Page 29 of Hire A Cuddler

My breath is stilted, and I’m not sure what to do. I’m dying for him to kiss me, but I’ve already asked him for that, so now it’s up to him.

“I’m going to kiss you now.”

As soon as he says it, his lips are on mine. He starts slowly, with a soft kiss on my lips. It feels good, but it’s not enough. My eyes close, and my fingers grip the material of his jacket, afraid he’s going to stop. I’m not sure what I’m doing, but I know I want more.

He leans back and looks at me. “Are you okay?”

It comes out as a growl, and my eyes jerk to his. “Yeah, yeah, I’m okay.”

“I want more.”

I nod, and then he’s on me, sealing his mouth to mine. He tilts my head to the side and possesses my mouth in a kiss that has my whole body reeling. His hands go to my back, pulling me flush against his body as he kisses me until I’m breathless.

My knees feel like jelly, my heart is racing, and there are goosebumps on my arms. The reaction is overwhelming, but all I can think isDon’t stop. Please don’t stop.

When his tongue sweeps along mine, there’s no holding back the moan. He takes full advantage, deepening the kiss, and my tongue meets his.

His hands go down my back, and he cups my ass, pulling my lower body against his. There’s no denying his arousal as it digs into my belly. I pull back, gasping, but he doesn’t let me go. “Okay?”

I nod, and I’m sure my eyes are as round as saucers. “Yes… wow… I never…”

Before I can get the rest out, he rests his forehead against mine and whispers raggedly, “Me either… not like that.”

I close my eyes and try to catch my breath, wondering what I’ve gotten myself into and if my heart is going to survive it.

16

KING

If someone would have toldme that I’d be at a fashion show twice in two weeks, I wouldn’t have believed them. But today, there’s nothing that could keep me away from here. It’s been a few days since Haven agreed to marry me, and now I’m doing my best to wear her down on setting a date. Since she agreed, it’s made me a crazy person, and I want anyone and everyone to know she’s mine.

There’s a fundraiser that I have to attend tonight, so my sister, Chrissy, and I are here for Haven’s show, and then the three of us will be going to the fundraiser together.

“Oooh, first row… fancy. Remind me to go places with you more often.” Chrissy preens sitting next to me. She’s looking at everything in awe. We’re already halfway through the show, and my eyes are focused on the stage, waiting to see Haven.

“Enjoy it. Haven should be out soon.” As we’re waiting for Haven to come out, I lean over and whisper, “How’d your date go the other night?”

She rolls her eyes. “Great, until Gabe showed up at the Whistler and sat down between us. He’s taking this big brother, best friend thing a little too far. Geez, anyone I try to date gets the third degree.”

I agree that Gabe takes it a little too far sometimes, but I’m still going to have his back on this one. “You can’t be mad. You’re our little sister… we have to look out for you. It’s like a rule or something.”

“I’m thirty-three years old, King. I think I can handle a date in downtown Whiskey Run. I mean, come on, everyone knows you guys, and most guys are too scared to even date me. I have to say yes to the ones that actually have the guts to ask.”

I look at her skeptically. “But do you?”

She is frustrated, but she changes the subject. “I can’t believe you’re getting married… and to someone I haven’t even met.”

For the first time, I turn my attention to Chrissy.I hate to think I’ve hurt her feelings. Everything has happened so fast, but I’m not slowing it down. That’s why I invited Chrissy to tag along with us tonight. “You’re going to love her, sis.”

She turns her full body to the side to look at me. “Oh, I’m sure I will. How about you? Do you love her?”

I lock gazes with her, and I don’t have to explain my past or who I am. Chrissy is seven years younger than me, but she knows what we all went through. “I’m incapable of love.”

I turn to look at the stage, and Haven is walking straight to us. She’s smiling, but it’s not the smile I’m used to, and she looks between Chrissy and me before turning and walking back the way she came.

I’m not sure why, but I feel unsettled.

As she disappears off stage, Chrissy leans into me. “I don’t think you’re as incapable of love as you think you are.”

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