Chapter 3

I rushed out of the elevator, trying to get a hold of him before he could escape. Everything was coming back to my mind in bits and pieces. Of course, I couldn't remember the conversation but I was damn sure he dropped me home. I can't believe it has been almost a year. He must have recognized me earlier and that's why he had that smug look on his face all evening. God, I hope I didn't embarrass myself too much that day.

"Austin, wait," I ran like a crazy woman and saw him unlocking his car. He turned around at the sound of my voice as I stood in front of him, trying to catch my breath.

"You...it was you, wasn't it?" I smiled as I pointed my finger at him. The corner of his lips lifted up in a curve. It was like he wanted to smile but refrained from doing so.

"So you do remember me," he stated cooly, leaning against his car and I noticed how tall he was.

"Yeah, I was so drunk that day and I remember you dropping me home. I just wanted to say thank you, I mean if it had been someone else, they would have taken advantage of the situation. Thank you so much," I said genuinely and stopped my rambling. He gave a small smile and came closer to me. Was he going to hug me? I held my breath as his lips were close to my ear. Blood rushed through my entire body as I inhaled his deep aftershave which was crisp and woody. Wow, he smelled so good.

"I wouldn't take advantage of you, sweetheart," he said in a husky voice and I swear his lips almost touched my earlobe. I squeezed my thighs as I could feel my core getting excited. I licked my lips as I felt my mouth go dry. He pulled back with a devilish grin on his face. "Unless you ask for it," I stood there dumbfounded at his response. What did he mean by that? Did he mean what I think he meant? He got in his car, without a second glance and drove off.

I drove all the way back home, thinking about what he meant. Of course, he was hot and sexy as fuck. Did he want to sleep with me? Or was he interested in me? I wasn't looking for a relationship anyway but I wasn't the type to sleep around with guys. The only guy I have ever slept with was my ex-boyfriend, Justin. I decided not to read too much into it and brushed it off my mind.

For the next few weeks, I was busy with my college work and studying for my exams. Being a law student was really hard and I wondered how people who worked part-time managed to study. It was tiring enough already. I tried my best to avoid Austin during the game nights and yet here I was, on my way to Ashley's house, all dressed up. Deep down, I liked the sexual tension between us and it has been a long time since I felt this way. We didn't speak a word since our last encounter but he kept sending glances and sly looks my way whenever I came over. I also noticed that Dan didn't bother me much. He never flirted with me or hit on me. Weird.

I tried to get him out of my mind but it was impossible. I couldn't help but think about how much I was turned on around him. I have never felt this way, even around Justin, my ex-boyfriend. I convince myself that it was all the pent up sexual energy and let out a huge sigh. Soon I reached their place and entered through the door to find everyone already engrossed in the game. I saw Austin peel his eyes from the screen to look at me as I walked towards the living room.

“Hey Em,” They shouted in chorus but only Ash and Austin looked at me. I gave them a small smile and joined them on the couch.

“Let’s take a break guys,” Austin spoke while stealing a glance at me. Here we go, with the glances.

“Come on, we just started.” It was Dan this time. Ashley rolled her eyes and switched off the game.

“Let’s take a break. I’m gonna catch up with my friend.” She dragged me from the couch and went to the kitchen, offering me a drink.

"So, what's going on with you two?" She smirked.

"What do you mean?" I looked at her confused and had no idea what she was talking about.

"You and Austin." I choked on my drink almost spitting it out. How did she know? I mean it's not like anything happened between us but yeah I was attracted to him.

"Nothing, absolutely nothing." My cheeks burned and she knew something was up.

"Come on Em, I know you. Better spill it before I find out on my own."

"Fine, I think I might be attracted to him. He is so damn hot, Ash. What do I do?" I whined like a puppy.

"It's been a year since you broke up with Justin. Why don't you take a chance? And it looks like he is into you too. I noticed all the flirty stares." She wiggled her eyebrows in a suggestive manner.

"I've never been nervous around guys. I just get turned on every time I feel his gaze on me." I whispered, shamelessly.

"Tell me about it. I know exactly how you feel. My body doesn't listen to me anymore. Jake makes me all hot and--" My eyes went wide when I saw Jake behind her and she stopped midway, looking at my reaction.

