Page 61 of Privileged (Adrenalin)

“Did you have something else in mind?”

He sets his hands on my hips, fingers roaming over the tops of my thighs. “Well for starters, I’ve never had a boyfriend before, and I think I’d like to try that.”

“Boyfriend, huh?” I trap my lip with my teeth, so I don’t smile like a loon.

“And even though you stay here most nights you don’t actually live here, and I’d like to try that, too.” His fingers drift toward the inside of my legs.

“Give up my fancy employee housing? Why on Earth would I do that?” I run my hands over his chest, unable to stop myself from touching him.

“So I can fall asleep and wake up next to the man I’m in love with. Are we on the same page now?” His eyes lock onto mine.

My hands freeze in place, his steady heartbeat under my palm the only sound in the room. “What?” I whisper.

“You heard me. I love you, Sloan. I’m in, all the way.” I expect him to smirk or wink, something to bring us back to the playful tone he had seconds ago, because there’s no way I heard him right. His whiskey brown gaze doesn’t waver.

When I baited him a minute ago, I was fishing for him to call me his boyfriend. In no way did I expect him to take it to this level. Not yet. I hoped he would one day, though I figured that day was well in the future.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Carter takes his hands off my thighs and cups my face. “Does that scare you?”

My head barely moves between his palms as I shake it side to side. “It surprises me.”

“Why would that surprise you?” His thumb caresses my cheekbone.

“I guess I didn’t expect you to feel the same way I do so soon.”

“So soon?” That thumb brushes over my lower lip. “I’ve been breaking every rule with you since day one.”

“Are you saying you’ve loved me this whole time?” My breath catches in my throat, the implications of that too overwhelming to process.

“I’m saying there could never be any other outcome. The moment you walked into my office I was yours.”

My heart is still a puddle inside my chest when he takes me to our bedroom and claims me.

Chapter twenty

Carter

Dex’s eyes pop when he spots us, but he turns his focus back to the drink he’s mixing without saying a word.That’s one down, the entire town to go.

Sloan links his fingers in mine and drags me behind him to the far side of the room where Maddox and Cade are in a booth, saving our spots. I would’ve been fine for the two of us to go out alone, but Sloan thought easing into our public declaration would be easier, and I have to admit it’s nice to see them. Maddox can relate to my childhood—his family is just as wealthy as mine—although I get the impression they’re more close-knit than my own. And Cade’s just a likable guy in general.

After hugs and handshakes, Sloan and I take the seats opposite Cade and Maddox, facing away from the bar and the dozens of eyes seated there.

“We gave you that side, so you don’t see everyone staring at you,” Maddox says, offering a sympathetic smile. I rest my left arm on the back of the booth so I can run my fingers over Sloan’s shoulder.

“You’ll probably feel it though.” Cade tips his chin up with a knowing wink.

I feel my brows pull together at that unappealing thought. “How long does this go on for?”

“You’ll stop feeling it before they stop looking.” Cade grins good naturedly. As a lifelong resident, he’s immune to the quirks of small-town life, and might even revel in them a bit.

“And even the biggest news fades after time,” Maddox adds as the waitress sets a pitcher and four pint glasses in front of us.

“No dirty shots?” I arch an eyebrow as Cade starts pouring drinks.

“Only when I need to defend my title. Or get my husband excited.” He wags his eyebrows at Maddox, who smacks his arms and gives him a warning glare. “What? We’re newlyweds. It’d be weirder if I didn’t try to get you excited.”

“I would’ve thought as newlyweds you wouldn’t have to work at that,” I quip as he passes out glasses.

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