Page 8 of Where You Belong

Not today. I’m rolling with it.

I’m seizing the day.

Chapter Three

Corbin

Damn, Madelyn was holding out on me. Why didn’t she tell me about her friend she hired at her studio sooner?

When Haelynn turned around, and I locked on those piercing brown eyes, I lost the ability to stream words together into a sentence.

When her soft hands found their way to my chest, I couldn’t keep mine off her. I didn’t hesitate to pull her into my arms as if we were about to slow dance, just the two of us.

Her skin was warm, and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was both from her nerves and the initial attraction I felt pulling us together. It was a fine line, wanting to take it slow out of respect for her. I couldn’t help but wish the cameras weren’t here for the chance to get to know her more.

“Is this okay?” I whisper low enough for only her to hear.

She nods, peering down to where my hand is folded over hers, pressed against my chest before she slides it up around my neck.

“We’ll go at your pace,” I assure her. “I’m following your lead.”

Her smile turns tense, and I worry she’s pulling away from me. If I hadn’t been paying attention to it, I would’ve missed it, but as quickly as it’s there, it’s gone.

“You guys are doing great,” Madelyn assures us.

The song changes to one about spinning her around on the dance floor, and I reach for her hand.

“Dance with me,” I murmur, and she grins.

I slip my fingers between hers, twirling her before pulling her back into my arms again.

With her back pressed against my chest, I skim my hand along her side, down to her hip. I dip my head down, pressing my cheek against hers. Her hair falls forward like a curtain, shielding her face from Madelyn.

“You fit so perfectly in my arms,” I whisper.

She nods and her chest heaves, exhaling a heavy breath. Damn, what I wouldn’t give to have her to myself right now.

I lace our fingers together, pulling her with me until my back is flush against the cool brick wall of the studio. Madelyn continues to murmur words of encouragement, but I don’t pay her any mind.

I’m too lost in the moment with Haelynn. Just the two of us.

Haelynn gazes up at me beneath the long lashes fanning across her face with each slow blink. Her eyes are glossy with desire. I was thankful her back was to Madelyn because, damn, I wanted to reserve that look for only me.

“You don’t know how hard it is not to kiss you right now.”

Her eyes flash to my mouth as I drag my bottom lip between my teeth.

“Jesus,” Madelyn mutters. “You can continue to pretend I’m not here, it’s fine. I know you wish I wasn’t, but I can’t leave now. These photos are going to turn out fire.”

The camera continues to click, snapping a series of pictures.

I trace my finger along Haelynn’s jaw, tipping her mouth up until our lips are a hair’s breadth away from touching.

I hesitate for a moment, wanting to give her the opportunity to pull back. I meant it when I said we were following her lead, but I’m still a man, so I won’t shy away from letting her know what I want.

She tilts her chin up toward me in silent invitation. My heart hammers in my chest at the sight. Any second-guessing or worries she’d push me away are gone when I stare into her eyes. She darts her tongue out, slowly dragging it across her lips to wet them.

I growl under my breath, unable to hold myself back. I tilt my head down and press a soft kiss against her mouth.

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