Page 47 of Something So Strong

He deserves one.

But the moments tick by.

Metal clatters against metal as he slides his key into its lock. “Don’t worry. I’ll talk to Alma tomorrow and see if I can get my shift changed.”

“Please don’t.” Possessed, I’m pushing back off my door and grasping at straws because it can’t end like this.

“Don’t what?” Jesse barks, ready to fight, only to be met by my face inches from his.

“Just…”

I can’t finish the thought.

He’s so close.

So perfect.

I want my arms around him.

His head on my chest.

I creep forward. My forehead presses against his and we move together until his back is flush against his door and my hands are up by his shoulders.

“You scare me,” I whisper.

“How?”

“I don’t know… You… I lose control around you.”

“I…”

My right hand leaves the door and grazes his shoulder before my fingers rake through the loose hair by his ear—our breaths shared. And it all feels too good to be true. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“Why would you hurt me?”

“Bad shit tends to happen when I’m not in control.”

“Like wha—”

“Just trust me, okay?”

“What if I don’t give a shit?” Jesse’s tone is defiant, and his eyes finally rise to meet mine.

“That’s why you scare me so much.”

“You scare me too.”

“Not in the same way, I bet.”

“I don’t mind being scared…”

Jesse’s chin moves.

His shoulders lift from the door.

His barely parted lips press against mine.

It’s feather-light, but I kiss him back.

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