Page 224 of If Our Hearts Collide

Collins crawls onto the bed, threading his fingers through my hair as he tugs me closer. “What if I find you equal parts adorable and sexy?”

I close the distance, bringing my lips to his. And we feast and explore.

When I can take no more, I pull back to catch my breath, as my lungs pant for air.

“I would say that I’m okay with it, as long as you don’t treat me like I’m fragile. I want to be broken in a little. I want to know what it feels like the day after you take me.”

“Hmm…”

“Part of me is excited to be a little sore, but only because I trust you to make it”—I pause to think of the right word—“memorable. And worth it.”

“Penny,” he exhales. “I’m struggling to control myself.”

“Good.”

“Not good—reckless.”

“Nowthatsounds like a good time.”

Sitting back, Collins seems to be battling internally with his next step. Then, suddenly he helps me untie my halter top. I think he’s completely shifted into gear, but then he starts to move away.

“You are giving me whiplash,” I huff out an exhale. “What is going on with you?”

“I’ll go get you some of your clothes from your room and?—”

“No.” I pull on his arm to stop him from leaving. “Can I just wear your shirt?”

Collins smiles and slides off the bed to move into the closet. “Sure.”

When he returns, I move my hands up to my breasts, inviting his eyes to the banquet.

I will be his. He just needs to take me.

But it’s just a fantasy—a wish—that he would make a move and stop leaving me dangling from the cliff of my own self-doubt.

“Not tonight, Penny.”

My hope deflates with the sting of yet another rejection.

I turn my back to him and strip down until I’m just wearing a scanty pair of panties, discarding everything else into a pile onthe floor. His warming presence is what I feel first as he presses his front against my back.

“Lift your arms.”

I raise them above my head and watch as Collins’s soft, faded gray T-shirt slides over my naked torso, ending with the hem at midthigh.

“And you’re certain we aren’t having sex tonight?”

“Yes, I’m certain, Penny.”

“Challenge accepted.”

“No challenge. At least not tonight.”

Fine. “Good night, Collins.”

“Good night, Penny.”

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