Page 124 of Released from the Sin Bin

Willa steps back with that glimmer in her eye she gets when she sees me.

“What are you doing here?” She smiles, but crosses her arms to act tough.

“Surprising you.” I lean against the doorframe.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class?” She challenges me and eyes the brown bag in my hand. “What’s in the bag?”

“Skip class with me and find out.” I swing the bag between us.

“You’re bad,” she laughs and drops her arms.

“Is that a yes?” I extend my arm out against the frame to block her way out.

I’m not taking no for an answer.

“Is that tacos?” She sniffs the scent coming from the bag. “It’s not even noon.” Her hands move to her hips, but she hasn’t said no yet, and she’s not kicking me out when I take a step inside.

I pass the bag to her.

She peers inside to confirm her favorite tacos are there.

“These can be reheated, right?” She looks up, taking a step back to let me in further.

“Sure.” Closing the door behind me, I stalk closer as she keeps backing up, inching us toward the steps.

“I just ate breakfast.” She takes another step, tripping on the first step of the stairs, but catching her balance with the banister.

If she doesn’t invite me up soon, I’m going to toss her over my shoulder and carry her into bed.

“I confess,” I rub the hairs on my chin, “my intention wasn’t to have lunch.”

“Oh?”

“Yet.”

Her innocent, doe eyes gleam up at me as I wrap my hand over her hip.

“My plan involves keeping you in your room all day until you force me out.” I tuck her hair behind her ear and let my hand fall to her waist, ready to lift. “And then feed you. Maybe. Are you good with that?”

She bites down on her lip, and I already know the answer. It’s a clear yes. We’ve been busting our asses all week, and it’s time to take a break and have a little fun.

“What if I said no?” She’s teasing me.

I move in closer, gripping her waist. She leans back against the banister, and I drag my nose up her neck, taking in her bittersweet, cherry scent before biting her ear.

“Wrong answer.” I tighten my grip and hoist her over my shoulder.

Willa screams from the sudden lift, and I race her up the stairs and to her room, slamming her door shut with a kick.

“Tacos,” Willa slaps my back and points to her dresser.

I back up and let her drop the bag down before tossing her onto the bed.

My intention was to go slow and take our time, but I’m desperate. I tear off my jacket and shirt in one swift pull and toss them to the side before coming back to her. Slowing down to kiss her lips and savor the feel of them fitting into mine the way they’ve been molded to seal together over these past few weeks.

Kissing anyone else would be unnatural. Willa’s lips were made to fit mine. Her subtle taste of cherries on her salty skin was concocted for me to drink up. Our tongues were formed to perfectly glide together. And she pieced together my heart.

I don’t have to be my father if I have Willa.

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