I haven’t eaten anything since the last time, I make myself throw up. Desperately needing to right a wrong—both of our wrongs, I gag painfully. With nothing to expel, all that’s in the toilet is some bile mixed with blood. More blood.