Obligation, page 2
Carissa took another drink and made a disgusted face. She was no stranger to getting drunk, but tonight, she was satisfied with a happy buzz, just enough to take the edge off what she knew she had to do.
“It is so hot in here.” Carissa fanned her face with her hand. “I’m going to go get some air. You coming with?”
Tiffany shook her head. “I think I’m going to wander around, see if I can’t find where X marks the spot.” She giggled. “Meet you back here in ten?”
Carissa nodded, then headed for the front door. Bodies occupied every inch of the house, and getting to the door was a feat in and of itself. And when she finally got there, people were blocking her escape.
“Excuse me,” she shouted over the loud music.
The guy and girl who were in her way stepped aside, barely even acknowledging her presence. She reached for the doorknob at the same exact moment someone else did, too. A large hand covered hers, and she went to pull away when her gaze snagged on the one thing she’d been searching for all night—in the space between his thumb and forefinger was a small, black X. She nearly hooted with excitement.
“So, you’re one of the lucky chosen ones, huh?” She grabbed his hand before he could get away and ran her thumb over the X.
“Chosen, yes. Lucky? Guess that’s still waiting to be determined.” His voice was deep and silky smooth, but also raspy like velvet.
Carissa had never heard such a sexy voice before. Slowly, she tore her gaze from his hand to look at the guy it belonged to, and she nearly stumbled backward. Icy blue-gray eyes framed by thick, long, black lashes studied her with interest. His full, plump lips were turned up at the corners, accentuating his high cheekbones.
“You looking for a third hand or can I have mine back?” he asked, a teasing lilt to this tone.
Flames of embarrassment licked up Carissa’s neck and erupted on her face. “Sorry.” She quickly dropped his hand. “I was, um, just… air.” She mentally scolded herself and shook her head. “I was headed outside for some air.”
“Me too.” He opened the door and nodded for her to go first.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, she stepped out onto the porch. A group of people stood at one end, laughing and talking loudly, but the opposite end of the porch was empty. She made a beeline for the railing.
Her heart was racing, and even though a cool breeze blew across her skin, she was still much too hot. Resting her arms on the railing, she leaned against it and blew out a breath. A second later, the guy stood facing her, one arm propped on the railing. He didn’t speak right away, and neither did she.
What was she supposed to say? Hey, you’re super sexy. Can I take a picture of me kissing you? She rolled her eyes at how stupid that sounded. For all she knew, he’d already been found and kissed by one of the other pledges.
“You go to school here?” he asked.
“Yes. You?”
He nodded. “This your house?” He jutted his chin toward the side of the house.
“Not yet.” She turned so she was facing him, too, and reminded herself that this task was about talking to people, creating a meaningful connection, and keeping poised while in a stressful and awkward situation. She could totally do this.
“Not yet?” He raised a brow. “You’re a pledge?”
“Yep.” She held out her arms. “I’m one of the guests of honor at this party.”
“Well then, I guess I am lucky.” He winked, and a shiver shot down her back.
“Oh, I’m sure you are. I bet a lot of the other pledges have already kissed you.”
His grin was both wicked and playful. “They’ve certainly tried. But, see, I was told not to be easy, so…” He lifted one shoulder in a lazy shrug. That simple action should not be as hot as he made it seem.
“Wait.” Her lips twitched with a smile. “You’re telling me you’ve turned down some of the other pledges?” She’d seen her pledge class, and every single one of those girls were beautiful in different ways. What kind of guy would say no to any of them?
“Mm-hmm.” He ran his tongue over his bottom lip, and her gaze was drawn to his mouth. “What can I say? I’m not easy.”
She laughed. “No? Then why did you agree to pimp yourself out tonight?”
He tilted his head, his eyes dancing with delight. “Did you just call me a prostitute?”
“If the shoe fits…”
“Wow.” He laughed. “Well, I’m not easy, nor am I prostitute.”
“So you just like cheap thrills?”
He leaned closer, and while she knew she should move back, to keep as much distance between them as possible, she didn’t. She remained in place, riveted by his unique eye color and, truth be told, she was dying to know what he’d say next.
“There’s nothing cheap about me, sweetheart.”
For the first time since they started talking, she detected the hint of a southern accent. And then, out of nowhere, she began to picture him in tight jeans, held on his hips with a belt, shirtless, black cowboy hat propped on his head… She snapped herself out of the daydream and refocused on him.
He was right that he wasn’t cheap. In fact, she’d guess his designer clothes probably cost more than hers. A gold rope chain hung around his neck, and a diamond encrusted, white gold ring encircled his right ring finger. A Cartier watch adorned his wrist, and the only reason she knew that was because her father owned a Cartier watch, too.
She cleared her throat. “So, what does a girl have to do to get you to kiss her?” Her eyes widened with shock at her boldness.
He must’ve been taken aback, too, because he straightened as if she’d just slapped him. Crap. She hadn’t meant to be so blunt. He was the first—and only—guy she’d seen with the X. If she couldn’t get him to let her kiss him, she’d flunk the task.
“For starters, you have to talk to me,” he said, regaining his cool confidence.
“Isn’t that what I’ve been doing?” she asked, head tilted.
