“I want you right now, Ash. And I know you feel the same way.”

He captured her mouth, driving his tongue deep as he ground his cock against her again. His swollen, aching member demanded to be freed. To find her hot, slick core and drive deep inside.

“Tell me you want me, too,” he insisted.

“Yes. I mean no.” She shook her head. “I’m confused. I want you, but I already told you I don’t want to end it with Dare. And … even though he’ll be leaving in a month, I keep hoping…” She locked gazes with him. “I’m sorry, I need to be honest with you. I’m going to try and convince him to continue what we’ve started.”

* * *

Ashley enjoyed the breeze across her cheek as she sat on the patio of the small bistro sipping her drink. She watched the people walk by on the flower-lined sidewalk as she waited for Jessica to show up.

She couldn’t believe what had happened in Adam’s office. She stared at the droplets of condensed water gliding down her tall, ice-filled drink.

Oh, God, when he’d pulled her into his arms … when he’d kissed her with such passion … when his hand had cupped her breast … Her heart pounded at the memory. She’d wanted to melt into his arms. To strip off her clothes and let him take her right there.

But it was so confusing. She wanted to be with Adam so much. Knew she could build a happy future with him. But what Dare gave her … It was like an obsession. Even if it would only last a month, she wouldn’t give it up for anything. Even Adam.

Adam might be willing to take charge, but it wouldn’t be the same. There was something about Dare’s brand of domination that was like nothing she’d ever imagined. Or was it just Dare himself? Something about the man that she craved?

“Hey, you look deep in thought.” Jessica tossed her purse over the back of the chair across from Ashley and sat down, then flagged the waitress. “Tough day?”

The waitress appeared and Jessica ordered a drink.

“An interesting day,” Ashley responded to Jessica’s question.

“Yeah? What happened?” Jessica plucked her napkin and smoothed it on her lap.

“Adam called me into his office and … well, he made it clear he wants to start something with me.”

“About time. You two have been skirting your attraction for far too long.”

Ashley sipped her drink, the ice cubes tinkling against each other.

“But I’m seeing Dare.”

Jessica shrugged. “Yeah, but that’s just screwing around. It’s not serious.”

Ashley leaned forward. “But it’s amazing. I don’t want to give up what I have with Dare.”

Jessica shrugged. “Okay, well, maybe Adam will be willing to wait until it’s over with Dare. It’s just a month.”

Ashley raised an eyebrow. “You don’t really believe that, do you?” She didn’t mention that she’d already suggested it and he hadn’t been impressed with the idea.