Page 35 of Love You From Afar

He clenches his jaw, grinding his teeth while his eyes send blue flames licking across every inch of my skin. He’s not physically touching me, but I feel him all over. He’s staring at me like it’s taking every ounce of his self-control to stay away. He’s staring at me like all he can think about is ripping my clothes off and claiming me as his.

The way his heated glare undresses me has my breath hitching in my throat. I feel a familiar heat pooling in my core as my nipples harden against my shirt.

Shit.Maybe it wasn't a good idea to wear a tight sweater.

“Sky…” He rasps, his gravelly voice barely a whisper.

“Yes?” I respond breathlessly.

“Are you trying to kill me?” A pained expression takes over his face as he furrows his brows.

God, I shouldn’t love his reaction as much as I do.

“What do you mean?” I ask innocently, like I’m completely oblivious to how I’m affecting him.

“You know exactly what I mean,” he rasps. “I’m still coming to terms with the fact that we’re here alone, stuck in this tiny ass motel room… and you walk out looking like that.” He gestures his hand towards me before biting down on his bottom lip and running a shaky hand through his hair.

I chuckle, arching a brow. “I’m wearing jeans and a sweater.”Very tight jeans and a sweater,I think to myself.

My heart drops when his face hardens, almost looking like he’s angry with me.

“Are you expecting an apology or something?” I scoff. “It’s been a shitty day to say the least, and I wanted to take my mind off everything…”

Suddenly feeling self-conscious, I reach for the hem of my sweater, tugging it down as far as possible before continuing.

“I thought it would be fun to get ready… to try and make the best of our situation. We’re stuck here for the night, so we might as well try to have a good time,” I sigh. “You can be pissy all you want, but I feel… pretty. And believe it or not, this was for me, not you.”

I cross my arms over my chest, tearing my eyes away from him as insecurity replaces the confidence I had minutes ago.

“Sky…” His voice softens.

I keep my head turned, not acknowledging him.

“Skylar, look at me.”

I feel him stride across the room when I don’t answer. I’m quickly surrounded by his woodsy scent as he halts his steps only inches away from me.

What he does next has my eyes snapping to his in shock.He touches me.

Hebreaks his own rule. Not only is he touching me, but he’s cupping my face between his large hands as his fingertips slide into my silky hair. His thumbs brush along my cheeks, the intimate touch sending waves of electricity straight to my core.

Now that he has my full attention, he continues speaking in a low, gravelly tone that has my heart doing backflips.

“You do look pretty, Sky.” His eyes flicker, searching mine. “Pretty is an understatement for how you look,” he trails off, inhaling a shaky breath.

“You look fucking beautiful… stunning. You take my breath away, Skylar. You always do.”

I remind myself to call my doctor and request a heart transplant because he just shattered mine.

The sound of heavy breathing fills the air as we hold each other’s stare. I’m too afraid to open my mouth right now, too afraid that if I do, my lips will magically find his.

His eyes darken as he brings his thumb to my lips, gently swiping the pad of his finger across the soft flesh. My breath hitches at the feel of his rough skin grazing my lips.

Alarm flashes in his eyes as he abruptly pulls his hand away before rubbing it against the stubble on his jaw. He takes a few steps back, putting a safe amount of distance between us.

Empty.That’s the only way to describe how I feel as he backs away.

“I didn’t mean to be an asshole. I just… I’m trying my best, Sky.”

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