Page 84 of Fire and Icing

Am I still breathing? My heart is definitely attempting to thump up and out of my throat.

“Yeah. Easy,” is all I can muster.

“Okay, so … I’ll just do some things I’d do if we were dating and you just relax so you’re not so jumpy when I touch you in public—especially in front of Vanessa. Remember, I’m the guy you supposedly like. A lot.”

He smiles as if I really do like him and he knows it, and he’s pretty pleased with the fact.

I do like him. A lot. And that’s the problem.

Dustin asks, “Ready?”

“No.”

He chuckles lightly. “We don’t have to practice, Firecracker. I just think it will give you an edge when you’re in front of your nemesis.”

“I’m all for an edge around her.”

“So, you ready?”

“I feel like I’m going skydiving,” I confess.

“Nah. This is light work.”

He reaches out and clasps my hand in his. We’ve done this. He’s held my hand before. It’s nice. Secure. Almost safe.

“You good?” He smiles down at me.

“I’m not so innocent, Dustin. I’ve held hands before. We’ve held hands before.”

“Not innocent, huh?” His brows raise.

“I mean, I’ve had relationships.”

“Okay then.” He smiles playfully. “You show me how it’s done.”

“No, I’m fine with you … doing whatever you think needs to be done.”

“You’re killing me,” he says, bursting into laughter. “My ego! Is it so awful to think of me holding your hands, or …” he brushes my hair back over my shoulder. “Kissing your cheek?”

Dustin leans in with the same ease that he apparently does everything. His movements are slow, careful, but not hesitant. He holds my gaze until he’s a breath away and then he brushes his lips across my cheek. I shudder. I hope he doesn’t feel my reaction.

The door to our room pops open and housekeeping walks in. “Oh! Sorry! Sorry! So sorry madam, sir. So, so sorry!”

She backs out and shuts the door behind her and Dustin and I burst into laughter.

I gather my wits and take a good step backward, putting a few feet of space between us.

I know what Dustin and I need.

It’s not practice.

It’s definitely not him touching me more.

We need the rules.

I’ll just reiterate them and restore some boundaries. “I understand why you had to be a bit handsy at book club and even when we first arrived here, and today in front of Vanessa. And now, with the … uh … practice. Just … maybe a little less of that.”

“Handsy, huh? I wouldn’t call it handsy.”

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