Page 22 of The Holiday Boyfriend

“I said I promise I won't be so clingy—”

I held up my free hand to stop him. “I heard you. Clingy? When have you been clingy?”

Jim frowned, and his expression made his dark circles even more apparent. “Isn't that why you haven't come home these past few weeks? Because I was being clingy and annoying?”

“What? No! You're not annoying,” I firmly said. Who the hell even gave him those thoughts? If anyone was clingy in this relationship, it was me. Although his detached texts made sense now, knowing that he was trying not to be clingy. That thought warmed my skin.

Jim cursed under his breath something about annoying gossipers putting thoughts in his head.

“And I'm not moving anywhere, okay? You can't get rid of me that easily,” I joked, but the joke fell flat even to my ears.

Jim didn't seem to notice. “So why have you been so distant lately?”

I took a calming breath and braced myself. Running away wasn't going to solve any problems. “Because I thought you regrettedthatnight and wanted some space.”

He wrinkled his brows, looking adorably confused. “What night?”

“You know,thatnight. The night I got drunk.” I pulled my hand out of Jim's and started wringing the hem of my shirt.

Was it a good sign that he didn't automatically know what I was talking about? Or should I be disappointed that the night that had become the main setting of my dreams for the last two weeks didn't even linger in his thoughts?

“Oh!Thatnight. But why would I be bothered by it? You're my best friend, and you know I would do anything to help you,” Jim said, looking so earnest that it almost pissed me off.

To him, the act was just helping out a friend, but to me, it meant so much more.

This was what I wanted, wasn’t it? Back to square one, where we were nothing more than friends. He wasn't mad at me for coming onto him, and I was able to stay by his side.

If only I could fill the emptiness that was creeping inside of me.

“So you're not mad at me?” he asked.

I shook my head and peeked at him. “Are you mad at me for being so childish and running away?”

He laughed and pulled me into a hug. “Of course not! I'm glad you're back,” he said as he pulled me tighter, almost squishing me into his pecs. I struggled for a second before returning the hug.

Jim didn't seem like he had any intention of ending the hug, so I found a comfortable position in his lap. Being this close to him, his scent invaded my senses. He smelled like nature and clothes that had been air-dried in the sun. It was a nostalgic fragrance and one that had always reminded me of Jim.

It'd been so long since his scent filled my senses, and along with the fact that I hadn't masturbated for a while either—it was hard to get in the mood when I knew how thin the walls at my parents' place was—heat traveled south.

Being in his arms felt so good, and it only led me to fantasize that this was all for real, that we were dating and cuddling after a long day. That thought didn't help matters as the blood continued to rush south, engorging a certain part at this very inconvenient time.

I jerked back, hopping out of his lap before he felt the effects he had on my body. Unfortunately, luck wasn't with me.

Jim met my gaze before his eyes traveled down my body to the noticeable bulge that was trying to break through my jeans.

“S-sorry! It's been a while, you know, staying with my family and all,” I rambled, hoping that he wouldn't be weirded out.

Jim chuckled and raised his gaze again back to mine. His eyes glowed with determination and a hint of teasing.”Should I help you?” he asked with a casual tone.

My mouth went dry by the offer. I'd been drunk the last time Jim jerked me off, so some details were foggy. To be able to see it happen again in person would be a literal dream come true, but was it wise?

Could love start with the body? They always said that love started with the stomach, maybe the same could be said about the dick. Okay,maybelovewasn't on the table, but I would be a fool to miss a chance that may never come again.

This time, I wouldn’t be the fool.

“Okay.”

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