Page 43 of Tempt

“That’s not why.”

“It isn’t?”

She looks up at me as if I can make her whole world brighter in an instant.

My throat is tight. So is everything else. “No. You’re beautiful. And confident, and persistent. You’re also a student,” I go on at her pleased smile. “I wasn’t looking for a hookup. It would’ve been a bad idea.”

There’s a soap behind her the color of strawberries, but it’s her scent that fills my nose.

“Now, I work for you. It’s an even worse idea.”

“Yes, it is.”

So why are her legs twining between mine?

“I’m not dating anyone.” She says it like a gift, and damn if it doesn’t feel that way.

“Good.”

There’s too much relief. As if I’ve been hoping to hear exactly that, because it means I haven’t been thinking fucked-up things about a girl who’s not only off-limits but seeing someone else.

“Why do you care?” she murmurs, tugging on a strand of wild hair.

“I don’t. You can date who you like.”

The words feel like broken glass in my mouth.

“No, I mean why do you care about me? The only thing people outside that door are worried about is their next drink, or a test, or who they’re going home with.”

The dark shadow of frustration, from tonight and from me shoving down my feelings since she moved into my house, creeps up on me.

“That’s what you wanted. To get drunk and go home with some guy whose name you barely know?”

Her lips part, her breath trembling out. Her eyes focus intently, disputing my assessment that she’s drunk.

“What’s so bad about that?”

“They don’t deserve it.” They don’t deserve to hear her dry jokes. Not to touch her, to have her touch them.

Her lashes are thick spikes, soft and dark with mascara. Beneath, her pupils are blown.

She’s strong and soft, sexy and sweet.

I want it all.

Want to grab it and claim it as mine. To fall off this cliff in a thrilling ride that will be worth the rough landing.

Her touch finds my arm again, tracing the faded lines of the tattoo. I exhale heavily, my need painfully obvious.

“I owe you another tattoo,” she murmurs. “Where should I put it?”

A moment ago, I was the one in control, but it’s slipping away.

Our breath mingles and it’s so charged. I can’t remember wanting anything this much, not my first kiss or my first time oranything.

“Anywhere you want,” I grind out.

Kat leans closer.

---