Page 68 of Never With You
“Fine.” I take a step toward Nate, sliding my hands across his shoulders until they link around his neck.
“Good.” His fingers move from my cheek to my waist, sending a trickle of chills up my spine. “But you could lose the scowl. It ruins all the work we’re doing.”
I do my best to soften my expression and relax in his arms as Nate leads our bodies to the slow rhythm of the music.We’re dancing. I’m dancing with Nate Farnsworth.It’s a tragic turn of events.
“So if you didn’t enjoy how I touched you at dinner. What would you enjoy?” A teasing smile plays on his mouth. “For research purposes only.”
“Younotin my space.” A glare accompanies my words, but I drop it when I see Isaac peeking over at us.
“You know, if we're going to be believable, you’ll have to touch me a little more. Gethandsy,as you say.”
I lift my chin defiantly. “I’d rather die.”
“What are you so afraid of, Carly?” His dark brows lift in amusement. “Actually liking me?”
I’m afraid ofthatand so much more.
I look away, diffusing some of the tension building in my chest. “I don’t think actually liking you is possible.”
He laughs, the hot puffs tickling my neck and ear.
“Everyone has a breaking point.”
“Not me.”
His fingers tighten around the curve of my hips. Even without looking at him, I know the air between us has thickened with a new charge. Slowly, my eyes shift back to his. Somehow, he’s closer, crowding into my space, causing my pulse to jump.
One hand moves to Nate’s chest to push him back, but he closes his fingers over mine, keeping it against his body. His touch is warm, masculine, and more comforting than it should be. Heavy heartbeats pound against my ribs, intensifying with every passing second.
Nate’s eyes drop to my mouth, bringing memories of my dream and the kiss in the supply closet to the front of my mind. That memory alone has my heart skipping erratically.
Subtly, Nate moves closer, causing my body to stiffen.
“Don’t.”
“Don’t what?” The quirk of his lips tells me he knows exactly what he’s doing.
“Nate,” I warn.
“Carly.” His thumb grazes the corner of my mouth, burning my lip with his touch.
“What are you doing?” My breath is frazzled.
“If we kiss now, it solidifies everything. Then we won’t have to do it again.”
Kiss now?
There’s logic in his argument, or maybe my heightened desire just wants to believe that we need this kiss. Because needing it and wanting it are two very different things.The incessant pounding of my heart distracts me from figuring out the answer. I feel the weight of a thousand gazes on us but can’t name a single person watching.
His fingers move from my mouth, threading into my hair, angling me exactly where he wants me. Intense brown eyes stare down at me, watching, waiting for the moment I give approval. I clench his shirt, ready to shove him away, but my thrumming heart won’t allow it.
I swallow then lift my head, parting my lips as an invitation. His hold around me tightens as he brings my body closer and his mouth to mine. The kiss isn’t careful or hesitant. There’s a purpose behind his slow, deep movements.
Dang him.
He’s good at this.
Too good.
