Because I trust him.
The realization hits me like cold water. I trust him with my body but this is different because now that he knows all my secrets, I still trust him.
Standing on my tip-toes, I fist his t-shirt into my quivering fingers and inch closer to him. The longer he kisses me, the more my hands move over the broad expanse of his solid, warm chest that resembles a rock. My hands rise and touch his skin—it’s burning and there is thrum of his rapid pulse.
I jerk back in response.
Oh my God.
I’ve never touched him like this before.
My head thuds back against the door but since palm has it cushioned, he takes the burnt of the hit.
His eyes study me in detail. “What happened? Did I do something wrong?”
I shake my head.
“Was it the kiss? I didn’t use tongue.”
I shake my head again.
“I made you breathless, didn’t I?”
I shake my head, then nod, thinking that’s a better excuse than telling him what really happened.
His thumb swipes back and forth on my jawline. His touch so soft and gentle as if I’m the most delicate and precious thing in the world. It’s an exquisite feeling, knowing someone values you so much that they are careful with how they hold you.
Slowly, he tips my head back and align our gazes, leaving me no choice but to stare at him.
“I’m beginning to know it when you lie to me, Hope.”
I let out a sharp exhale.
He used my first name.
That means trouble.
He uses my middle name otherwise.
Blue eyes search mine. “And trust me, I don’t like it one bit.”
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“You don’t need to apologize.”
“But—”
“I’d like the truth instead.”
I stare at him, then look down at his chest. The simple black T-shirt paired with the same black jeans and black converse. Nothing is new about his attire but he still looks so good in it. So good.
Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. Here it goes.
“It was… I… my hands…” I palm my eyes as my cheeks burn in embarrassment.
“Keep going,” he encourages and his touch continues on my jaw, making it harder for me to tell him. “I want to know.”
“I touched your neck and felt your pulse.”
