Page 24 of My Ex's Brothers

“What about me?” I ask as I hear him collapse the stroller and pack it into the trunk. The thud of it closing makes the car jump a bit. I close the door, and we meet in the middle, right against the trunk.

I stop as he leans against the back of the car with one arm, the other sliding into his pocket. He looks at me with those sparkling eyes full of mischief.

“Did I wear you out too?”

I can’t deny the yawn that wants to escape me, because I am tired.

But I also feel soalive.Awake, and tuned in, in a way I haven’t in a while.

“No, I don’t think so.”

He moves closer to me, and I make no move to leave where I stand.

“Hmmm, I bet we can fix that.”

I don’t miss the flick of his tongue against his lips, or the grin on his face. And I remember all at once who we are, and where we are.

“Tripp…” I whisper as I lean into him without thinking.

His breath is heavy, his gaze full of interest.

“Mia,” he breathes, settling one hand on my hip. I don’t push him away.

“You’re playing with fire, Tripp.”

He chuckles, pulling me closer. “Didn’t I tell you I’m a pyromaniac? Or is that second date material?”

I can’t help the laugh that escapes my throat.

“Tripp…” I whisper as he leans in closer, his lips inches from mine.

“Kissing is second date material,” I say as I settle my hand on his chest. I can feel his heartbeat beneath my palm. Racing like my own.

“Tell me you don’t want me to kiss you right now. And I won’t.”

I meet his gaze, searching for the words, but they don’t come.

Why don’t they?

“That’s what I thought,” he says softly as he brings his lips to mine.

It’s just the faintest, quickest kiss. A ghost of warmth on my mouth. A test.

I don’t push him away, like I know I should.

Instead, I find my hand settling on his neck, and my lips gracing his with equal softness. Dancing with the idea, but unable to commit, knowing what it would mean.

“Tripp. I am?—”

“What?” He laughs darkly, his gaze burning into mine. “Is this the part where you tell me you’re too old for me or some shit? Cause you’re not that old, Mia.”

It’s my turn to laugh, but soon enough the laughter dies because the truth needs to be said. “Your stepbrother’s ex. A singlemother. A jobless, broke, single mother.”

I don’t know why I tell him that, because I don’t want his sympathy. I don’t want anyone’s sympathy, I just want?—

“You’re also hot as fuck and strong as hell,” he says, the curse in his voice making my insides heat. I’m acutely aware of the moisture blooming between my legs at his words.

No one, not even Dex, has ever called mehot,let alonehot as fuck.

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