Page 67 of Barron's Second Chance
"You don't regret it." he simply said, eyes like a wounded puppy.
"I hate that I lost you; I hate that the pain you caused set me on that trajectory. But," she gestured around the room, "I was able to buy this house for Mom. I was able to take her on vacations she never thought she would go on. I was able to buy her a new car when her old one was on its last legs. I'm able to visit my dad and siblings anytime I want. I can spoil them with whatever they want. I've met many people who have been influential in the kind of person I am today. I've-"
"Been able to date rock stars," he gritted out.
She set him with a hard stare.Really?
"Sorry," he muttered, though he didn't sound it. "So you're happy we broke up?"
"No," she sighed, searching for the words to describe what she meant. "Just that maybe everything happens for a reason. Maybe we were only meant to be high school sweethearts."
The words tasted like ash in her mouth even as she said it. She knew deep down that given a choice between the current career she had versus keeping Barron, if he hadn't cheated, she would've picked him. Hands down.
"I don't fucking believe that, Eden." He turned to her, anger darkening his features. He reached to cup her cheek in his hand, stroking the soft flesh.
"You and I? We were always meant to last."
Without waiting for a response, he curled his hands around her neck, leaned forward, and took her mouth in a punishing kiss.
It had been so long since she felt his mouth on hers that her first instinct was to rear back in shock. His hand tightened on her neck, holding her still as his mouth moved against hers, attempting to coax a response.
She should have shoved him back. Should have slapped him and demanded that he leave.
But the pressure low in her belly that had been building since she had left his family home, bubbling around her as wet fingers danced along her pussy in the bath, had her hesitating.
Muscle memory and nostalgia magnified her senses. The feel of his warm mouth on hers after seven years was jarring yet familiar. Like a favorite pastime that she hadn't known she'd missed until she had rediscovered it.
She brought her hand up to his forearm, but instead of pulling it away, she squeezed it, running her hand up his forearm.
Sensing her consent, Barron slanted his mouth fully over her lips, his tongue stroking against hers.
She leaned back against the armrest as she felt his hand slide down her neck along the smooth curve of her shoulder before he brushed the satin collar of her gown down.
The air felt cool against her skin, causing her nipples to pebble.
The temperature change woke her senses, causing her to rip her mouth from his, her hands moving to his chest. But instead of pushing at him, her hands curled against the soft material of his shirt.
Trying to fight against her pooling desire, she angled her head away when his lips again sought hers before they trailed across her cheek, licking the sensitive pulse under her ear. Her eyes closed for a moment, her breathing erratic as long-buried memories fought to rise.
She felt his hands skim down her sides until his thumbs rubbed against her stiff nipples, eliciting a groan from him.
"Fuck, baby, I've dreamed of having you like this again."
And just like that, his words poured over her lust like ice, cooling it in its tracks.
What was she doing?
She opened her eyes, fighting against the feel of his mouth kissing her neck and the feel of his thumbs rubbing against her nipples. Her soaked panties were evidence of how much his caresses affected her.
"God, you feel good."
Eden immediately pushed back against his shoulder. "Stop," she gasped, pushing at him again.
Swearing, Barron jumped back from her, his breath harsh as he stared at her red, swollen lips. His mouth was still wet, and a flush had crept on his cheeks.
His gaze moved down her body, settling and flaring at her chest. That's when Eden remembered that her breasts were still bared to him. Immediately she jerked the lapels of her gown together, blushing furiously.
"I'm sorry," he finally said, breathing hard. "Fuck," he ran his fingers through his hair. "I got carried away. I'm sorry. I honestly didn't come over here... I mean, I hoped... But that's not why-"
