Free Scorned (From the Inside Out #1) by S. L. Scott

definitely making it more awkward. “… And everything else.” Oh God this is embarrassing. Hopefully I’m not blowing it after such a great night.
    “You’re a beautiful woman, but I think you’re pretty damn cute when you get embarrassed, Jules.” He takes me gently by the arm, halting my retreating body. “By the way, you have no reason to be embarrassed.”
    “It’s been a long time. I don’t know what came over me.” I talk to our feet, avoiding his eyes altogether.
    He pulls me to him, wrapping his arms around me, comforting me. “You were turned on. I was too,” he says, lifting my chin up against my will until I relax and look him in the eyes. “You can still see how much you turn me on.” He glances down between us then back up again. I don’t need to look. I can feel how turned on he is. “Do you want to talk about it? I don’t want you leaving here feeling bad about what we did or regretting it. I liked it too much for that. I like you too much for that.”
    “I don’t want to talk about it, not tonight. I’m tired and that will take too long. I won’t regret it. It was amazing. You are amazing.”
    “Then let’s talk about me and how inflated my ego is now that I gave you an orgasm from second base.” He chuckles, the sound is refreshing and when I start to laugh, I feel the weight of a long carried burden beginning to lift from my shoulders. He adds, “I haven’t made out like that since I was in college.”
    I hit his chest in jest and reprimand lightly, “You are so bad.”
    “I can’t have you taking things like tonight too seriously. We have enough problems in life. We don’t need to add embarrassed over having an amazing time with a handsome man to the list.”
    “Stop it!” I playfully reply, squirming in his arms. “Next time I’ll resist just so I can deflate some of that ego of yours.”
    Gripping me tighter, not wanting to let me escape, he takes me by the waist and swivels me. After kissing me lightly on the head, he says, “Never. I don’t want you to ever hold back. You don’t have to with me. Outside of our apartments you can be who you need to be to feel comfortable enough to face reality, but in here, I want the real you—the you I saw tonight. The you that laughs, and recites cheesy pick-up lines, and spontaneously orgasms when a guy grabs your boobs. That’s the you I want when it’s just the two of us.” He kisses me on the corner of the mouth. “Now please tell me that I get to spend more time with this you sometime soon.”
    I nod, wanting this, wanting to spend more time with him because I like this me too. I like the me I am with him.
    “Yes, I want that.” I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him slowly down to me. “I’d like that a lot.” Kiss . “Even the spontaneous orgasming part.” Kiss . “Especially the spontaneous orgasming part.” Kiss .
    I step back from him, grabbing my purse and head for the elevator. “I hate to orgasm and go, but I have an early morning meeting.”
    “I think your embarrassment is now called bragging. Ms. Braggy Braggerton, how’s Sunday night for you? Can you fit me in?”
    I glance down at his erection that’s straining against his pants, then back up and reply, “That remains to be seen… or should I say felt, but I’m free that evening. My place. I’ll text you directions.” The elevator doors open and I step in.
    “I’m too much of a gentleman to reply to that, but I want you to know that I think you’re pretty damn fantastic.” He leans his shoulder against the door that is trying to close on him.
    “Also,” he says, stepping back, but I finish his sentence, “I owe you one.”
    I see him fist-pump just as the doors close. I laugh aloud because I’m happy, because no one is around to judge me, or take away how perfect this night was.

 
     
     
    “I’M SORRY,” AUSTIN says, “I didn’t expect it would be this long until I saw you again. I’ve had some words with my