Page 42 of Make Me Want it Too

“Yeah,” I say. “Just like this.” I trail light circles with my fingertips on her back, up and over her shoulders, down her arms. “I wouldn’t be able to keep my hands off you if we were together.”

“You wouldn’t?” She looks so innocent, shocked by my words.

“No.” I want to show her how I’d treat her, how I’d worship her. But it’s not the right time.

It’s never the right time.

“You can touch me more,” She says, her mouth falling open. “I mean, like, when we’re around people, you can. If you want. I’m okay with it.”

“Good.” Fuck, I’m rock hard. “And I’m okay with you touching me, any time, any way, anywhere you want.”

“Really?”

“Nothing’s off limits for you, Mace.” Fuck, I’m going to need to get in the shower and rub one out if this keeps going.

“Thank you. For… everything. For coming here with me and helping me. I don’t know how I would have done this without you.”

“You would have been okay. You’re stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

Her bottom lip trembles as she smiles at me with glassy eyes and then she launches herself at me. She wraps her arms around my neck and burrows her face into my shoulder. I hug her back, letting myself bury my nose in her hair and take in her sweet scent.

We stay like this for a minute, in each other’s arms, quiet. She relaxes and there’s no crying. That’s good.

I resume making circles on her back and after a few moments she moves her hands, gently rubbing the nape of my neck. I could roll my eyes back into my head. It feels so good, just that simple little touch, her hands on me, it’s heaven.

“You give good hugs,” she says, her breath tickling against my neck and sending a shiver down my side. “You’ve hugged me more than anyone the last few weeks.” She lets out a little chuckle. “I really am a mess, aren’t I?”

“You’re not a mess.” I pull her in a little closer and kiss the top of her head before I think better of it. Fuck, I should not have done that.

But she doesn’t tense up or pull away. If anything, she sinks against me more and even lets out a soft sigh.

I wonder when the last time she got real affection was. I don’t think Spencer is even capable of it. He’s a cold, regimented machine, which is why he’s a successful surgeon and a sucky person.

Not Macy. She’s warm and compassionate and sensitive, and she deserves to be taken care of and loved and appreciated.

I hug her tighter. She snuggles closer.

Her warm breath is on my neck, and then…a gentle press of her lips against my skin and the tender little smack noise she makes after placing the kiss.

She kissed my neck. Holy shit.

She sits bolt upright and out of my arms immediately, a look of horror on her face.

“Oh my gosh, I shouldn’t have done that. I’m sorry. It was too much. Or I should have asked first, or?—”

“Macy, no, it’s fine. It was good.”

“It was? You didn’t mind?” She looks up at me with those big brown eyes, and she has no idea I would literally do anything she wants.

Mind? “No, Mace. I don’t mind. Should we practice some more? How about this?” I know I’m pushing it a little, maybe being a little too bold, but she kissed me first. I take her face gently in my hands.

Her lips part as she licks them.

I look into both of her eyes as I hold her still then lean in slowly and place the lightest kiss on her forehead.

I drop my hands and sit back, scanning her face. “Was that okay?”

She nods.

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