Page 58 of The Spark Between Us

But, wow.

That was...wow.

When he pulled back, he nodded his head, looking smug. “Nuclear fusion’s got nothing on us.” He crossed his arms. Yep, he looked damned smug.

I huffed a laugh. “I’m going to have to agree.” Then I sighed because I caught a faraway look in his eyes and had a feeling about what was coming next.

He pressed a thumb against the creases in my forehead. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

“I was sensing dissent in your brain. Is this where you say it can’t happen again?” I braced myself. “Come on, lemme have it. Let’s bring on the reality check.”

He shook his head slowly and leaned down to press his forehead against mine. “Is that what you want?”

“No,” I sighed.

“No,” he confirmed, taking my face in both hands. “Damsel, it won’t be the last time.”

My heart lurched in my chest, and I had to insist that it chill.

Down, girl. We’re agreeing to more sex. Not a relationship.

Even if it felt like the beginning of something.

Knowing I’d only be in town for a limited time and Braden wasn’t a relationship guy, my logical mind launched into protective mode. We needed to be on the same page from the get-go.

“Rules! We never came up with our rules.”

“What kind of rules? Sex rules?”

“Yes. No. Sort of. Just rules about how we’re going to do this.” I waved my hands between us as Braden buckled his pants. Meanwhile, I was still bare-assed on the desk with my pants around one ankle and my sweater pushed up. “Just rules so we have the same expectations.”

“Got it. You’re a rules girl.”

“Rules, laws, inconvertible truths…”

“Let’s just start with rules.”

“Fine. Rule one...Finn. This is none of his damn business.” I said. “I know he’s your friend, but my family has boundary issues. I don’t need their commentary.”

He put a hand on his chest and feigned a heart attack. “Keeping things from my childhood friend? You’re leading me to the dark side, woman.”

I patted his hand. “Relax, it’s comfy here. And speaking of comfy, since we’re roommates and all, living in close quarters, it’s hard not to be in each other’s business, but...if you’re with other women, I don’t need to see it.”

Better yet, no other women, but I could hardly ask for that.

He frowned, and his head jerked back as though he was surprised at the suggestion, but please...one look at him and it was clear he could have dates every night of the week. I needed boundaries.

“Fair enough, and right back atcha. But if we want to hang out with each other—and do this—we need to be forthright. Ask for what we want.” His face was serious, and he sought my eyes in agreement.

“I like that. For example, I want you. Again. Tonight. Good?”

“Yes. Way to make use of an example. I don’t want to wait until tonight.” He leaned in and gave me a deep, thorough kiss I felt in my wobbly knees.

“And we don’t lie to each other,” he said solemnly. “If this gets uncomfortable, we need to be honest.”

“Agreed.” I shook my head. “Oh, and obviously...no falling in love.” I mainly said it for myself so I could hear it. I needed to remember to keep emotions out of our white-hot sex situation. I’d only be in town for a short time, and guys like Braden weren’t for keeps. There would be plenty of time in my future for a relationship with a nice quiet professor.

Braden let out a bark of a laugh. “Correct. No. Never.” The fact that he agreed so readily affirmed that I was right to caution my heart at the outset. Whatever happened between us was purely for fun.

Temporary. Meaningless.

“Okay, sounds like we’re in agreement. Let’s seal it properly.” I extended my hand to shake on it.

Braden laughed, shaking his head. “No way. We can do better than that. We can do much better,” he said on a low growl near my ear.

He pushed me backward on the desk and leaned over me, pressing his whole body into mine again. The heat in his eyes told me he was as insatiable as I felt.

It was like looking at a decadent dessert menu and not having to choose chocolate over key lime pie. I could have both and more.

I loved our rules.

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