Page 40 of The Fangirl and the Playboy

Before I embarrass myself like that, I break off the kiss. Using my grip on her hair to hold her still, I search her gaze. I want to ask her to come back to my rental with me so we can continue in private, but I hold my tongue when I see the fog of lust clear from her eyes, replaced by something that looks like a mix of uncertainty, regret, and fear.

Taking a deep breath and blowing it out slowly as she pulls her hands from beneath my shirt, I accept the truth. Whatever this moment was, it’s not going to continue. Not tonight, anyway.

And I’m okay with that. More than okay, actually.

We may have decided to just be friends, but even Willow can’t deny the connection we still obviously share. She got just as lost in that kiss as I did.

And for now, it’s enough.

Leaning in, I press a light kiss to her cheek before whispering, “Good night, Willow.”

“Good night,” she murmurs back, sounding dazed and confused.

Releasing my grip on her hair, I take a step back. My gaze travels down the length of her, noting the way her chest heaves as if she’s fighting for oxygen. I can’t fight my smile as I look back up at her face, flushed with desire and possibly some light embarrassment over how strongly she reacted to my kiss.

I dip my chin, giving her a slight nod before spinning and pulling the door open. I take a deep breath of the cool night air as I stride across the lot, heading back toward the tavern where my rental car is parked.

Walking away from her right now is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I know it’s the right choice. I knowWillow, and she’ll need some time alone to process what just happened and decide which path to take from here.

The one that leads to friendship?

Or the one that could lead to something much deeper, more fulfilling, and possibly even to our very own happily ever after?

Sure, that path is rocky and filled with obstacles, but after that kiss, I know it would be worth the effort.Sheis worth the effort.

And maybe someday soon, she’ll decide I’m worth it, too.

ChapterTwenty-One

Willow

What in the ever-loving fuck-nuggets was that?

I’m back in my apartment, alone, yet still somehow tingling all over like Gavin’s hands and mouth are still touching me. Whatever calming effects the tea had on me are long gone, and I can’t stop pacing the length of my living room.

Why did Gavin kiss me?

Why did I kiss him back?

Why did I lose all control, falling into him the second he accidentally brushed against me? I know it was an accident. I saw the shock on his face as he obviously felt the same electric pulse I did when our bodies touched so innocently.

And that kiss. He could’ve stripped me down and taken me right against that wall, and I wouldn’t have stopped him. Once our lips and tongues touched for the first time in all these years, I was a total goner. No rescue. No escape.

It was a mistake. Wasn’t it?

I mean, wejustdecided to keep our relationship platonic. To be nothing more than friends, because it was the smart move for both of us.

Right?

God, I’m so confused.

My phone chimes, and I head for the kitchen where I left it on the counter when I got home. There’s a message from Keegan in our group chat with Pressley.

Keegan:Did you guys see that Julia Warner interview? I’m kind of in shock.

Pressley: I saw it. She and Stella are super cute together.

Keegan: I agree, but it’s not her relationship with Stella that shocked me. It’s her relationship with Gavin. He was telling the truth? They really were faking the whole time? Willow? Any input?

---