Her body presses against mine, a fire of desire burning inside me, and I don’t want to stop.I don’t want to let this moment slip away.
When we finally pull apart, gasping for air, I rest my forehead on hers, my hands still holding her like she might disappear.
Her voice is breathless when she finally speaks.“What are we going to do now?”
Chapter 19
Amelia
Hisarmstightenaroundmy waist, pulling me close until there’s no room between us.Resting his forehead against mine, he exhales slowly, his breath hot against my lips.
“I won’t get the promotion if anyone finds out I’m with you.”My voice is rough with something that isn’t quite regret but isn’t exactly peace either.“Even the appearance could kill my chances.Luna needs to trust that I can maintain professional boundaries.”I tilt my head back, meeting his gaze, and it’s impossible to ignore the way his blue eyes darken under the daylight.He kisses the tip of my nose, a touch so soft it sends a shiver through me.
I can see him wrestling with something as his grip tightens slightly.
“Maybe…” he starts, his thumb tracing along my hip.“Maybe we could keep this between us.You know, just see where it goes without everyone watching.”
Something coils in my chest at his words.“So, we’re a secret?”
“Not a secret.Private.There’s a difference.I just want to figure out what this is without the whole town having opinions about it.I’d like it to stay out of the bulletin.And I don’t want you to face repercussions at work when we don’t know what this is yet.”
I study his face, seeing the conflict there.I completely understand the idea of exploring whatever this is without judgment.It sounds appealing.
“It’s not something I’ve ever done before.”
He lets out a soft chuckle, shaking his head.“Me neither.”
His mouth finds mine, claiming me like I’m something he’s been waiting for.My hands slide over his arms, up his neck, threading into his hair, pulling him closer.Every inch of him is solid, heat and muscle beneath my fingers, a presence I could lose myself in so easily.
We part, and he presses his lips against my temple, his breath a little uneven.“You’re too good to be true.”
“I could say the same about you.”I don’t want to distance myself from him.
It’s going to be hard to keep this casual.
“At least we have a place to meet,” I whisper.
His eyes flick to the bridge above us.“No one really comes down here?”
“No, hardly ever.Maybe some boys who are trying to fish on occasion.”
“Come on, let’s get out of here before we do something that’ll make this whole self-control thing harder than it already is.”A low rumble leaves his chest.“Don’t tempt me,Trouble.”
I grin as my stomach flips.“Thanks for the interview.Can’t wait to show Luna tomorrow.”
We’re still standing close, his arms loosely around my waist.Our fingers brush as I pull away, tangling just enough to share heat.It’s crazy how something so small can make my skin tingle.
“You’re different than I expected.”I’m not even sure if I mean the words to come out.
“Different?”
“Opposite of me, but exactly what I needed.”
He studies me for a second before his expression softens.“I’m alone, and you come from a big family, and somehow, you’re letting me in.”His fingers trail lightly over mine.“I mean, I know it’s just been one dinner, but the way your family welcomed me, it’s not something I’m used to.”
I nod as we head to our cars.“I know how much that means to you.”
He smiles, but there’s something vulnerable in it.“Not gonna lie, I was surprised at first.But the fact that everyone’s so welcoming and kind, it makes this so fucking hard.”He looks away for a second before locking eyes with me again.“Because I want you.I want this.But we both deserve the things we’ve worked for.You need this promotion.I finally have a chance for a fresh start.People accepting me.”
