Her Beautiful Addiction - Book cover

Her Beautiful Addiction

E.R. Knight

Chapter 2

SIX YEARS AGO

Theo scanned the room, his interest waning with every slow jazz tune that filled the air. It was New Year’s Eve, and he couldn’t help but wish for a bit more excitement.

His college friend, Declan, was hosting a party at his house while his parents were conveniently out of town. Declan’s girlfriend, Bernadette, was a bit of a stickler for rules and had a soft spot for jazz over the usual party music.

Theo was starting to question his decision to attend.

He peeled himself away from the window he’d been leaning against and went to find his brother.

He’d seen Alex arrive with a few of his classmates earlier, and Theo was hoping their company would be a welcome distraction from his growing boredom.

He navigated through the kitchen and headed towards the backyard, drawn by the sound of laughter.

Stepping outside, he found a group of kids a few years younger than him gathered around a wooden bench, their hands clutching blue plastic cups as they chatted and laughed.

He spotted Alex among a few familiar faces and made his way over.

He greeted his brother with a friendly clap on the back and exchanged hellos with a couple of others who were passing around a bag of chips.

Across from him, he noticed a tall, dark-haired guy whispering something into the ear of a girl standing next to him.

He couldn’t see her face as she was partially hidden behind the guy, but he noticed her navy blue dress and white open-toed sandals.

What really caught his attention was her hair. It was a unique shade of light auburn with dark brown highlights woven through.

He frowned when he saw the guy reach out to touch her, and she seemed to subtly pull away.

His attention was diverted when Alex called his name, offering him a drink. When he looked back, the girl was heading towards the house, her back to him.

Theo watched her for a moment longer before shrugging it off. He probably recognized her from somewhere.

For the next hour, he hung out with a few of the guys.

He knew they’d have to head back inside before midnight for the countdown. Bernadette had hung tiny mistletoes in the living room for the traditional New Year’s kisses.

He sighed. He wasn’t expecting any kisses tonight.

While he’d had a few casual relationships over the past couple of years, he hadn’t found anyone he wanted to commit to yet.

Time flew by, and before they knew it, it was almost midnight. Bernadette opened the back door and called everyone back inside.

Once inside, he grabbed a flute of champagne from a passing tray and held it loosely in his fingers.

He scanned the room, looking for a spot that wasn’t already claimed by couples eager to share a mistletoe kiss.

That’s when he saw her.

Theo felt as if time had stopped.

He found himself staring at the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen. She was standing at the back of the room, a flute of champagne in her hand.

Her auburn hair fell in soft curls around her face, framing her soft brown eyes that were focused straight ahead.

Theo swallowed hard. What the hell just happened?

She was hugging herself with her left arm, her dress ending at her knees, revealing her calves and the white sandals he’d noticed earlier.

She was standing alone, and Theo found himself wondering where the guy from earlier had gone. Was he her boyfriend?

Damn.

He hoped not.

Finally managing to move, he started making his way towards her. She was looking down at her feet, seemingly lost in thought.

Theo’s heart skipped a beat when she brushed a few curls behind her ear. It was a small gesture, but it sent a jolt of desire through him.

She wore a thin silver bracelet that matched the silver chain around her neck. The pendant was a tiny silver cross with a single gem in the center.

He heard Bernadette shout something from the front of the room, and he paused when the girl looked up, scanning the room as if searching for someone.

Damn it, that guy must be her boyfriend.

He was almost to her when she turned to look at Bernadette, who was still talking. Theo couldn’t make out a word.

Every part of him was focused on the girl in front of him. He felt an overwhelming urge to touch her, to talk to her, to hear her voice. He set his glass down on a nearby table.

In a moment, he was right behind her. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth. Could she sense his nervousness? He felt like everyone in the room was watching him.

But no one was even looking his way. The other guy hadn’t shown up yet.

Theo swallowed hard.

In the back of his mind, he heard Bernadette announce the start of the countdown.

He needed to talk to her now, before the lights went out.

“Hey.”

She didn’t seem to hear him.

Theo waited for a moment longer, and then the lights went out and the crowd started counting down.

Ten.

Nine.

Suddenly, she turned around and looked at him. Then she smiled and set her champagne glass down on the table next to her.

Eight.

Seven.

Had she heard him?

Six.

Five.

Four.

Why was he so nervous?

Speak up, Theo.

He extended his hand. “Hey, I’m—”

Three.

“Hey, I was wondering where you’d disappeared to.” Her voice was soft, but he heard her clearly because of their close proximity.

Then, to his utter surprise, she stepped towards him, placing her hands on his chest.

Two.

Oh no.

Her hands slid up to his shoulders and gently pulled him down towards her.

One.

Theo grabbed her arms, intending to pull them away. “No, I’m not—”

She silenced him with a soft kiss.

Theo froze.

Around them, the room erupted in cheers of Happy New Year~.”~

She stepped back, her eyes slightly closed, and murmured, “Happy New Year.”

She reached up again, pressing her lips to his, her body molding to his. The softness of her breasts against him made him forget all about right and wrong.

Theo found his hands gliding down her arms, pulling her closer by the waist. He couldn’t resist kissing her back. Her lips were a warm, soft haven, tasting like a sweet fruit punch.

He was on a one-way trip to hell.

His hand moved up to cradle her jaw, his tongue tentatively tracing the line of her lips. She stiffened momentarily in his arms, then relaxed, parting her lips for him.

Seizing the opportunity, Theo delved into her mouth, nearly groaning as his tongue met hers.

His hands were itching to explore the softness pressing into him. His cock strained against his pants, rigid with desire. Damn, he was such a jerk.

As he teased her tongue with his, she let out a soft moan that made his cock twitch.

He was on the edge, about to lose control.

Slowly, he pulled back, his tongue retreating, leaving a trail of gentle kisses on her mouth.

Her eyes remained closed, her breath coming in short, ragged gasps. Adrenaline coursed through Theo’s veins, making his heart pound. He’d just kissed another guy’s girlfriend, and he didn’t feel the guilt he knew he should.

In the dim light, he studied her face, committing every detail to memory. His thumb traced a path down the nape of her neck and back up.

Then he leaned in once more, capturing her lips in a final kiss, etching this perfect moment into his memory.

Gently, he took her hands in his, stepping back. He dropped a swift kiss on her forehead, released her, and disappeared into the crowd. By the time the lights came back on, he was nowhere to be found.

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