Page 46 of I Can't Help It

Just two coworkers who decided to go on a date because they’re really into each other…

“Okay,” I match his quiet tone, worried that I’ll scare him off somehow, “we should dance then.”

I place my hand in his, but it only stays there for a second because he guides it to the back of his neck along with my other hand. And then, his arms slowly slip around my waist. We’re so close to each other that I can hardly take it.

“Is this okay?”

His hot breath teases my skin, and my fingers twitch with excitement.

“Mmhmm,” I tell him as we start to sway, “it’s better than okay.”

It’s everything.

“Holding you like this is surreal,” he murmurs, resting his forehead against mine. “You feel perfect in my arms.” He chuckles lightly. “I don’t even care how cheesy that sounded.”

There’s no hiding the smile on my face. “I liked it.”

“Good.”

We continue moving to the music, my chest brushing against his, and I don’t want this “one date” to ever end. Or I want a million more like it. Does he want that too? Is he realizing how great we are together?

I really hope so.

As we turn in a small circle, I let my cheek rest against his steady heartbeat, and he rubs one hand across my lower back. Every nerve in my body buzzes with approval. There would be no complaints if he moved that hand along the length of my spine.

“Ask me,” he whispers near my ear.

Shivers course through me as my mind becomes hazy. “Ask you what?”

“Ask me to kiss you.”

My whole body goes still.

Wait, what?

Did he—no. He couldn’t have. I misheard him somehow.

“What did you say?”

“I know I messed up earlier.” He gives my waist a gentle squeeze. “But I want to change my answer now, if you’ll let me.”

Is he serious? Am I finally going to be kissed by Luke-freaking-Tanner?

I lift my head to look at his face. “Are you sure? We don’t—”

“Ask me,” he repeats himself, his voice firmer this time. “Ask me to kiss you before I try to talk myself out of it again.”

Well, I don’t want him to change his mind, but the look in his eyes tells me that I’m already losing him by the second.

It’s now or never, Ava. And never sounds like a nightmare, so ask the man to kiss you!

I let my hands slide over his shoulders and down his arms. “Luke…will you kiss me?”

Please kiss me.

I barely get the question out as he mutters a throaty, “Yes.”

And then he tells me yes with his lips.

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