I opened my mouth to try to respond to what he had said, but not only would the words not come out, but I also saw he had turned around and was heading toward the garage. I couldn’t leave things like this between us—but, then again, what would I have said anyway? Each time I tried to say something he would have a more powerful retort. As if he kept it on the tip of his tongue waiting for the perfect moment to let it out. I understood the lustful expressions he was giving me. The men in the trades had given me the same looks on numerous occasions. Things were different when Jared gazed at me, though. He watched me like a man thirsty for water, not like a piece of property or meat. He didn’t make me feel used or filthy. If anything, I felt wanted and needed, something inside of him calling to that black hole inside of me. I had never wanted a man, let alone wanted one to touch me, but with Jared, it was different. I felt a spark when he looked at me, my body awakening at just the mere thought of him.
