Page 85 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

“In the kitchen,” he answered. “Want some popcorn?”

Enough.

“No, she doesn’t.” I glared at him and took Red’s arm, pulling her toward the bedroom. “I need to talk to you, Red. Hi, Kar,” I added as we passed a surprised Kara, who just raised her eyebrows and gave me two thumbs up.

“Wait,” Red protested, but we were already at the bedroom door. “What’s going on?”

As soon as I pulled her in and closed the door behind us, I locked it. Without warning, I pushed her against it. Her dark eyes widened with shock at my behavior, but beneath the shock was desire.

“Tell me you love me, Red.”

“Caleb, what’s—”

I closed the distance between us, fitting my body to hers—soft, generous curves and that scent that was exclusively hers. Hip to hip, she’d feel how much I wanted her.

I closed my eyes tightly, fighting for control. The need to take her against the door like an animal was overtaking reason, but I didn’t want to scare her. I was sliding off the edge, and I desperately wanted to take her with me. But I had to be gentle.

“Caleb.” Her voice was quiet and soothing, as if she knew what I was battling inside me. Perhaps she did.

I felt her brush my cheek with her fingers, stroke my jaw in comfort.

“I love you,” she whispered.

When I opened my eyes, her face swam in my vision. Beautiful, dark cat eyes I wanted to drown in.

With a kiss, I softened the rough way I handled her. Cupping her face with my hands, I fit her mouth against mine, exploring her taste with my tongue. She moaned, gripping my hair with her hands.

When I pulled back, we were both breathing hard.

“Kar and Damon are outside,” she gasped. “They’re going to know what we’re doing in here.”

Good. I wanted him to know that Red was mine.

“I don’t care.”

Just like that, the need was back.

“But…we just…we just…in the car…”

“I still want you.”

She bit her lip. “Oh. I…”

God. She was so fucking sweet and innocent. And I just wanted to—

She jumped suddenly when there was a loud knock on the door, followed by voices behind it.

“Whatever you guys are doing, keep doing it. We’re leaving!” Kara yelled.

I cleared my throat. “Thanks, Kar!” I called out.

“You owe me, pal!”

When I looked back at Red, her eyes were shining with humor and embarrassment.

“Do you want to…” I began. My heart was racing. Why did I suddenly feel nervous?

Only Red. Only Red could make me feel this way.

---