Page 41 of And Then Came You

What a gyp. “I’m ready.”

“The kiss was a shock. Not because she didn’t crave it, but it never occurred to her those same emotions flowed through his veins. But the moment his tongue teased the seam of her mouth, rationality flew out the window. Emotions took hold, overruling any objections; long suppressed emotions that finally pushed their way from the recesses of their minds and into the light. She knew his history, the long lines of women who had tasted the sweet hint of whiskey from his lips. No doubt she would join their ranks after tonight. But unlike his rough and tumble exterior, his mouth was tender. Coaxing, as if he realized her trepidation and would stop at nothing to allay her fears. His tongue slid against hers, a seductive tease of things to come, and when she joined in the dance, a low growl rose from his chest as he wrapped his hands around her hips, pressing her against his length. That’s when she knew. He was as much her captive as she was his, and his body was hers to explore.”

I shift on the bed, in a futile attempt to adjust myself. Maybe it’s her husky voice or the flow of her words, but I can see the moment play out in front of me. Feel the sexual tension build and release once their mouths and bodies connect.

“I know it’s not a spicy sex scene, but it’s a taste. What do you think?”

“Wow.” Okay, it’s not my most in-depth answer, but I’m trying to direct the blood flowbackto my brain.

“Is there anything you’d add?”

With a deep, measured breath, I force my gaze up, meeting hers. “It’s beautifully written.”

“Is that a yes or a no?”

“Build it up a bit more. Make that kiss the pinnacle that both of them have been fighting against for years.”

Her eyes brighten as she adjusts her glasses. “I like that idea. How about if they’re lying together… bodies barely touching…” She taps a pencil against her lips and my brain goes straight into the gutter. Again. Seems that’s where it’s content to stay lately, at least where Lexi is concerned.

“That could work. He’s touching her, but maybe he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it, although some part of him has wanted this all along. Wanted her all along.” My fingers graze along her thigh, tracing ever higher up her leg. “A simple caress that morphs into something more. Something they’ve both been dreaming about.”

The blood pounds in my ears, my eyes focused on my hand, still gliding along Lexi’s skin. I can’t bring myself to remove it. Instead, I want to continue my exploration and see how far I can push her before she stops me, reminding me of my place.

The friend zone.

Huffing out a breath, I yank my hand away, finally forcing my gaze up to meet hers. Her pupils are dilated, her lips slightly parted and her breathing shallow.

I got to her, too, even if only for a moment.

“I think it’s the beginning of a fantastic love story, Lexi.”

Shaking her head, she chuckles. “Thank you for your help. That will up the sexual quotient quite a bit.”

Looks like we’re both chicken shits. Neither one of us is going to mention the moment that passed between the two of us, choosing to let it slip by unbidden.

Back to reality. Our reality.

I scrub my face with my hands, hating the confusion racking my brain.

Lexi grasps my chin, directing my face up to meet her hazelnut hued gaze. “I’m worried about you, Sam. The loneliness wafts off you now, even more potent than before. You can stay in here, if you’d like.”

I don’t have the wherewithal to hold out much longer. Blame the sex scene, her voice, the alcohol. Blame whatever the fuck you want. My emotions are twisted and tangled, all because of one woman.

Do I want to stay with her?

Absolutely.

Will we still be platonic friends once the sun rises?

No way in hell.

Better question is, will we still be friends at all, if we cross that boundary?

Not certain I want to know the answer, because the idea of losing Lexi from my life is more than I can bear.

“I’ll be fine, Lex Lex. But thanks for looking out for me.” I jump to my feet, noting the look of confusion spreading across her face.

I turned off like a faucet, just when she was primed and ready for me. I saw it in the gleam of her eyes. If I’d kissed her, she wouldn’t have stopped me.

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