Page 104 of The Very First Night

“If you say so,” I say with a laugh.

Tanner reaches into the freezer and pulls out a frosty container of mint chocolate chip ice cream. “Besides, I quite enjoy the thought of all the things we can do with ice cream.”

My cheeks heat up, betraying me as my mind races back to the last time we indulged in a pint of ice cream together. The memory of his tongue against my skin, swirling my hardened nipple between his lips as he lapped at the last remnants of rocky road causes me to squirm under his gaze, feeling a familiar wetness pool between my thighs.

Tanner approaches me and sets a bowl of freshly scooped ice cream and two spoons on the counter, then presses his body against mine, sandwiching me between him and the chilly tiles of the countertop. His breath tickles my ear as he whispers, “What’s on your mind?”

“Nothing.” My body betrays me, arching into him. “I just—ice cream sounds nice.”

“Does it?” Tanner’s voice is gravelly and intoxicating, so much so that I feel myself growing lightheaded at his proximity.

“Yes,” I gasp. Our breath mingles, his lips only a whisper from mine, but he doesn’t close the gap.

My mouth waters as Tanner dips the smaller of the two spoons into the bowl of ice cream. He lifts it to my lips. “Open,” he demands, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

I can’t help but comply, eagerly taking a bite of the cold, sweet treat.

Once the cold metal lands against my tongue, the combination of creamy spearmint and rich chocolate explodes on my taste buds, sending shivers down my spine. I barely have a second to relish the sweet flavors of the ice cream before Tanner’s warm lips meet mine in a delicate kiss, his tongue playfully dancing between my lips before retreating, causing an intoxicating blend of sweetness and anticipation to wash over me. When he pulls away, I whimper, desperate to taste him again.

He steps back with a grin and sets the bowl on the counter. “What time is your mom supposed to be home?”

“Not for at least another five hours.” My stomach leaps as I smile at him, anticipation flooding my mind. Every nerve in my body tingles with electric energy, waiting for his next move.

“Good.” Tanner shoves a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth before stepping toward me. “Take off your shirt.” His voice is commanding and urgent.

I quickly comply and shed my white turtleneck sweater, the rush of cold air drawing prickles along my exposed skin. I’m set ablaze under his piercing stare. The thin fabric of my cotton bra does little to hide the hard peaks of my nipples, straining against the soft material.

His lips press together in a tight line, and I can see the muscles in his jaw clenching as he bites down on his bottom lip. His breaths are quick and shallow, his eyes dark with desire. My attention is drawn to his mouth, the one that has brought me so much pleasure over the past few months. I can almost feel his tongue against my skin, the way it expertly teases and pleases me. Memories of him eagerly lapping at my core flood my mind as I watch him struggle to contain himself, and I rock back and forth on my feet in an attempt to quell the needy sensation building within me.

“What are you thinking about?” he asks me.

“You.”

Tanner nonchalantly leans against the counter, his fingers gripping the edge, his eyes glittering mischievously. “Pants.”

As I heed his demand and slowly slide my fingers under the waistband of my black leggings, feeling the softness of the fabric against my skin, he casually takes a bite of the ice cream. It isn’t until the black ball of fabric is at my feet that his gaze abandons its comfortable raking up and down my legs to meet my eyes.

“Come here.” He beckons me with his hand, the low, raspy tone of his voice sending a tingle down my spine.

I cross the cool tiles of the kitchen floor, goosebumps erupting on my skin. As soon as his hands graze my bare hips, a surge of heat spreads through my body like wildfire, igniting every nerve.

As he leans in, the chill of his recent ice cream indulgence lingers on his lips, but as soon as our mouths meet, warmth floods through me like an inferno. I taste the faint sweetness of mint and feel the intensity of his desire with every stroke of his tongue against mine. His hand cradles the back of my neck, fingers tangling in the strands of hair at my nape and pulling gently.

Tanner’s grip on my hair tightens, pulling me closer to him as his lips trail down my neck. The sharp sting of his teeth on my skin elicits a gasp from me, and he tugs slightly harder, causing my head to fall back in pleasure.

Just as I’m about to give in completely to his touch, I stop him with a gentle push on his chest. “Wait,” I say breathlessly, needing a moment to catch my breath, gather my thoughts, and muster up a sliver of courage to take charge.

He suddenly recoils, his eyes widening in concern. “Did I hurt you?” he asks frantically, his hands trembling. “I’m sorry, I just got carried away,” he stammers, his voice filled with guilt and regret.

“You didn’t hurt me,” I reassure him.

“Oh.” He lets out a sigh of relief. “Then why did you stop?”

“I—” I know what I want, I know what I want to do, but when my mouth opens to speak, nothing comes out.

“Kat, talk to me. What’s wrong?” His brows pinch together.

My mouth feels dry as I lean in, my heart pounding. “I want to go down on you,” I say, my voice barely a whisper.

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