30 Nights by Christine D'Abo Page A

Or bubble baths? “Yes.”
    He looked away then, and an odd expression passed across his face. “I need you to understand that I’d be using you. That sounds horrible, but I don’t want to lie.”
    That wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. “Using me for what?”
    “Sex. The reasons are a bit personal, and I honestly would prefer not to discuss them.”
    There was something about the way he spoke that didn’t sit right with me. “Given what we are about to do, I think I should know at least something.”
    He nodded, but took his time considering his words. “Let’s just say that the last relationship that I was in didn’t end well. I . . . I need to prove something to myself. This gives me that opportunity with someone I can trust.”
    It was weird thinking about him as having this whole thing, this life beyond the little bit that I knew about him. Clearly, something had happened and it was not my business. “Okay then. I’ll happily use you for sex.”
    That at least drew a small smile from him. “One other thing. I think for the time being that we keep this between us.”
    Maybe he didn’t know me as well as he thought if he imagined that I’d be blabbing this around campus. “I wouldn’t think of saying anything—”
    “Even from your friend Jasmine. At least until we figure out if this is something that we really want to do.”
    Oh. Well, that was a bit different. “Ah.”
    “She seems nice enough, just enthusiastic. Also a bit protective of you. I’d rather not upset her if it can be avoided.”
    In the end it was a small price to pay for trying out some kinky fun with him. Plus, if things went sideways, I wouldn’t have to handle Jasmine wanting to go over and kill him. “Deal. At least unless she finds us out. I’m not the best at hiding things from her.”
    “I guess that’s fair enough.”
    With the particulars discussed, I wanted to start talking about the good parts. The actual sexy-fun times. “So, Professor, what now?”
    He glanced around as though he was making sure no one was watching. If he’d been debating something he clearly made up his mind once I’d asked my question. “Leave your things and come with me.”
    Taking my hand in his, he led me along one of the side paths toward the building. Before we disappeared inside, he flagged Connie down. “I’m just showing Glenna the brewery. Could I get an order of bruschetta and some more wine?”
    “Of course.” Connie’s smile was meant to seduce. “I’ll place that right away.”
    Well, if she was interested in Eric, too bad for her. I’d finally gotten him to notice me and I’d be dammed if I’d let him go that easily. I squeezed his hand a bit tighter as he tugged me along.
    The air in the building was cool and the smell coming from the room we’d entered was pungent to say the least. Thankfully, we didn’t stay there long. Eric obviously knew the building and within a moment we were in what looked to be some sort of storage area. It was empty except for a few kegs. Not that I had much time to process my surroundings. One moment I was looking at the barren wall and the next I was pressed against it.
    Eric’s mouth was so close to mine that a strong breeze could have pushed the two of us together. He held back, his gaze darting across my face. “I want to seal our deal. Show you how much I appreciate what you’re doing.”
    “You don’t have to do that.” Kiss me! Oh please, God. Please kiss me.
    “I do. I want to.” Rather than do what I’d silently begged, he tugged my skirt up with his hand. “I’m not going to fuck you. Or hurt you.”
    Stunned. Such a simple word and it barely began to capture how I was feeling. When his fingers pressed against my clit through my panties, I gasped. He was tentative at first, probably waiting to see if I would turn around and hit him. When I pressed my hands to his chest and gave him a little nod, his touch grew firmer.
    “I’ve been listening to your laugh for a