Page 84 of Billion Dollar Dispute

“Worse,” she replies with a sly smile, her eyes glinting.

I choke out a laugh. The sound comes out unexpectedly breathless. “I’ll have to step up my game next time.”

“Harv?”

I shake my head, not wanting to hear the words, “there won't be another time,” leave her lips.

We stand there, inches apart, as my hand circles her waist. The night air is crisp now, but neither of us is cold.

With my other hand, I grab the back of her head and bring her mouth to mine. She sinks into the kiss, giving me a hungry side of her. Her hand grips my back, and I growl into her mouth. Her lips are soft, and when she parts them, I don’t hold back. I slip my tongue into her mouth to touch hers. When she moans, it sends me into a frenzy. My hands grip her waist and head harder, and every whimper is captured by my lips. Her hands roam my back, scratching me with her nails, and I wish there weren’t any clothes between us. She feels amazing. I can’t get enough.

When we both pull away, trying to catch our breaths, we hold each other's gazes in wonder. Did she feel like her heart was going to burst out of her chest? Because I thought mine was.

Our hands remain together, neither of us ready to leave just yet.

This time, she rises onto her tiptoes and leaves me with a soft yet bruising kiss. When she stands back, her hands pull away from my body, and I stuff mine back into my pockets to resist temptation. I stare at her pretty swollen lips, enjoying the evidence of our kiss.

“I better go,” she says, her voice edged with reluctance.

“Can I come up?” I smirk, knowing I’m pushing my luck, but her eyes are sparkling under the streetlights. “Harvey. Do you think that's a good idea?”

“Molly or you would’ve told him I was with you. Maybe I can help?”

“I don’t know…” Her words fail her when I step close, so our lips are close again.

“Let me be here for you. You’re not alone in this.”

She rolls her eyes, and her lips lift as she turns and heads up the stairs and I follow.

Molly greets us and I don’t miss the arch in her brow at Jemima. I swallow a laugh. Entering the small apartment filled with bright colors and dinner on the table. But I don’t inspect for too long because a scream that almost pierces my ear drums draws my attention.

Jemima is holding Chad on the gray sofa and running her hands through his hair. She hushes him, but it’s like he gets louder. I’m frozen with Molly on the other side of Chad, trying to give him a washcloth, but he smacks it away.

“Harvey?” he calls, and my body moves on instinct.

“Hey, Chad. What’s wrong?”

“My head hurts.”

“How do you want us to fix it?” I move closer to him.

He holds his head. “I don’t know.”

“I already gave him Tylenol,” Molly says, standing back giving me room.

“He probably needs to get home and go to sleep. It’s way past his bedtime,” Jemima says, her eyes fixed on Chad.

“I’ll drive you,” I say, picking up the bag.

Chad rises and steps forward, and before I can process what’s happening, his arms wrap around me. I freeze, staring down at the top of his head, my brain scrambling to catch up. Myhand hovers awkwardly for a second before it lands on his back, moving in slow, uncertain circles.

“No, I’ve got it. You stay here. Molly can help me.”

A heavy sigh leaves Jemima. “Let me pack up your things first.”

Molly nods, and I get ready to pack the bag, but Chad screams again gripping me tighter.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Jemima asks softly.

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