Page 15 of Mistle-Ho

His lips slowly lift, like a predator who knows their prey is close enough to catch. “Deal.”

My fingers sink into the cushion under my ass as he leans closer. I’m starting to panic over what I might have just accidentally agreed to.

“But we can’t have sex.” Drawing a clear line makes me feel a little better about a situation I should be way more preparedto handle considering how many times I’ve thought about it the past few days. But again, I can’t let myself think whatever happens will be more than it is. This is only about evening out the universe. Leveling the field so the awkwardness between us is balanced enough to cancel itself out. “Just other stuff.”

One of Gavin’s thick brows lifts. “Sex is a really broad term, Al.”

“No putting your dick inside me.” I pause, accidentally licking my lips before I amend. “Inside my vagina.”

His nostrils flare. “But I can put it other places?”

“Not my ass.” The second qualifier pops out, and for some reason embarrasses me, sending the prickle of a blush racing across my skin.

Gavin is so close now I can feel the warmth of his breath fanning over my already hot face as he asks, “Can I put other things in your ass?”

Maybe this is a mistake. “Like what?” That wasn’t a no.Why the fuck didn’t I say no?

Gavin makes a low humming noise. “I think maybe we should table that discussion.” He pauses. “For now.”

It’s a whole discussion? How many options could there possibly be?

“Are those your only conditions?” Gavin’s lips brush along the edge of my jaw and I nearly melt into the cushions.

“I think so.” My breath stutters to a stop as his mouth teases down the side of my neck.

“If you come up with any more, all you have to do is tell me.” His lips move against my skin as he speaks in a low voice. “If you say stop, we stop.”

I’ve never had anyone lay things out quite so clearly before, and I have to admit I like it. I like knowing that, even though I’m about to become a puddle of quivering anticipation, I’m still the one in charge of this…

Interaction.

That’s all what’s happening will ever be, and I’m okay with that. As long as things don’t go all the way, it’s just us balancing the scales and scratching some itches.

And boy do I need scratching.

“Okay.” I tip my head so I can meet his eyes. “Do you have any conditions?”

Gavin holds my gaze, lids heavy over his toffee-colored eyes. Slowly he shakes his head. “No.”

8

Mistakes Have Been Made

Gavin

I SHOULDN’T HAVE come here.

I just wanted to apologize. To fix what happened so things can go back to the way they were. Then I saw her and it all went sideways. Now my train of bad decisions is barreling down the tracks so fast, I don’t know if I can stop it.

Or if I want to.

My fingers flex against the couch as I ease down to my knees, bringing us almost eye level. “Can I touch you now?”

Alexis gives me a jerky nod, her chest rising and falling on quick breaths. Her expression doesn’t give anything away though, so I can’t tell if she’s breathing heavily because she’s nervous or excited.

God I hope it’s the second one.

Her eyes snap from my hands to my face. “I thought you were going to touch me.”

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