Page 114 of Hope & Harmony

I grinned. “Jealous?”

“You wish. I’m not one of your cheerleaders.”

With a hard edge, I replied, “That you aren’t.”

“Why do you want to kiss me anyway?”

“Can’t a friend just help out another friend?”

“We’re friends now? When did that happen? I don’t even like you.”

Calling her bluff, I narrowed my eyes at her. “That really hurts, Hayley.”

“You’re so full of it.”

“And you’re beautiful.”

“I don’t know if I should be offended or flattered that you’re hitting on me.”

“If I had to choose, I’d prefer the latter.”

“Well then, thank God you don’t.”

“That sassy little mouth of yours is really fucking cute.”

She was gorgeous. The girl didn’t even have to try. She was naturally stunning. I just stood there in awe of her. There was something about the way she was looking at me that truly had my mind reeling with what her lips would feel like against mine.

“I guess letting you kiss me could be like a thank you for saving me.”

“I didn’t save you. I protected you.”

“What’s the difference?”

“You don’t need saving, Hayley. You’re a survivor all on your own.”

Her face paled, understanding I knew more than she assumed I would. I didn’t know what was worse. Her pretending like she didn’t want me to kiss her, or her wanting me to. I couldn’t help noticing the look in her eyes. They spoke volumes, roping me in, taking hold of my mind, and not letting go. I was so fucking conflicted. The effect she was having on me, and we’d only just spoken for the first time.

What was happening?

As if reading my mind, she changed the subject. “Frank’s going to talk smack. You know that, right?”

“Good. Let him run his mouth. It will keep other jerks away from you too.”

“But not you?”

Unable to hold back any longer, I coaxed, “I’m going to kiss you now, Hayley.”

I waited a couple of seconds for her to object, and when she didn’t, I leaned forward, closing the small distance between us. Wanting to touch her skin, my hands reached up and grabbed ahold of her cheeks. The smell of her assaulted my senses as I softly claimed her lips, laying my mouth right on hers. Her eyes tightly shut, her breathing hitched, and her arms fell to her sides. Right from the start, I could tell she had no idea what she was doing.

Her lips were smooth against mine, and I could feel her heart drumming so fast against my chest. The desire to ruin her for every other guy was as real as the feelings I was experiencing toward her.

Slowly, I parted my lips, pulling her in closer, and she followed my lead, matching the same rhythm I’d set. My tongue touched her lips before she did the same, leaving the craziest sensation in her wake. I pulled back my tongue, and she understood what I wanted, what I sought. She gently slid hers into my eager mouth.

My tongue did the same as hers, turning this kiss into something more than I thought it would be.

I was losing myself in her.

From her lips to her eyes, to the sounds she was making.

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