Page 66 of Tangled

“Yes. I want you there. I want to cook for you and then maybe we can watch a movie or something…”

Or something. Yeah, I’m definitely in the mood forsomething.

“I’ll be there. Text me your address and what time you want me there,” I say while trailing my hands up his arms, reaching to lock my fingers around his neck and pulling him down to me so our lips are but a whisper apart. I can feel Kane’s pulse on my forearms, his chest rising and falling with each breath he takes as both of his hands circle my hips again.

“Good,” he whispers before closing the gap between us and lowering his lips to mine. The soft brush of his mouth wakes up every inch of my body, searing our skin together in a blaze so hot, I feel like my fever from earlier in the week is returning.

Kane’s hands move from my hips up my back, splaying across my body in a protective hold that is both powerful, but tender, drawing me closer to him. His tongue collides with mine in a dance that makes me forget we’re at work, forget we once couldn’t stand to be near each other—hell, he’s making me forget my own name right now.

I soak up every touch of our mouths, every groan, every caress of finger tips across our bodies, reminding myself that it’s only a matter of days before we can be completely immersed in each other again. I want him—all of him—but my professionalism is going to win this time.

“Kane,” I exhale, cutting our kiss short while we both struggle to catch our breaths.

“Fuck. Sorry, Liv. I just… I’ve been dying to do that for days.”

His confession makes me smile like a teenager. “Believe me, it was worth the wait. But we need to be careful at work. There will be more time for that this weekend,” I look up at him from beneath my lashes, lacing my words with intention.

And by the way he’s looking back at me, his eyes full of heat—he gets my message. “Without a doubt.”

“Okay, well I need to get back to work,” I stutter, trying to find my footing while escaping the confines of his arms, willing my heart and mind to stop racing and the normal color to return to my cheeks.

“Yeah, me too. I’ll see you soon, Liv,” he winks at me before turning on his heels and exiting my room.

The next two days crawl by as I anxiously await the next time Kane and I are alone, with only each other to hold our attention and not the needs of 175 teenagers, helicopter parents, and data-obsessed administrators breathing down our necks. Sometimes the stress of the job can be daunting. Grateful for our date to look forward to, it gives me the push to finish the week out strong and enjoy my night with Kane.

Saturday morning, I wake up later than normal to the sun peeking through the blinds and the hum of the heater coming through the vents of my apartment. I can finally breathe through my nose again and feel completely healthy. Stretching out my limbs in bed, I roll over to check my phone and see a text from Kane.

Kane: Good morning, beautiful. Here is my address. Dress comfortably and bring your appetite. Can’t wait to see you.

His message instantly draws a smile from my mouth, making my entire body come alive with anticipation. I program his address into my GPS for later and then set about ticking off my chores as normal.

I brew myself some coffee, fry up a few scrambled eggs with cheese and avocado, get thirty minutes in on my elliptical, and finish all of my laundry before showering and relaxing before I have to get ready.

Choosing leggings and a long sweater, I get dressed before I pull my hair in a ponytail high off my neck and leave my make-up light. I check my appearance in the mirror one more time before leaving—nodding my head in approval—grab my coat from the hook by the door, and make my way to my car before sliding in, cranking the heater, and heading for Kane’s home.

“Are you on your way there?” Clara’s voice booms through the Bluetooth speaker as I cruise along the highway.

“Yes. Tell me why I feel so nervous…”

“Because you know you’re going to have sex with him again tonight,” she states firmly.

“Ugh, you don’t know that. What if we’re taking things slow?” I say, trying to convince myself. But it’s a lost cause. If we don’t sleep together again tonight, I might self-destruct.

She huffs. “Please. You’ve already slept together. What’s the point? Now what youshouldbe worried about is if it will be as good as it was last time.”

Her words make my stomach feel unsettled.Shit. I didn’t even think of that. What if the first time was a fluke? What if it was the booze and not this intense physical connection I thought we shared?

“Earth to Olivia…”

“Huh?” I answer, focusing back on our conversation and not the river of doubt swimming through my mind.

“Don’t worry, Olivia. I’m sure you’ll be fine. Hell, it will probably be better because you know each other now. One-night-stands are usually awkward, but from what you’ve told me… it seems like you both knew there was more there that first night. And I bet the sexual tension is so hot between you two right now, he’ll jump you the second you walk through his door.”

The image of Kane pressing me up against the door and having his way with me turns my insecurities completely around.

“That would be nice, but I’m not counting on it.”

“Really? Tell me this… did you shave your legs, among other things?”

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