“Everyone does.”
My mother had failed to see that, and my father, bastard that he was, had been adept at pulling the wool over her eyes.
The train pulled into 34th Street–Penn Station, and the doors opened. Without another word, my seatmate jumped up and darted out.
I was left bemused and bewildered, realizing I had no idea what his name was or if I’d ever see him again.
And wondering why I cared.
* * *
CHAPTER 2
* * *
Another morning, another day at the grind. I raced down the steps, hearing the rumble of the train in the tunnel. If I was late again, I’d get in trouble. It didn’t matter that my manager liked me. He’d have to write me up, and I couldn’t afford to lose my job. I was lucky as hell to have found the tiny shoebox of an apartment I lived in. No bigger than four hundred square feet, I barely had room for myself, a sofa, and the futon I slept on, which I’d crammed in a corner. The racks of clothing might have had something to do with the lack of space, but I had to keep up the appearance of a stylish trendsetter if I wanted a job in fashion. My life might be small, but I tried to live large.
I tapped my phone and pushed through the turnstile, then dashed to my usual car—second from the last, where it tended to be less crowded at this early point in the ride—and my heart kicked double-time.
He was there. In the same seat as yesterday. Grumpy-faced as Scrooge before Christmas, but I’d take it.
I’d noticed him for weeks—who wouldn’t? All that delicious goodness wrapped up in fine worsted wool and discreet but expensive ties. In the spring, the trains were too crowded to get close, but by summertime the city cleared out, and there was now room to position for maximum viewing pleasure. Getting a seat next to him two days in a row was a bonus. My lucky day indeed.
My breathing steady, I strolled over to where he sat and put my ass into the seat. That sharp-as-a-knife jaw flexed, and his full lips sagged in a frown.
“Good morning,” I chirped out in a perky tone I figured would set him on edge, but I wanted to poke the bear since I couldn’t poke anything else. I was right. He was tighter than a virgin and moved his leg away from mine, saying nothing. That so wouldn’t fly with me. “Don’t you remember me? From yesterday?”
“No.”
“Oh, come on now.” No way in hell was I letting him get away with such a blatant lie. “Not only did I guess what you did for a living, I can also tell you’re not the type to talk to strangers on the subway. So I’m sure you remember our little tête-à-tête.” I smirked. “Besides. I’ve been told I’m unforgettable.”
“Annoying as hell is more like it.” He huffed out a sigh but still hadn’t looked at me. “Do you mind? I’m—”
“Trying to read the paper. Yeah, I can see that, and really? Who still does that? You said the same thing yesterday until you decided to interrogate me about my ex.”
That finally got to him. Dark brows raised, he set his paper in his lap. “Interrogate? I asked a few questions because, just like now, you won’t be quiet and leave me in peace.”
“So you do remember me.” I smirked with triumph. “I knew it.”
A dull-red flush crept up his neck. “Obviously, it was the highlight of your day, but not mine.”
That stung. “Damn, you’re rude.”
He folded his paper in half. “Seems like you can dish it out but not take it.”
“Wow. Playground comebacks. I’m impressed.”
He grunted and returned to reading. I allowed the train to rock me into a half sleep, but my phone buzzed with several texts. I dug it out of my cross-body bag and grimaced. Oscar.
I’m coming by tonight. We need to talk.
I’m sorry. It’ll never happen again.
Make sure you’re home. I’ll be there at 8.
“Fucking asshole,” I muttered to myself, shoving the phone away.
Grouch-face set his paper down. “Your ex?”
I blinked. Twice. “I’m sorry. Were you talking to me? Unprovoked?”
The slight uptick of his lips transformed his face from grouchy to oh-my-God gorgeous. “Shocking, isn’t it?” Those icy eyes warmed, and I wanted to drown in their ocean-blue depths. “But you were upset after you read the texts.” That sexy growl lowered further. “Is he harassing you? Has he put his hands on you?”
Reflexively my gaze shot to his fingers, and sweat popped out over my body. They looked capable and strong. I imagined them gripping my hips as inch by inch he slid inside me, stretching and filling me. He’d be huge and hard, and I’d feel him for days.
I’d like your hands on me.
Idiot. Stop it.
“No. I wouldn’t put up with that shit.”
“But he clearly upset you. Why?”
I scratched my head. “I don’t know.…We were together for three years, after all.”
He made an impatient gesture with his hand, and I thought I heard a snort. “So what? He cheated.”
“I know. But we have history. It’s hard to let go.” Why was I defending Oscar? He’d broken my heart, and I threw him out. End of story.
“Fuck that. It all goes out the window when someone cheats.”
“Is that how you dealt with it when it happened to you? Just walked away and erased all traces of her from your life? People and emotions aren’t emails you can delete and forget.”
His nostrils flared, and that hard jaw tightened even further. “I’ve—no. I didn’t say that. It’s never happened to me, not personally.”
“If that’s so, who are you to give me any advice?”
He glared, obviously expecting me to be intimidated and back down, but he didn’t know me. I liked a challenge and returned it in spades, our gazes clashing. My breathing slowed. Those blue eyes widened, and a firecracker of desire exploded in my belly. God, this was such a turn-on. I imagined his mouth on mine, his tongue pushing past my lips. He’d rip my clothes off and fuck me until I screamed. Unfortunately, my fantasy would no doubt remain simply that. Then he shocked the hell out of me by speaking in a rapid, low whisper.
“Because I grew up with it. My father cheated on my mother and walked out on us.”
“But I bet even you can understand that sometimes you might do something not so smart because you’re lonely.” Yeah, I was goading him, but I wanted to get a reaction.
“No. Whether it’s one time or you’re a serial cheater, you don’t change.” He stared off into space. “I don’t care.”
Who are you thinking about?
I desperately wanted to know.
“As long as you don’t let him do anything foolish. You thought you knew him, and he cheated. He might do worse.” He checked his watch, and I bristled.
So sorry. Am I boring you?
I enjoyed teasing him and decided to see if he’d take the bait a second time.
“I know, but no one gets to touch me.” I gathered my wits and winked at him. “Not unless I want them to.” His nod was curt and dismissive, but I wasn’t ready to lose him to his newspaper once again. “By the way, I’m Ethan.”