Free Because of Lucy by Lisa Swallow

touching my face. “And that is one of the reasons why I want to get to know you. You’re so…you.”
    I can’t concentrate on anything apart from his touch and remembering to breathe. But I have a nagging question. “How many girls have you had sex with since you came to Leeds?”
    “One.”
    I expected a retort at my intrusion into his sex life, but I have my reasons for wanting to know. “One?”
    “That’s the truth. You’ve seen the state I get into. How many times would I have been capable, even if I wanted to? I was so bloody wasted I fell asleep most times I had the chance.”
    I giggle. Quietly at first, and then I start snorting in an unladylike manner.
    “What’s so funny?” Evan’s smiling too, and laughing at me.
    “Those poor girls, getting a piece of Evan’s sexy fit body and then you pass out.”
    “You’re a maddening girl.” He gets hold of my face and holds me so I have to look directly at him.
    “Maddening? ” Kiss me. Now.
    “You are so smart and so funny and it’s wonderful.”
    “Wonderful? ” Now. Pleas e .
    “Because you don’t care. You do what you want and don’t let anyone stop you. You don’t pretend to be something you’re not.”
    I take hold of one of his hands and move it from my face, lacing my fingers through his. In his eyes, the intent is barely hidden behind his seductive words.
    Evan’s mouth hovers close to mine, his warm breath on my skin. The effect on me is weird, different to before, with other guys. Abby once told me she met this guy who didn’t even need to touch her and she got aroused. At the time, I concluded Abby was exaggerating. Now I think maybe there is something primal, where that can happen between two people. Because the heat floods through my body towards the surface, searing where his hand touches my face.
    Evan’s eyes focus on my mouth. “Sorry I left last time.”
    “Who said I was inviting you to stay last time?”
    “Okay, sorry. But I did kiss you goodbye.”
    Is he teasing me again? Because Evan’s mouth remains a tantalizing distance from mine, and he’s not kissing me. I shift, trying to disguise my rapid breathing and realize he’s waiting for me to make the move. Fine. I place my mouth on his, wriggling into him. Evan winds his hand into my hair, and gently holds my head to his, kissing me lightly, lips sparking power across my skin.
    Our position on the sofa allows me to lean against Evan, half on top of him and I push myself into him, not taking my mouth from his. Evan’s arms wind around my waist and pull me closer. Where I’m lying on him, I can feel his erection against my thigh. Wow. I’ve hardly touched him - maybe I do the same to him? I pull my head back and meet his eyes, the hungry look I expected is held in them.
    “Are you pinning me down so I can’t leave this time?” he asks.
    I smile. “No. You can go now.”
    “I think I’ll wait for Matt to wake up.”
    With strong, rough hands he holds my face again and his tongue darts into my mouth. He tastes less of beer than last time. Our teeth collide and I move away from him, holding my mouth. He watches as the dress rides up over my legs.
    The short black dress isn’t very decorous when it comes to lying on top of a man. But I’m not behaving very decorously. Evan’s hand slides up my leg, stroking gently.
    And I’ve definitely had too much vodka but screw it. He’s here and he’s fucking hot and it’s my choice. I’ll deal with the emotional fall out later. I don’t know if it’s the alcohol, or the sexual confidence I’ve found from tonight - guys watching me in the Union and Evan wanting me - but I make a snap decision.
    “Do you want to make it two?” I ask.
    “Two?”
    “Girls. You’ve slept with in Leeds.”
    I’ve seen the look on Evan’s face before, the night in the pub when his mask slipped a few seconds. He hesitates.
    “Ness…”
    “You’re saying no?” I remove my hand from where I’m trailing fingers across his