Page 148 of I Shouldn't Feel This Way

What the hell? Since when do I stutter? How annoying,I thought, desperately trying not to fall for his charisma.

“When you tease me like that,” I finally said.

Noah was deliberately trying to get me all hot and bothered. This was certainly a change of pace.

“Hmm, I’m not, though. You consider this teasing?” He kept outlining my hips lazily.

“I’m sure it’s too PG for you,” I said satirically.

“I don’t think you’re ready for R-rated territory.”

“Please,” I scoffed.

“Sometimes I forget that you’re still a virgin.” He chuckled and stopped moving his hands.

“Wow, Noah—should I be offended?” I honestly didn’t know what to make of that comment.

He mimed my expression and rolled his eyes at me. “You’re always quick to get defensive. Relax. I just meant that you have this sexual presence about you. It’s there every time you walk into a room. I see it when you look at me, even when I watch how you interact with other guys. I’m basically saying that you’re seductive by nature, which is why I have to remind myself …” He exhaled. “… that no one’s touched you.”

Okay, Aria, time to be brave. You’re at the right place, at the right time. Don’t blow it. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

“You can touch me.” I gathered all my courage to take his hands off my waist, guiding them to my breasts. This was the part I had to brace myself for: rejection. I was expecting him to pull back and say,No, we can’t do this,but instead he said, “I know.”

Noah sounded self-assured, like he knew what he wanted. His eyes suddenly glowed to life in the darkness. He moistened his lips when I covered his hands with my own, encouraging him to feel, if not taste, forbidden fruit.

We stared at each other for the longest time as the music echoed in our ears. With gentle navigation, my hands landed on his chest, reaching for his collar to steady my balance.

Please don’t let this be a dream, please don’t let this be a dream …

“Open your eyes, Aria. I want you to look at me.”

How could I? Looking at him would only magnify my feelings.

“Don’t deprive me.” His voice took on a darker tone.

I did as I was told, and allowed him to put me under his deep hypnosis. Noah completely possessed me.

“That’s much better. I like to watch your eyes.” His smirk was accompanied by a penetrating stare.

“Why?” I whispered.

“Because they’re so expressive. They tell me things you’re too afraid to say.”

“What are they telling you right now?”

“Everything that I can’t communicate with words.”

He could have hosted his own international conference on how to sweet talk a woman. I’m sure that thousands of guys could have borrowed a page or two from his handbook.

“Why do you always pull me in like a magnet?” I didn’t mean to ask that question out loud, but it just came out, as if I subconsciously wanted him to hear.

“Is that what I’m doing?” His voice sounded rougher, and I loved the way his lips curved up in a sexy smile.

“Definitely.” I gasped when he grabbed my thighs and pulled me forward so fast that I hardly realized what happened.

Oh-dear-lord. Hyperventilation mode: enabled. Arousal level: maximum degree. Warning! System at risk of overheating! Overclocking operating system.

SYSTEM SHUT DOWN!

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