Page 56 of College-Virgin & Dark Bully Next-Door

“You’re entertaining.”

“A glowing review.” I feel his nose brush my temple and close my eyes.

“You can’t be here when Bonnie comes over. You know that, right?”

“Yes,” he sighs and lets me go. “I have another match on Wednesday. I’m inviting some friends from work to come, too. Maybe you’d like to go out with us after.”

“Ash,” I warn.

“Not as my girlfriend or anything. As my photographer.” But something is weighing on him, I can tell. “They’re good guys.”

“I thought we made an agreement. No one was going to know. That we’d keep everything just between us,” I remind.

He walks to me, standing above me, then raises his hand to stroke my cheek. He waits a moment before actually touching me. I close my eyes for a long moment, just enjoying the way he feels against me. Why is it so easy to let him touch me?

“I told you I’d take what I could get with you,” he whispers.

“And you’re pushing for more,” I say.

“Because I fucking like you, Sky. I like our time together. I like listening to your stories. I like joking around with you.” He takes an unsteady breath. “I like just being me around you.”

“Stop,” I whisper.

“Why is that so fucking hard for you to hear?”

I swallow, and when I open my eyes, I realize I’m leaning into his hand, that he’s closer than I thought he’d be. I open my mouth, hoping words just appear, but they don’t. I put my hand over his, turn and kiss his palm.

“I haven’t done this shit before. I’m going to get stuff wrong. It’s terrifying.”

“It is or I am?”

“Both!” I complain.

“So making out with me is easier than talking to me right now?” He clarifies.

“I like kissing you. I stop thinking,” I say.

“Then kiss me.” He shrugs. “We’re good at that.”

So I do, I kiss him like I can pour every thought that won’t make it to my mouth into him. I hug myself to him and welcome his arms around me. Ash leans down to wrap my legs around him, too, and carries me to the edge of the pool. The concrete against my back is rough and scrapes me as I rub myself against him. He feels so much better, warm and muscular, skin so soft and … and it’s so easy to lose myself in Ash.

His tongue gently strokes against mine, slow and perfect and … ugh. How is it possible to hate him when he can kiss like this? When he’s so determined to listen to me? To know me? I draw back slowly.

“I’m not in the middle of some bet you have with your brother, am I?” I ask.

Ash gapes at me. “Where the hell didthatcome from?”

“The answer, please.”

“No,” he scoffs. “No, Sky. I can’t make bets about you because you’re too damn unpredictable but why would I want to?”

“Sorry,” I rub my forehead. “I’m paranoid.”

Ash takes a slow breath, then kisses my neck while rubbing my thigh. “At least you asked, that’s progress, right? Coming out of your head a little for me.”

I nod but kiss him again. It’s easier. He’s right. I prefer kissing him. Kiss after kiss piles up, and his hands slide further up my thighs as I tighten my legs around him. I draw back, wanting to say something. I don’t know what, but Ash nips my bottom lip and pulls me back to him.

I groan and give in. He tastes too good. Feels too good. I manage to pull my mouth away. “Touch me, dumb ass.”

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