It’s painful.
This is so painful.How does he function?
She glances over her shoulder at me once she hits the sidewalk. “Are you coming?”
“Am I invited?” I ask.
She shrugs, smile playing on her lips. “I have to get my underwear back somehow.”
I practically skip across the lot to catch up with her, and when I’m by her side again, she chuckles.
“Embarrassment is cute on you,” she says, walking.
“Don’t tell anyone. Especially my brother,” I cringe.
“In my experience, big tough guys who get weak for their crushes make the best little noises when they’re pegged,” she says.
I hollow out and peer sideways at her, trying poorly to hide my surprise. “You think I’m a big, tough guy?” I ask.
“That’s all you heard?” she asks.
An amused breath leaves me. “Did you expect me to deny anything else about that sentence?” I ask, brow lifting.
She lifts her chin and watches me for a beat, grin spreading. “No.”
“I’m glad to know I have zero surprises left in me. My confidence is justswellingaround you,” I say sarcastically.
Because I am dwindling beneath her stare.
I’ve never felt so vulnerable in my life.
Why do I like it?
Juniper wraps her arm into mine and sinks her head on my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I can be your big spoon.”
I discreetly punch the air, and at the sound of her laugh, I clear my throat and stuff my hand back into my pocket. “I mean, no. Don’t. I don’t want to be held,” I say flatly.
“You can fuck my tits after,” she says.
“And I’m back on board.”
She laughs and holds onto my arm a little tighter, and for the rest of the walk to her home, I find myself in a daze. Every retort rolls off my tongue with ease. I’m admitting to things with her that I’ve never voiced aloud, feeling a swell in my chest that’s warm and disgustingly fuzzy.
By the time we’re nearly at her house, my insides are shriveling from not having her entirely yet.
“Here’s home,” she says when we reach her place.
I release an uneven breath and pause to look at the small home I spent all night in front of, not realizingthiswas the woman I’d be yearning so much for now.
She bends to let Pack off the leash, and when she straightens, I take hold of her wrist and pull her into me, making her sway as we stand still together. My forehead meets hers, and for a moment, I can’t think of a single thing to say.
“I have to go inside,” she eventually says.
“Are you inviting me in, too?” I ask, ready to beg.
She pulls back. Her eyes dart from mine to my lips. She leans closer, chin tipping back. Our mouths open and close a breath apart. I can feel her uncertainty, her hesitation. Her jaw begins to quiver.
“I want to,” she breathes.
