Page 11 of Beauty Of Her

“Don’t worry. It’s just us in here.” Brett’s eyes bore into me as if reading my thoughts. “Now, back to the burgers. What happened to them?”

“What do you mean what happened?” I couldn’t help but smile thinking about the burger night fiasco. “I cooked them, and while I didn’t mind the taste, the girls, on the other hand…” I trailed off, shrugging. “They didn’t care for the texture.”

“What did you do to them, Julia?” He forced a mocking, serious tone, making me laugh.

Ah, and how great it was to laugh. “I cooked them, that’s all.”

“How did you cook them?” Brett raised an eyebrow.

“Let’s go back to watching the movie.” I pointed to the screen, having a little too much fun. This was insane. How could Brett put my mind at ease and my heart on alert? My pulse quickened every time he gazed at me, sending jolts of electricity like this novel charge I hadn’t experienced. Not even with Peter.

“Did you throw them on the grill?”

“No, not the grill.” I chewed my inner cheek.

“Then where?” Brett leaned in, our mouths close. If I turned my head to the right, our lips would touch.

A hiss of oxygen left my nostrils as I braced myself. “I baked them in the oven.”

Brett threw his head back, smacking his large hands across his chest, clutching his heart, and instantly creating too much space between us. “You did not do that.”

“I did.” My smile spread like fire across my face.

“You baked the burgers? What do baked burgers even look like? What do they taste like?”

I laughed. “I really didn’t think they turned out bad. And they still looked like burgers.”

“You butchered my burgers.” Brett’s hands remained over his heart. “Did you take a picture of them?”

I rolled my eyes and leaned in closer to him. "I didn't butcher anything, Brett. Besides, it was the first time I had ever cooked burgers. I told you I don’t know how to grill. And no, I didn’t take a picture." I couldn’t help but grin. Talking to Brett was so…easy.

He grinned back, his eyes shining with mischief. "Well, I'll have to teach you how to do it properly. Burgers are serious business."

I laughed and reclined in my seat, ignoring the fluttering in my stomach. “You expect me to invite you to my house just like that?” I snapped my fingers, the quick sound bouncing off the walls.

“I don’t have to go into your house. I’ll be outside the entire time, I promise.” He held up a hand, sealing his words. I stared at Brett for a moment too long, soaking up his cuteness, but I caused him to shift. “Do you still have my number?”

I swallowed, picturing the paper tucked safely into my nightstand. “I do.”

“Where is it?” Brett finally removed his hand from his chest and placed it on the shared armrest between us, trapping my arm under his. He knew exactly what he was doing, while my body screamed from a rush of arousal sent straight to my sex. Whatever was happening to me, I needed it to continue. But I was also scared.

“It’s in my house.” My voice rose barely above a whisper.

“Where in your house?” It was more of a statement.

“In my bedroom.” I pressed my hand to my hot chest, struggling to steady my breath.

A slow growl rumbled from Brett, and his jaw clenched. “Why are you seeing a movie by yourself?”

“I had a bad day and needed a distraction. You?” My mind raced, trying to center my vibrating nerves.

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you since we met, and I needed the distraction.” He licked those perfect fucking lips, a mouth I suddenly wanted to taste.

“Why can’t you stop thinking about me?” My eyes darted wildly.

“I’m trying to figure that out.” Brett snaked his fingers through mine on the armrest, and I didn’t fight him. The warmth of his skin sent shivers throughout my body, causing me to shift in my seat. “I’d like to get to know you better. How does that sound to you?”

I thought I had formed words but could only muster a silly nod. It was enough permission granted to Brett for him to make his next move as he wet his lips with what I’d imagine to be his velvet tongue. Without warning, Brett brushed his lips against mine. It all happened so fast. His kiss was gentle, soft, and sweet, and I melted into it. The electricity between us intensified every second, drowning in his heated touch. Any reservations I might have had about Brett, mainly his age, flew out the window, and for once, I allowed myself to fully enjoy the moment. Brett’s attention alone spoiled me and made me giddy. Alive again. He was my indulgence for the first time in five years, and I wouldn’t let it slip by.

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