Page 25 of Playing it Country

I smile as her mouth brushes over mine in the sweetest caress. My hand falls to her hip, and I pull her tighter against me before deepening the kiss. She sags against me and sighs as I slip my tongue along the seam of her lips.

She tastes delicious—even better than she did the first time.

“Think they bought it?” she whispers, and it takes several seconds before full brain function is restored and I can form words.

“I mean, I’m convinced you like me.” She chuckles but doesn’t pull away.

“Lucky for that.” She eyes me. “You really want to live together?”

“It can’t be that hard. I’m an excellent roommate.”

“According to…”

I roll my eyes and squeeze her hip.

“Otto wouldn’t lie. I don’t leave my dishes out, each bedroom has an en suite bath so you’ll never see me naked,”—I lower my voice so only she can hear—“unless you want to look.” I lean back to catch her tongue peeking out to wet her bottom lip and swallow my groan. “Plus I routinely make dinner or snag somethin’ from Mama’s house, so it’s basically a win-win.”

“That is a compelling argument.” She taps one manicured finger against her chin. “And you do your own laundry?”

“I’m housebroken and everything.”

Her laugh is rich and throaty and her eyes sparkle. “You’re something else, Case Thayer.”

“Most times I don’t even try.”

“Can I paint my room?”

“Yes.”

“Willyoupaint it?”

“Also yes.”

“I hate taking the garbage out.”

“Not a problem.”

“Wow.” She leans back to look at me after her rapid-fire questions. “You’re really desperate, huh?”

The emotions inside must play out over my face because she just holds her hands up before I can say anything.

“Don’t answer that. It’s none of my business.”

I swallow and look away while I gather myself. This is the first time in years that I’m allowing myself to make a romantic decision forme,and I just want to protect this small piece that’s just mine. Hannah’s fun, and with her temporary stamp on Clementine Creek, it feels like there’s no pressure because there’s no possibility for a future.

“Thanks,” I say quietly, and it’s the most loaded word I’ve ever used.

“When can I move in?”

I scratch the side of my face with my hand, my beard smooth yet perfectly textured under my fingers. “I guess it depends if you want to paint first. Or you want me to paint before you move in?”

“I was kidding about having you paint.”

“Honestly doesn’t make a difference to me. I just need to know you’re serious before the vultures descend.”

“Why don’t you kiss me and find out?” Her words are the perfect mix of flirty and seductive, and I’m an absolute goner.

Her gaze drops to my lips, and not for the first time I feel like I’m seriously out of my league with this girl, and I hate how much I like it.

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