Page 97 of Don't Let Me Go (Don't Let Me 2)

I don’t even have to look at the hoop to know he makes it. His form is that perfect. That drool-worthy.

“Swish,” he murmurs. Pointing at the ground, he commands, “Right here, Baby Thorne.”

My lips flatten, but I take up my position and wait for him to retrieve the ball. He passes it to me.

“I don’t know why you’re looking so cocky, Teddy Bear,” I quip. “We both know this is my sweet spot.”

He scoffs but walks closer, letting the heat from his front melt into my back until my knees feel like Jell-O. “If you miss, I get to kiss you.”

“And if I hit it?”

“Don’t hit it.”

I turn my face toward him. Only a centimeter of space is between us.

So. Damn. Close.

I tear my attention from his lips and stare up at him. “But we both know how much I like to win.”

“Even if you miss, I think we can still consider it a win.”

The man has a point.

Way more amused than I should be, I pull up to take the shot, but at the last second, Theo grabs my waist and tugs me to one side. The ball rolls off my fingers at an awkward angle, missing the basket by a solid three feet as my jaw drops and I twist in Theo’s arms until I’m facing him fully.

With an outraged laugh, I smack his chest. “You cheated!”

“You really think I’m gonna let you go, Blake?” Theo’s lips lift on one side, his grip tightening around my hips as he quirks his brow and bends closer. “Now, I believe it’s time to pay up.”

“And I believe you cheated,” I repeat.

“And I believe you should’ve been more specific with your stipulations,” he argues.

“Oh, really? What stipulations?”

“We never said in the rules we couldn’t touch each other.”

I laugh again, blown away by the guy’s audacity. “Didn’t think I’d have to spell it out for you.”

He twists the hat I’d stolen from his car around until the brim is facing backward, leaving him plenty of room to kiss me without any obstructions.

Sneaky, my friend. Very sneaky.

But I don’t pull away. Don’t twist it back. Not when he’s looking at me like this. Without reservations. Without any hesitation. Simply…everything a girl dreams about.

His grin tugs at my stupid heart as he plasters himself against me, and I swear I can feel his heartbeat. The way it kicks up a notch when I spread my fingers against his broad chest. The way his breath becomes more shallow and his nostrils flare, breathing me in. The way his gaze is playful but almost nervous too. Like he’s anxious. Hopeful. Curious to see how I’ll play this moment out. If it’ll be in his favor, even though he’s done everything in his power to line it up exactly the way he wants while still giving me the final say.

“You gonna pay up, Baby Thorne?” he rasps.

Baby Thorne.

If my internship wasn't on the line, I’d be all over this moment. But I’m not an idiot. And I’m not going to put everything I’ve worked for in jeopardy for a guy who loves the chase but hates the follow-through. Especially when I know he isn’t sticking around for the long haul.

Don’t be stupid, Blake.

I bite my lip but rise onto my tiptoes, holding his gaze for the longest of seconds before twisting my neck and grazing his cheek with my lips.

My heels hit the ground again, and his jaw drops.

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