Free All of You by Christina Lee Page A

wanted different things, despite wanting each other.
     
***
     
Bennett and I hadn’t seen each other in a few days, and I missed him. But I was moving on with my life.
     
And I was sure he was, too. Maybe he’d call that girl he had been seeing and give it another chance. I
     
thrust those jealous thoughts out of my head. Besides, I was getting together with Rob tonight. I knew it might be reckless considering what had
     
happened last time—how unfulfilling it’d been—but now that I’d had some distance from Bennett and
     
his amazing lips, maybe I could see Rob in a new light. Which would really be the old light. I did used
     
to think he was cute and sexy. Plus he’d never given me any reason to dislike him. He wasn’t into
     
relationships, either, so really, the arrangement was perfect.
     
As soon as my apartment door shut behind Rob, he was ready for action. He dug the foil wrapper
     
out of his pocket and was already slipping off his shoes. His lips instantly found mine, and my legs
     
easily slid around his waist. He carried me to my bed, and even though I didn’t feel scorching-hot for
     
him, I prayed he could meet my needs tonight.
     
Sex with Rob was always quick—no words and no foreplay.
     
But I couldn’t help wishing for the build-up, the smoldering burn that I’d had with Bennett the
     
other night.
     
“Rob, wait,” I said, scooting away as soon as my back hit the bed. “Give me a minute.”
     
I shut my eyes and winced. I wasn’t feeling it for Rob tonight. And I didn’t think I could pretend
     
again. “I changed my mind. I just can’t tonight.”
     
“What?” He stared at me with his fingers frozen on his zipper. “Why’d I come all the way over
     
here, then?”
     
“I’m sorry—I thought I was in the mood.” I stood up and walked out of my room as he followed
     
behind. “I just have too much on my mind . . . with classes and work and stuff.”
     
I bit my lip, silently cursing myself for not going through with it. It was so unfair to Rob. But as I
     
looked him over I knew I’d never get off tonight. Not when I wanted someone else.
     
“Whatever, Avery,” he said, gripping the door handle. “Next time, don’t text me unless you’re sure.
     
So I don’t waste my time.”
     
“Whatever yourself ,” I said, gritting my teeth. My frustration spilled over. “Don’t forget the couple
     
of times you were too wasted to follow through and left me high and dry.” He waved his hand dismissively as he trudged through the door. I knew he felt as frustrated as I
     
did. But I couldn’t help him out tonight.
     
Damn it, what in the hell was wrong with me?
     
I lay in bed and closed my eyes, picturing the other night with Bennett. His tongue in my mouth,
     
his warm body on top of mine, his hard-on against my very wet underwear, and I became instantly
     
aroused. My fingers worked their magic and I had the most powerful orgasm I’d had since meeting that
     
beautiful boy upstairs.
     
***
     
Two days later, I was in the university library checking out nursing pharmacology books when I saw a
     
familiar red baseball cap across the room. My heart strained at the very sight of him. He had on a worn
     
pair of jeans and a white concert T-shirt with a gray hoodie.
     
As soon as I checked out, I jerked my head down and strode toward the exit to outpace my racing
     
heart.
     
Before I could make it through the sliding doors I heard his voice. “Avery, wait.”
     
I slowed down and turned, afraid to make eye contact lest his voodoo magic work on me again.
     
“How are you?” he asked.
     
“Good,” I said, telling myself to breathe. I focused on the Van Gogh book tucked beneath his arm.
     
“I . . . I just . . .” he sputtered. “Listen, isn’t there any way we could get past the awkward and just
     
become friends?”
     
I bit my bottom lip and shrugged. Finally, I got up the nerve to glance at him. I noticed how his
     
long