Page 40 of And Then Came You

“Sam, are you okay?”

I snap from my reverie, smiling at my friend’s perplexed gaze. “I’m perfect.”

“So says most of the female population.”

“Except for you.”

She leans against the headboard, a curious expression on her face. “It would make for a weird aspect to our friendship, wouldn’t it?”

“Friends to lovers.”

The air changes the moment I speak the words, breathing life into the idea that’s been kicking around in my subconscious since the day we met. An idea that, despite my repeated denials, grows stronger every day.

Those luminous eyes hold mine with a gaze too intense to maintain, so I turn my focus to her mouth. That beautiful, sensual, utterly kissable mouth.

If it were any other woman, I’d be coaxing those gorgeous lips around my cock, plying her with enough praise until she obliged. Not Lexi. I want to taste her kiss, running my tongue along that sexy mouth until she grants me entrance.

I’ll stay there all night if she’ll let me.

Bolting upright, I tear my mind from the moment as a sheen of sweat breaks out across my skin.

Don’t get me wrong. I always thought Lexi was beautiful, but the way you admire a painting that you don’t need hanging in your home. One that you’re fine with visiting occasionally, but happy to have living elsewhere.

Now? I’m craving that painting, feeling an unease when it’s out of my sight.

When Lexi is out of my sight.

Christ, I’m losing my mind… or I’m falling for my best friend.

Nope, that’s not happening. Too much alcohol and too many jumbled emotions, Sam. Get it together, man.

Clapping my hands, I sit next to her, leaning against the headboard and willing my dick to cooperate. “Let’s hear this bestselling novelist in action.”

“What kind of scene shall I read?”

“A sex scene, obviously. Considering I am your muse.” Does she really think I want to hear anything else?

“No.”

I grasp the laptop with one hand, my eyes promising her I’ll make good on my earlier threat. “Come on. I’ve been on enough of the damn covers.”

“Not my covers.”

“I know. You don’t want me for your covers.”

Lexi chuckles, scrolling through her file. “I can’t afford you.”

“Bullshit,” I murmur, trying to peer at the screen. “I’d do it for you for free.”

She glances up, a small smile lighting up her mouth.

And there I go again, obsessing over her lips. Her dark pink, pouty lips.

Focus, Sam, before you end up running out of here like a lunatic.

Lexi taps her chin, skewing her mouth to one side. I know this entire moment is making her uncomfortable, but, hey, she makes her living writing hot as hell love scenes. I’m just asking for a sampling of what she readily gives to the rest of the world.

“Okay, here’s their first kiss. It’s a compromise of sorts. Not too hot and heavy, but enough to whet the appetite.”

---