"Well, go on. Don't stop on my account." Jake embraced her from behind and she blushed a deep shade of red, closing her eyes in embarrassment. I couldn't help but smile at them. They were so damn cute together.

"Aww, you guys are so cute." I giggled and went to the living room, giving them some space. I saw that Dan was missing and it was just Austin and I. Shit, we can't avoid each other now. This was so awkward. I sat down on the couch, clearing my throat, while his gaze never left the screen. I frowned at his behavior. He used to look at me all the time but now he was hardly acknowledging me. I got bored and took my phone, scrolling through Instagram, not reading a single post. What was taking them so long? God, I just hoped they weren't making out in the kitchen.

"Sorry guys, It was a call from the office," Dan spoke as he sat down and continued to play with Austin. Jake and Ashley, joined us shortly and once the game was over, we ordered take out food.

"So Austin, how is work?" Ashley asked out of the blue and I looked at her shaking my head, knowing exactly what she was about to do. She winked at me and I groaned internally. I don't think he liked me as he hardly spoke to me. We literally didn't speak a single word since that day.

"Same old boring shit," he replied vaguely.

"Are you dating anyone?" she asked him casually while eating.

"You know I don't date, sweetheart." He responded, glancing at me and it sounded so familiar like I have heard something like that before. Why doesn't he date? So he must sleep around a lot, I mean any girl would jump at the chance of sleeping with him. I felt a pang of jealousy which surprised me. What the hell was that? I don't even know this guy. I shook my head and ate silently.

"Dude, you remember how Jake used to be. He is totally smitten now." I glanced at Dan who was laughing at Jake.

"You just need to meet the right person and everything will fall into place," Jake said, looking at Ash, lovingly and she blushed.

"Whipped." Dan coughed earning a glare from Jake and everyone laughed. Dan left early, saying he had to take care of some work stuff at the office. After hanging out for a while, we decided to call it a night. I said my goodbyes and headed out, waiting for the elevator when I heard footsteps behind me. I turned around knowing exactly who it was. He looked damn fine in that button-down black shirt and blue dark wash jeans. This was the first time I was seeing him wear casual clothes and not a suit. I lifted my eyes up to find him looking at me with raised eyebrows. Why do I keep ogling him? Dammit.

"Headed home?" he asked with a playful smile on his smile. Now he talks.

"That's the plan, what about you?" I asked and finally, the elevator dinged. We got in and he leaned against the wall, crossing his ankles while I pressed the button.

"Headed to the club for a few drinks," his gaze was on me as he spoke. I started to feel hot and squeezed my thighs together as he trailed his eyes all over my body. He knew I was looking at him and yet he didn't peel his eyes off my body. What was he trying to do?

"Cool," I chirped and flashed a smile. I always knew what to speak but for some reason, I found it difficult to have a proper conversation with him. I kept tucking my hair behind my ears, nervously. Fuck, I make guys nervous, not the other way around. 

"Oh my god, stop looking at me like that," I blurted, out of frustration. He was not making a move and kept staring at me which was making me sexually frustrated. Ugh, I just wanted to kiss the life out of him. Why was he torturing me?

"Why, Emma? Is it bothering you?" he came closer and caged me with his arms on both sides of my body. God, He was so cocky. I looked into his eyes which turned dark with desire and then at his lips.

"No," I scoffed and tried to push him by placing my hands on his chest. I could feel his rock hard muscles and he didn't even budge a bit. He let out a small chuckle at my lame attempt to push him. Damn, he must workout to have a body like that. I licked my lips and found him swallowing hard. I could see the veins in his neck popping out and he looked like he was trying so hard to control himself. I wanted to give in and crash my lips to his but refrained from doing so.

"Join me for a drink?" he whispered huskily in my ears and I think my panties were almost drenched. Did he just ask me out? Or was it like a casual drink? I heard the elevator ding and he immediately pulled back, clearing his throat before anyone could see us and get the wrong idea. We both walked out silently and I kept pondering over his offer. He doesn't date and I wasn't looking for a relationship. What harm could it bring? Just one drink right?

"Alright, let's go," I smirked confidently, and saw a ghost of a smile on his face. This should be fun.