A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton Read Free Book Online

so close I can smell the whiskey on his breath. I know he isn’t drunk – well, I don’t know for certain – but he doesn’t appear to be.
    Should I give him a goodnight kiss on the cheek or something?
    I am no good in situations like this. I wish Maci were here, but she isn’t. She’s probably tangled up in the sheets with that tattooed guy right now.
    What the heck, I’ve already been to the bar, got drunk, puked on his shoes, and let him drive me home. What damage could a small, little peck on the cheek do?
    Even in heels he still towers over me, so I stand on my tiptoes and lean forward, bracing myself with my hand on his chest. He looks down at me, and his hazel eyes pierce my heart like a jolt of lightning. Leaning closer, I kiss the small of his mouth. Not quite on his lips but close enough. I know he must think I am a freak, first vomiting all over him and now kissing him, but I am in a daring mood. I have the remains of the alcohol running through my veins to thank for that. He doesn’t move for a few seconds. It seems like an eternity, but then I feel his strong hand move from my waist. It trails my side until I feel his thumb and index finger on my chin. He tilts my head down an inch so I am looking at the ground, then he tucks my head under his chin – his unshaven beautiful chin – and then I feel his lips on the top of my head. He kisses my hair once lightly before inhaling a deep breath. Then he pushes off of the truck and takes my hand in his.

 

     
    Grabbing her hand I lead her to the double glass doors of her apartment complex. She didn’t have to tell me her address. I already knew it. Starting Monday morning, I will be trailing her, so already having her address memorized is a small part of my job description. She doesn’t ask how I knew. I don’t even think she noticed she didn’t tell me directions anyway. Most likely she won’t remember in the morning anyhow.
    I had to force myself away from her. In the moment I could have had her. Fuck, I could probably have her any way I want her right now – bent in the air, lying on her stomach, ass cheeks round and perky, ready for the taking. I shake my head knowing I shouldn’t be thinking those thoughts. Her hand is still warm from the heat in my truck. It’s so soft and delicate compared to mine. She follows my lead as I walk in front of her. It’s probably a good thing. What’s growing inside of my pants just from her faint touch is a sight she doesn’t need to see right now.
    We make it to the glass doors that read Carrington Palace. There is neutral cobblestone all around the exterior of the building with a few rustic benches you can tell have been sat in too many times to count. It’s a nice place though. I even toured it when we first got to town, but Dad insisted I make a bigger commitment to the business. So I bought a small farmhouse right outside of town. It’s more like a little cottage, but it was already remodeled inside, I figured why not? Plus it’s only ten minutes from the gym and about twelve from the office. It works perfectly for me.
    “Would you like me to walk you in?” She looks torn, sort of like she wants to say yes, but is fighting the urge. Her lips part and I beg to God that she says yes.
    “I’ll be okay. The elevator is right around the corner. Thank you though.”
    Shot down.
    “All right, be careful…and Grace...” She turns and takes her hand off of the metal bar attached to the door. Her neck is bent down slightly, but her eyes are facing towards me, looking up to meet my gaze. If it isn’t the sexiest look I have ever seen, I don’t know what is. Her eyelashes are so long they are almost touching her upper eyelids. I want so badly to push her up against the stone wall, hike up her little blue dress, and feel her warmth.
    Rein it in.
    “It was nice to meet you.” My jaw is clenched. It’s the only way I know to prevent anymore words from escaping my mouth. The words I really want to say,