Page 30 of You've Always Been Mine

Derek’s hands slide down to the back of my thighs. He lifts me with ease, and I whimper when I feel the press of his erection against my center. My passion reaches new heights, but a tendril of sense reminds me we’re out in the open.

I break away from the kiss, panting. “What are we doing, Derek?”

“Kissing.” He leans forward to resume.

I reluctantly turn so his lips land on my cheek.

“Obviously,” I gasp. “But… what are wedoing?” I hadn’t thought to ask for clarification at St. Kitts, and what happened afterward gutted me. I need to know whatthisis before I let it go any further. If I want it to go any further…

Oh, who am I kidding?

Of course, I do.

Derek leans back and searches my gaze. What he sees dims his lust. “Do you want me to stop, Liv?”

Not one bit.

But that’s the problem, isn’t it? I’ll never want him to stop, but I know he will. Eventually.

“No.” I bite my lip. “I don’t.”

His eyes flash with satisfaction. “Good.” He leans forward to kiss me, but once again, I dodge his advance.

“We’re going to miss the next show,” I point out.

“I don’t care.”

My answering laugh turns into a gasp when Derek’s lips find the side of my neck. “Seriously, Derek… we’re in public.”

He freezes, then leans back. I miss the feel of his lips instantly. “Okay. Let’s hit pause.”

“Pause?”

“Yes. Let’s go back to my house.”

Butterflies flutter in my stomach. “To… hang out?”

“Yeah,” he replies, though his eyes promise so much more. “To hang out.”

I should say no. This night is playing out just like the one in St. Kitts, and Lord knows that didn’t turn out the way I’d hoped.

If I had any sense of self-preservation, I would insist we watch the comedy show and forget this spontaneous makeout session ever happened. That shouldn’t be hard for him. He’s expertly avoided all mention of our time together in St. Kitt’s thus far.

But when I see the lingering desire swimming in his beautiful blue eyes, I realize I can’t. I’m nothing if not a glutton for punishment when it comes to the man in front of me.

“Sure,” I whisper, praying my tender heart will be able to make it out of this night unscathed. “Let’s go back to your house.”

CHAPTER 16

Olivia

The driveback to the Lawson’s house passes too quickly thanks to the anticipation of what’s to come. In my rearview mirror, I see the truck’s headlights following close behind. Derek had offered to drive me, but I told him I didn’t want to leave Carmelo out during the night. I spouted some nonsense about car break-ins being on the rise. At least, that’s what I heard on the morning radio show I listen to on my way to work. In reality, I wanted the time alone to get my thoughts and expectations in order.

I don’t know what’s going to happen once we get back to his place, but I can take a guess. And that guess fills me with equal parts excitement and wariness. Unlike in St. Kitt’s, I haven’t had a drop of alcohol to soothe my nerves. I don’t have the luxury of dulled self-doubt or muted insecurities. Tonight, whatever happens between me and Derek will be influenced only by our sober wants and desires. And that’s terrifying.

Despite my growing anxiety, I manage to keep my composure when we arrive. I follow Derek inside the house, to the kitchen,and accept a glass of water without missing a beat. Derek seems at ease. But why wouldn’t he? He knows he’s the total package.

He may have revealed he had feelings for me when we were kids (which I still have a hard time believing) but he’s not the quiet, soft-spoken young man he used to be. He’s grown into himself in more ways than one. He’s confident, gorgeous, and successful. Honestly, I don’t know why he’s bothering with me when he can have anyone he wants.

---