Page 59 of I Wish I Would've Warned You

“What?”

“I already have pictures of you with them on.”

He hands me a sketchpad and flips it open—images of the night we met, the dinner that changed everything, the moment he caught me crying. This past weekend.

“Like I was saying…” He tugs at my tank top strap. “Take this off.”

I hesitate.

He softens. “You should consider turning some of your poems into country songs. Best genre for storytelling.”

“I thought that was pop.”

“You’re joking.”

“Yes.” I smile.

“Good.”

I peel off my tank top and slide my shorts down. I’m naked on his balcony—bare under the moonlight—and I try to laugh it off.

The night air prickles across my skin, and for a second, I almost reach for the blanket. Not because I’m cold—but because I’m suddenly aware of every inch of me he can now see.

“I feel like I should apologize in advance for the reality of me,” I murmur. “The lighting was kinder a second ago.”

“Don’t.” His voice drops. “You’re perfect like this. Every inch.”

He crosses to me slowly, like a lion who’s waited too long to pounce. He presses his hands to my hips, heat pouring into my skin. Then he leans forward and sucks my nipple into his mouth.

I gasp as it tightens under his tongue, a spark shooting straight between my legs.

Then—without warning—he lifts me into his arms and carries me inside. Not to a bed. Not to a chaise. But straight to the floor.

Soft pillows scatter as he lays me out beneath him, warm skin to warm skin, his sweatpants low and his desire unmistakable.

He trails his mouth down my stomach, lips brushing my navel before settling between my thighs.

Then he licks me—slow, deliberate, devastating. Like he’s making art of me. Like this is how he worships.

“I want you to be my first,” I whisper, breathless.

“That’s not happening…”

“Why not?”

“You know why.” He breathes hot against my skin. “Stop talking.”

“No.” I push up on my elbows, chest rising fast. “I… I can’t do this, Cole.”

“Do what?”

“Play a fucking edging game with you every time I’m around you.”

“I’m shocked you even know what that means.”

“Truth or dare?”

“This isn’t the time to play games.”

---