“No.” He laughed. “I mean, yeah, we’ve been talking, but I know nothing about you.” He eased back so he was once again leaning against the porch railing. “I’m not the kind of guy who just kisses strange women.”
“Right.” She nodded, totally not believing a word he said, but she’d play along. What else did she have to do? “Okay. What’s your name?”
“Bradley Moore.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Bradley. I’m Carissa Jordan.” She stuck out her hand.
Instead of shaking like she expected, he took her hand in his and caressed her knuckles with his thumb. Goose bumps spread up her arms, and she thanked God she had a jacket on so he couldn’t see the effect he had on her.
“Carissa,” he said as if trying out her name. “I like it.”
“Well, that’s a relief. I really didn’t want to have to go change my name.”
He let out a surprised laugh, and warmth spread through her. She was simultaneously chilled and hot, and she swore if her heart beat any harder or faster she’d pass out right there at his feet.
“Do you go to school here?” she asked, desperate to take her attention away from the fact that he was still caressing the back of her hand.
“Yes. I’m a sophomore. Just transferred from Texas A and M.”
Her jaw dropped. “That’s a great school. Why did you leave?”
“I wanted something a little smaller and more personalized. And I’ve always wanted to see California.” He tugged gently on her hand, and she took a small step closer.
“Are you from Texas?”
“Yes, ma’am.” His southern drawl was more pronounced.
She stifled a groan. “I’m not old enough to be a ma’am.”
Bradley smiled, showing off twin dimples. How had she missed those before?
“What about you? Where are you from?” he asked, tugging her another step closer.
“I’m a born and bred California girl.”
“Hmmm.”
That one sound sent a tremor of delight through her, and her eyes closed of their own volition. Thankfully, the porch was mostly dark. Maybe he didn’t see her swooning like a pre-teen with her first crush.
“Do you live on campus?” she asked, though she had no idea why.
“Why?” He smirked. “Are you trying to get me to invite you back to my place?”
“What?” She jerked back. “No, of course not. I was just—”
He laughed. “Easy, Carissa. I’m only teasing.”
God, the way he said her name… so smooth yet packed with promise. She took a deep breath, but she was positive nothing would calm her racing heart or cool her fiery hot flesh. She’d come outside to cool down and get some air, but all she’d managed to do was make herself hotter.
“I live off-campus with a few other guys,” he said.
“I live on campus with my best friend. Dory Hall.”
“Good to know.” His tone was full of amusement, though she couldn’t help but feel like he was actually filing away all this information about her.
She really needed to shut up before she said something she might regret. “Are you looking for a third hand or can I have mine back?” She could barely throw his words back at him without giggling.
“I don’t know. If I let go, are you finally going to make your move and kiss me?”
Her ears rang, and her heart decided to suddenly stop before taking off like a spooked racehorse. “Am I allowed to?” she asked, needing a moment to compose herself. “You’re not going to tell me no like you have everyone else?”
“Do I look like I’m stupid?”
“I don’t know,” she said, pretending to seriously contemplate his question. “It is dark out here, so I can’t really see you all that well.”
“Alright, Little Miss Smartass,” he said with a laugh, “my offer expires in exactly three seconds.”
“Wait. Hold on. I need proof.” She fumbled to get her cell phone out of her black, crossbody purse. She opened the camera, turned it to selfie mode, then held it out as far as her arm would extend.
Carissa closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his cheek. She sliced a look at her phone and snapped the picture. As soon as she did, he guided her arm down and around to rest on his back, keeping his hand over hers as if he were worried she’d pull away.
He slipped his free hand along the side of her neck and grazed his lips over hers. His movements were graceful and perfectly timed so that she didn’t have an opportunity to protest—not that she would have—but his every move, despite being confident and self-assured, was done in a way that let her know she was still in charge, that she could stop him if she wanted to.
But she didn’t want to.
Eliminating what little distance remained between them, their bodies pressed firmly together, she parted her lips on a sigh and welcomed his kiss. His groan was soft and quick, and then his tongue teased hers before he dipped inside to taste her. But he didn’t just taste her—he devoured her, his mouth hungry and insistent against hers. Yet, he still maintained control, never once going too far or too fast.
Her mind spun, and she operated on pure instinct, her hormones guiding her actions. The rational, logical part of her brain screamed at her to stop, to back away, to tell him she had a boyfriend. But every other inch of her body had taken on a mind of its own, and she was powerless to do anything but melt into his arms, to drown in his kiss.
He nipped at her bottom lip, and she damn near pouted when he broke the kiss. Her breaths came in sharp, short bursts, and her lips tingled. The taste of him was ingrained on her tongue, and she craved more. She unintentionally swayed forward.
“The next one is going to cost you,” he said, his voice husky.
“Only prostitutes charge for stuff like that, and you said you weren’t a prostitute.”
“Oh, I’m not asking for money.” His previously icy eyes were now darker, warmer. Lustful.
“Trading favors more your style?” She grinned and licked her lips.
His gaze darted to her mouth, then back up to her eyes. “Something like that.”
