Page 67 of Fair Catch

Hayes’ teeth roll over his lower lip before he finally lifts his gaze to mine, and I think this is the most docile I’ve ever seen him. Gone is the dry-humored, snarky dick filled with banter that would make most people start swinging.

The guy in front of me is nothing if not completely vulnerable.

“This might’ve come out of nowhere for both of us, and last night might’ve been very lust driven, but I need to be clear with you. I’m not built for casual sex. I know I said a repeat was on the table, but there are stipulations when it comes to that. Like exclusivity, or nothing at all.” His hands lift in a helpless sort of shrug. “I just can’t do it any other way.”

I blink at him, wondering where things got lost in translation. Because the way he’s making it sound, it’s almost like he expects me to fight for some casual, meaningless fling. Like he hasn’t watched me crash and burn on multiple dates with these random internet guys trying to find the very opposite.

The thought has me stumbling for a second, and it’s like a lightbulb switches on.

“Exclusivity,” I repeat, echoing his sentiment. “So when you said you wanted me to delete the app, that wasn’t just the heat of the moment talking.”

He’s silent for a moment before he mutters, “No. I meant it.”

Well, fuck. That’s an easy fix.

I study him for a moment before pulling out my phone, dropping it on the counter between us, and with a few quick swipes, the app is both deleted and uninstalled.

“There. Done,” I tell him, shoving the phone over for him to see.

He blinks, shaking his head. “That wasn’t me giving you some kind of ultimatum or—”

“Look, at the risk of looking like a complete fucking idiot in front of you for what might be the millionth time…there’s no one else I’m even remotely interested in. So whatever this thing is between us, I wanna see where it can go. If that’s what you want too.”

Hayes just stares at me, unmoving, and it’s almost as if he’s shuttered all his emotions.

The silence is deafening, and the longer we stand here and look at each other, the more anxious it makes me.

Taking a tentative step around the counter, then another, I slowly close the space between us. He watches me the whole way, those royal blue eyes fixated on my face never wavering.

There’s never been a moment I’ve wished I could read someone’s mind more.

“Please, say something.”

His lips part for a second before a tiny smile creeps up at the edges. “I think I’m just in shock that I won’t have to battle with all those dudebro dickweeds on that stupid app.”

What?

“You just said you don’t do anything other than exclusivity,” I point out, unable to hide my confusion.

He scoffs, brows arching.“That doesn’t mean I would go down without a fight. Have you met me?”

I can’t help it; I start laughing. Because I most definitely have, and at this moment, I don’t think I could be more grateful.

“Trust me,” I assure him, my hand locking around the back of his neck. “There’s no competition.”

I close the distance between us, my mouth landing on his in a kiss that’s meant to be sweet and gentle, like the start of something new. And while it may begin that way, Hayes quickly takes it to a whole new level when his tongue skates over my lower lip.

Fuck,that’s so hot.

All the sweet and gentle is gone after that, replaced with hunger and need as we devour each other. His fingers slide into my hair as I back him into the counter, my hips pinning him to the granite as our mouths explore some more. My cock aches, desperate for more friction from where it’s trapped against his thigh, and the second I feel his coming to life too, I break away.

Panting against his lips, I murmur, “I meant what I said last night. I don’t want to pressure you or make you think the only thing I want from you is sex, but—”

His fingers tighten in my hair and he shakes his head. “Bedroom. Now.”

Thank fucking God.

“Mine or yours?”

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