No Strings Attached (18+)

Chapter 1

I mulled over his words, hating that he could make something so insane sound sensible.

All things considered, this is probably my safest option right now.

After all, it was either give in or sleep on the street...

Closing my eyes, I muttered, "...this is the stupidest thing I've ever done."

"I'm guessing that's a yes?"

I nodded, "God help me."

Half an hour later, I stepped out of the shower, breathing in the steamy air as I walked to the fogged-over mirror.

Turning my head, I triple-checked that the lock on the door was set.

I'm gonna end up in little pieces in this guy's trunk.

As I finished drying off my skin, I wiped the mirror and began removing the rest of my makeup.

Catching my reflection's stare, I wondered-

-Why isn't he setting off alarm bells?

Dave had set off alarm bells.

Hell, I'd recognized Dave as a creep the first time I'd met him, repulsed by the way his piggy eyes had focused on my breasts before my face.

And yet, I still convinced myself that I was overreacting, convinced myself that I'd imagined it.

I hadn't.

Tossing the makeup wipe in the trash, I washed my hands and carefully removed my contact lenses. Then, tucking my things into my corner of the counter, I moisturized first my face, then my body.

A knock sounded on the outer door, and I almost jumped out of my skin.

"Housekeeping!"

Footsteps approached, followed by the slithering sound of the chain lock swinging free.

"Extra bedding?"

The man answered, sounding so close my heart raced in my chest, "Yes, thank you."

Oh, god.

Kneeling down, I dug through my bag, pulling out an oversized hoodie and a pair of retired workout leggings.

It's probably better for everyone if I look as unsexy as possible...

I dressed, tossing my hair into a haphazard bun and sliding on my glasses. Satisfied with my suitably unappealing reflection, I unlocked the door and stepped outside.

If the man was surprised by my appearance, he hid it well.

"Oh, hey; I wanted to ask you something."

I looked over, playing nonchalant, "Hmm?"

"There's a diner across the road - do you want to go grab some food?"

Food? With him?

"Um, sure?"

"Okay," he nodded, "just give me a second to change." He glanced down, plucking at the fabric of his suit jacket, "I've been wearing this fucking thing all day, and if I have to spend another minute in it, I'm going to scream."

I bit back a grin, thinking, I know what that's like.

Picking up a bundle off of the bed, he stepped into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.

"Hey," I called out, "I never got your name."

"Nick." His voice was slightly muffled by the wall and the hum of the bathroom fan. "What's yours?"

"Leah," I answered, sitting at the desk chair as I checked my phone.

A message was waiting from Brooklyn, my sister in all ways but blood:

"Hey, how'd the camp thing go?"

Typing, I answered, "Disaster. Total, unmitigated disaster."

"What???"

"I'll explain tomorrow - right now I just want to sleep and forget that today ever happened."

"Okay - keep me posted, I'm here if you want to talk."

Smiling, I typed, "Thanks, bestie."

Across the room, the bathroom door opened and Nick stepped out in a T-shirt and grey sweatpants.

"Ready?"

Oh my god...

That suit hadn't done him justice, hadn't hinted at the toned physique that the thin fabric of his shirt stretched across, revealing muscles that I hadn't even suspected he had.

I guess I wasn't paying attention...

Swallowing, I nodded, following his fine ass out the door.