Page 56 of Fake It 'Til You Sleigh It

“Actually, yeah. I dreamt about you.”

“Shut up,” I say instantly. “Really?”

“Really,” he murmurs, his eyes darkening. “And we weren’t wearing a lot of clothes.”

I swallow hard, my mouth suddenly dry in spite of my recent drink. “You sure it was me? And not one of your co-stars?”

Ethan leans in, his lips brushing my ear as he whispers, “It’s the kind of dream that’s hard to explain. I’d have to show you.”

“Is that so?” I ask dryly.Ladies and gentlemen, Ethan Barrett, busting out “The Old Dream Seducer”, technique #357.

Ethan continues, “Come back to bed with me, and I’ll tell you about it. You know you want to. I promise it’ll be more fun than first-degree murder.”

“No thanks, pretty boy,” I say with a wave of my hand. “I’m going back to sleep. Stay on your side or else.”

I brush past him, but Ethan catches my wrist, his tone shifting from playful to serious. “Chase. We need to talk about us, about the kiss.”

I freeze. “There’s nothing to talk about. A momentary lapse in judgment. It was a mistake.”

“Was it?” Ethan challenges.

He steps so close that his body presses against mine, the heat of him radiating through my clothes. His hand cups my cheek, thumb gently stroking my skin. “Here’s the truth. I can’t stop thinking about you, Chase. You’re driving me fucking insane.”

His words slice through my defenses, burrowing deep into my core and igniting a desire I can’t ignore. “Ethan,” I breathe, not sure if it’s a warning or a plea.

“I want to kiss you,” Ethan says, his voice low and husky. “Your lips, the way you tasted, how you felt against me—it’s all I can think about.”

My heart races. The next thing out of my mouth surprises me. “Then why don’t you?”

“Because if I start, I won’t stop. Not until we’re bare-ass naked and completely spent and you can’t stop panting my name.”

I suck in a quick breath. My body can’t hide how much it craves those words. My breasts tighten. My clit tingles. There is not enough air in this goddamn room.

“This isn’t a good idea,” I manage to say, my body screaming for his touch.

“Tell me you don’t want this,” he growls, his anxious hands now on my hips. “Tell me no.”

I should. I know I should. This is a disaster waiting to happen. A ticking time bomb ready to detonate. Every instinct is screaming at me to get out of here, to put as much distance between us as possible before it’s too late.

But I’m tired of running. Tired of ignoring this electric connection we have. Exhausted from fighting how my body reacts to his touch. For once, I want the messy, dangerous choice—the one that could leave my heart in pieces.

“Kiss me,” I command.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Ethan

My brain’s saying,ABORTmission!while my dick’s all,You’re cleared for launch!

This is a terrible idea, man.

Don’t lean in. Don’t kiss her. Don’t breathe in her scent.

And stop undressing her with your eyes.The problem is, my body is only hearing the last half of every sentence.

Her gaze never breaks from mine. It’s steady, focused, like she’s communicating directly through her stare. Her pink tongue sweeps across her lips, leaving a glistening trail—the allure of her mouth is offering promises I can’t resist.

My heart’s pounding, compelling me to act. Chase bites her lower lip, a tempting invitation. My thumb patiently traces the seam of her lush mouth. Finally, I hear it.

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