Page 19 of Nerdy Dirty Valentine

The hug and the strength behind it took me by surprise, but my arms went around him. I savored the embrace, smelling James’ shampoo, the soft tickle of his beard. I breathed him in, giving him a firm squeeze. But only for a moment. Taking the tote bag from him, I swung it over a shoulder and nodded in the direction of the busy street.

“Come on, let’s go to your place.”

As we walked to the car, I could still feel the warmth of James’ body against my chest.

Normally, we’d return to my house, but it made more sense to let James put his books away and feed Ginsberg. He was dorky-excited about placing each one on his shelf, which turned out to be alphabetized.

I looked at his apartment, which was far cozier than mine. Bookshelves lined the stone gray walls of the living room and extended into the dining area. A red-and-orange area rug warmed up the dark wood floors. The blue couch looked perfect for sinking into, and I could easily picture James stretching out there with a book. Ginsberg’s toys were in a bin near the TV. His kitchen was as tidy, with not a single glass or plate in the sink.

“Want to stay for some dinner?” James asked. “And maybe a movie? We could, um, streamDirty Dancingor something.”

“Perfect. I need to see the hot guy for myself.”

James made popcorn, and soon, we were curled together on his couch, Ginsberg near my feet, hoping for kernels. When we reached the tickling part of the movie, I chuckled, and James turned to me with a wide grin, his glasses slightly askew, hair mussed at the top. His pink tongue darted out as he laughed, going straight to my cock.Oh, fuck.

I stared back at the movie, trying not to notice how close he was. Or his scent, like sweet citrus, filling my nostrils. I wanted to lean in and inhale him. Lick that graceful neck, play with the end of his trim beard and kiss it, along with his lips. Taste that tongue.

“That was a good scene,” I said, my voice hoarse.

“One of my favorites,” James agreed in a low voice.

I tossed Ginsberg a popcorn or two. I resolved to focus on the movie, not James. Especially not how good his body felt close to mine. And I did watch the next few scenes, even if I also darted glances his way more than I should have.

A few hours later, James walked me to the door.

“See ya. And yeah…” I was so fucking eloquent.

“Glad you came over and we watched the movie. And of course, the bookstore was fantastic.”

But James didn’t open the door to let me out. He stood there, hand on the knob but his gaze on me. “Thanks so much…”

Kiss me, his whole body language said.

His lips were parted, his eyes shiny, and he was breathing a little hard for somebody simply standing there.

I may not have known much, but the signals were clear. But this was James. And I was only supposed to be helping him, not… more.

James dropped his gaze and stared at his shoes. “Well, bye.” His voice trembled slightly.

Fuck it.

I let out a muffled curse right before I pressed our mouths together. The years of loneliness vanished as I tasted what I wanted, tracing his lips with my tongue. He tasted and felt so good my knees almost buckled. But I clung to James’ body and mouth. I wrapped a strong arm around him, not wanting it to end.

He made a needy sound at my mouth, and I deepened the kiss. I drank in every touch, every taste. His sweet-hot taste. His tongue was like silk on mine. I ached for more.

I opened my mouth wider, encouraging James to keep exploring me. His lips were soft and searching. My body was shaking with longing and hunger. The kiss got harder, more intense. A frenzied electricity pulsed through me, taking my breath away. I was about to go over the edge. Where James was concerned, I wanted him to take me over.

James broke away with a soft cry. “Wait.”

I stilled, panting. So was he.

“You okay?” I asked softly.

“Yes.” His eyes glittered with feeling. “But would it be all right if we slowed down? God, I’m fucking this up. As usual.” He took a deep breath. “I do want you.”

My heart leapt.

James smiled. “I want to touch you, explore you. Check you out—kind of like I feel about the books we bought today.”

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