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* * *
MEG
I open the refrigeratordoor and the freezer and lean my body inside as far as it will go. I need something to help me cool down, because right now I’m feeling all sorts of hot.
Tyler stroking my shoulder might just be the biggest turn on I’ve ever experienced. You’d think I wouldn’t feel this way with a seven-year-old sitting next to me, but you’d be surprised. I close my eyes, breathing in three more cool breaths.
A drink. Focus on the drink.
“Meg?”
My eyes open, and I slowly turn around. Tyler is walking toward me. His face is lit from the light of the refrigerator, and his gaze looks as hungry as I feel. Nothungryhungry. No, we already ate pizza, cookies, and popcorn.
I’m talking about the type of hunger that comes from burning attraction.
I look into his eyes, wondering if he’s going to say something else—something like “I want you”or “Kiss me now.”
I don’t know, I’m just spitballing here.
Instead of speaking my cheesy thoughts, Tyler closes the gap between us in silence. He stops right in front of me, his eyes searching mine. He’s a lit match, and I’m a dry field. I know the second he touches me, my resolve will go up in flames, but I don’t even care.
His body presses against mine, and his hands go to the sides of my face. My eyes close as his lips come down on mine, soft and scorching—a mixture of tenderandrugged. My breath catches for the first few skims, and then finally my lungs fill up again. I breathe against the soft tug of his lips and wrap my arms around his waist. His fingers slip into my hair as his kiss intensifies.
My, oh, my.
I’m here to confirm thatLord of Darknessis the correct nickname for Tyler Dixon.
I’m pressed against the open refrigerator, the coolness competing with the heat of his kiss. My hands roam up and down his back as his fingers brush through my hair. We pull each other closer and stumble a bit, banging back into the refrigerator shelf, causing glass bottles to clang together. Our lips part, and we both smile, but then the intensity begins again.
This is my first refrigerator kiss. Everyone should try it. There’s something so romantic about the soft, glowing light spilling over you and the coolness of the air. His strong hands press against my neck, tilting me toward him even more. Everything is more passionate and—
“Dad?”
We jump apart, banging against the shelves again.
“What are you doing?” Krew asks.
Luckily, he couldn’t seewhatwe were doing, because both doors to the refrigerator are open, hiding us from his view.
Tyler pops his head around the freezer door. “I was just helping Miss Johnson find the chocolate milk.”
I straighten my shirt and smooth my hair, stepping aside from Tyler. “Oh, there it is.” I point to the refrigerator door. “I don’t know how I missed it.”
“I’m tired,” Krew says, rubbing his eyes.
“Let’s get you to bed, buddy.” Tyler scoops him up in his arms, and Krew rests his head on his shoulder. “Say goodnight to Miss Johnson.”
“Night, Mrs. Johnson.” Krew gives me a small wave as they walk out.
I shove the doors shut and exhale.
My fingers trace my lips.
How am I ever going to recover fromthat?
* * *
TYLER
