“That’s not how I meant it, baby,” I say. “You’re better than Harper in pretty much every way.”
“Pretty much?”
Poor choice of words. “In every way.”
“How so?”
Now we’re getting somewhere. “You’re hotter,” I reply, kissing her again and feeling her up. “And sexier.”
“Yeah? Is that all?”
The corner of her mouth curls upward, revealing that dimple on her left cheek that appears only when she’s about to get what she wants. Her eyes narrow to glittering slits as she leans in close enough that I catch the cinnamon on her breath.
Her fingernails trace the seam of my jeans, and I feel myself straining against the denim. My teeth find my lower lip as my breath catches. “Is that right?”
“All I want is to be with you. I’m so glad I left Harper because I’ve never been happier than when I’m with you, Kenzie.”
“Naked or in general?”
Her hand slips into my jeans, tugging at me, and I gasp. “Both.”
“Both?”
“I love being around you when we’re dressed, but being naked with you is the greatest experience of my life.”
Her smile widens, revealing teeth that gleam in the dim light. She reaches under her skirt, the fabric rustling as she tugs her leggings down to her knees. My fingers tremble against my zipper, clumsy with cold and anticipation. “Tell me how I’m better than Harper,” she demands, voice husky.
She braces her palms against the rough brick wall, hair falling forward as she looks back at me with half-lidded eyes. TheDecember air bites at my exposed skin. Her warmth envelops me, a sharp contrast that makes me gasp. My mind goes blank, searching for words that won’t come. Her muscles tense, halting my movement, and she twists her neck to fix me with an expectant stare.
“Examples, Asher.”
“You’re a much better cook than she ever was.”
Her hands move, and I thrust against her again. “And?”
“You’re so much prettier.”
“And better in the sack.”
“Way better,” I mutter, holding her close as I reach my climax. “You’re so perfect, Kenzie.”
She purrs, pressing her ass back against me as I thrust, helping me along. My mouth forms the words she wants to hear, automatic as breathing. “You’re everything, Kenzie. Everything.”
Her fingers dig into the brick wall, leaving white marks on her fingertips. She turns her head just enough that I can see the victorious gleam in her eye. I match it with a grin of my own, the one I’ve practiced in the mirror.
Later, as we walk hand-in-hand through the festival, I catch myself staring at Harper’s profile across the crowd. The way she laughs at something Ford says—no calculation in it, just pure reaction—makes something twist in my chest.
Chapter 19
Harper
The tree lighting was as perfect a night as I could imagine. Ford secured a spot at the front, holding me close as we waited. I leaned against him, wishing he’d make another move, yet relieved when he didn’t.
Our names are already whispered together around town, as if everyone knows something brewing between us—things I didn’t even know we were doing. At least the gossip about Asher and me has faded.
Snowflakes begin to fall again as the crowd thins out. I smile and catch a few in my mittens while he keeps his arms wrapped around me.
“You and snow,” Ford laughs, his voice reverberating against my back.