“Okay, I’ll bite.” She stood, her chest pressed to his, her arms around him, and stared up into his tantalizing eyes. She shouldn’t even think about asking the question that danced on the tip of her tongue, but the words were out before she could stop herself. “What’s your price for another kiss?”
Chapter Three
When Bradly’s friend and roommate told him about this opportunity to participate in a sorority initiation task, he’d been skeptical. He really wasn’t the kind of guy to go around kissing random women, but considering he knew no one here, he figured this might be a good chance to meet people. And was he damn glad he’d agreed.
The first couple of pledges who’d tried to kiss him weren’t his type, but this girl—Carissa—she was everything he wanted. Gorgeous, polite, smart, sarcastic, and she could hold a conversation for more than twelve seconds without needing to check her phone. And she was a hell of a kisser. God, he’d never been so turned on by a kiss before.
“What’s your price for another kiss?” she asked breathlessly, and a surge of pride swelled in him.
He’d been the one to steal her breath, to make her words airy and her voice thick with need. “A date,” he said without hesitation.
“Oh.” Her face fell, and she stepped out of his embrace.
Everything in him wanted to yank her back into his arms, but he refrained. His stomach twisted, and he took a small step back. Whatever she was about to say wasn’t going to be good; he could tell by the look on her face.
“Carissa!” A tall girl with long hair strode down the length of the porch. “I did it! I found a guy with an X and kissed him.” She laughed.
“That’s great, Tiff.” Carissa smiled. “I did, too!” She grabbed his hand and held it up.
Her touch sent a spark up his arm, but he remained still so she wouldn’t stop.
“Oh.” Tiff’s eyes widened, and her gaze darted from Carissa to Bradley. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“You didn’t,” Carissa said quickly and released her hold on his hand.
“Okay…” Tiff dragged out the word. “Do you wanna go or…?”
“Um, I don’t care.” Carissa glanced at Bradley, and he shoved his hands into his pockets.
He didn’t want her to go, but she’d been about to reject him, and he really didn’t want to have that uncomfortable conversation. Especially not now when her friend was here.
“I should probably get going, too,” he said. As his father always said, “Better to go out on top.”
“Right.” Carissa nodded.
“Well, on that note,” Tiff hooked her thumb over her shoulder, “I’ll go grab our stuff and meet you back out here?”
“Sure.” Carissa smiled again, but the gesture was forced. Once Tiff was gone, Carissa turned her big, gorgeous hazel eyes on him. “Well, um, thanks.”
“Believe me, the pleasure was all mine.” He glanced down, then back up. Should he ask for her number? Would she give it to him? She hadn’t exactly been excited when he said he wanted to take her out.
“I don’t know,” she said, the playful teasing returning to her voice. “I think the pleasure was mutual.”
He couldn’t stop from smiling. “Oh yeah?” He lifted a brow. “Maybe we should try again, just to be sure.”
She gave him a sexy, flirty smile and inched closer. “And how much is that going to cost me?”
Not a damn thing. But he didn’t say that. Instead, he eased his arm around her waist and jerked her against him. She gasped but didn’t try to get away. Brushing a lock of hair from her face, he cupped her cheek and lowered his mouth. Her eyes fluttered closed, and in that split second, he knew she was granting him permission. But before his lips could make contact with hers, her cell phone rang.
She jumped back, glanced at the screen, and frowned. “I’m sorry. I have to take this.” She swiped her thumb to accept the call. “Hey. No, we’re still here.” She paused. “They threw a small party to celebrate. No, it’s nothing like that.” She chewed her bottom lip, paced a few steps away, her back to him. “Will you please stop it? No. I was going to call you as soon as I got back to my room. Yes. Yes. We’re getting ready to leave now.”
Even though he knew eavesdropping on a private conversation was bad manners, he couldn’t help himself. Who was Carissa talking to? A boyfriend? He hoped the hell not. Maybe an overprotective parent? He knew what that was like. Whoever was on the other side of that call had her visibly upset, her back and shoulders tight with tension.
A moment later, she spun around and forced a smile in his direction. “Sorry about that.” She tucked her phone back into her purse. “Thanks again for playing along tonight.”
“Any time,” he said, hoping she’d come closer so they could finish what they’d started.
But she didn’t move from her spot, and then her friend returned with two large, white binders. She handed one to Carissa and said, “Ready?”
“Yeah.” Carissa walked up to Bradley, rested her hand on his chest, then planted a soft kiss to his cheek. “Thank you.”
Then she disappeared before he could ask for her number or ask, again, if she’d go out with him. He blew out a breath and raked his fingers through his hair. Talk about a hell of a night. Shaking his head, he went back inside to find his friend. He’d had enough and was ready to crash until sometime tomorrow afternoon. Though, he wondered if he’d actually be able to sleep or if he’d be plagued by thoughts of Carissa. He was kicking himself for not getting a way to contact her. Although, he knew she was pledging this sorority, so he could make sure he was present at their next event.
Bradley opened the front door and came face to face with his friend, Jeremy. “Hey, man, I was just coming to find you. Ready to call it a night?”
Jeremy nodded, his face flushed. “Did you get kissed?” His words were slurred. Clearly, he’d had a few too many drinks. Good thing Bradley drove.
