you work on?â
âRight now, The Order of Resskaar .â He took a drink and waited.
She wanted to play it cool. Heâd said he wasnât stalking her, and there were, like, thousands of people who were logged on at any given time. âI play Resskaar . Itâs my go-to for relaxation.â
âHave you completed it yet?â
âNope. Iâm not in any hurry.â
They finished their drinks, and Jonah ordered another round. They spent the next hour talking and laughing. She was able to forget her in-game assault and her past. The night became filled with the enjoyment of hanging out with a friend. When the bottles were empty, Charlie reached for her pocket.
âI think youâve had enough. Let me walk you to your room.â
Oh, man. Those were the words sheâd wanted to hear, even though she knew it wasnât wise, and his brain wasnât working in the same direction. âOkay.â
She was a little unsteady on her feet, so Jonah held on to her. He was quiet on the elevator ride, but she inched closer to him. The peace of being with him after her miserable gaming experience made her feel warm and fuzzy. Or maybe that was the alcohol. She looked at Jonahâs arm on her and spoke with honesty. âI missed you.â
âIâve missed you too.â
The elevator dinged on the fourth floor, and Jonah ushered her out and down the hall. Their steps shushed against the carpet, and Charlie wanted to talk, say something, but she didnât know what. At her room, she slid the key card in, and as she pushed the door open, she tugged Jonah inside.
âWhat are you doing, Charlie?â
She wrapped her arms around his neck and breathed in his scent. âI donât want to be alone.â
Charlie held her breath, waiting for him to push her away, but he didnât. His arms came around her and stroked her back. Memories flooded her brain. Jonah holding her, touching her, kissing her senseless. Sheâd give almost anything to have that again, even if it was only for a night. To feel grounded again.
She turned her head slightly and brushed her lips against his warm neck, and his hands paused on her back. She pressed on, though, kissing his jaw and loving the rough feel of the stubble.
âCharlie.â
âJust kiss me, Jonah.â
She didnât look into his eyes, afraid to know what sheâd find, but she knew he wanted to kiss her. If for no other reason, out of sheer curiosity. She kept her eyes closed as she tilted her head.
His lips met hers with tenderness at first. Then they became more insistent, and she softened against him, inviting his tongue into her mouth. His hand reached up and cradled the back of her head, and she wanted more. This heady feeling wouldnât last the night, but Jonah could give her more.
She tugged at his T-shirt, searching for his warm skin. When her fingers met his flesh, he jerked back. âCharlie.â
But she didnât stop.
He grabbed her hands. âCharlie.â Then he waited for her to meet his eyes. âWeâre not doing this.â
She swallowed hard. His steel gray eyes sparked with lust. She didnât misread the signs. He wanted her. âWhy not? Got a girlfriend?â
âNo girlfriend. Youâre well past halfway to drunk. I donât want you to do something youâre going to regret in the morning.â He grabbed her shoulders and turned her toward the bed. âGet some sleep and weâll talk tomorrow.â
âWhat if I donât want to talk tomorrow?â
He sighed. âThen I guess we wonât.â
She crawled on top of the covers. âWill you stay and talk for a while if I promise not to molest you?â
He glanced to the other side of the room. âSure.â He scooted the armchair a little closer to the bed.
âThereâs room here.â She patted the bed beside her.
He simply shook his head.
âWho is it that you