His arm braces me from behind.“You scared the hell out of me tonight.”His green eyes are intense and worried.
“I’m sorry,” I say, surprised.
Jaeger presses my face to his chest, cradling my head.“Promise me you’ll never do anything like that again.”
I’ll promise him anything, as long as he keeps holding me like this.“I won’t.Totally stupid,” I mumble, nuzzling his shirt and breathing in his clean scent.
Jaeger leans back and our eyes meet for a long moment.The intensity makes my breath quicken.He lowers his head slowly until a puff of air from his nose tickles my skin.His lips graze mine, a delicate touch that is the total opposite of Drake’s mauling.Jaeger’s gentleness speaks of heat and longing, and something deeper I can’t put my finger on.But I want it.
If I thought the attraction between us was powerful, the electricity his lips generate is coiled, sizzling need.My fingers clutch his shirt.
This is what I’ve craved.All night, all week—since we first met.
Jaeger pulls back, keeping an inch of space between us.His breaths fan my chin, thumb rubbing circles along my hairline.“Is this okay?After?—”
I lean up and fasten my mouth to his in answer.Whether I acknowledged it to myself or not, I’ve been waiting for this kiss for weeks.
His fingers slide into my hair, angling my head for better access, and I’m drowning.
My belly tightens, body arching toward him.I wrap my arms around his broad back and pull him close until we fall backward onto the cushions with him on top.
His weight feels amazing.Not crushing or forced, but just enough to fire more need.I’m a sea of sensation and all we’re doing is kissing.My legs squeeze his hips, drawing him closer.
A short, guttural moan escapes his mouth and his hand drifts from my hair, down my throat, to my chest, wrapping around my breast.He pulls his mouth away and runs kisses along my chin and neck.“Cali,” he whispers, cupping my breast and rubbing his thumb over my nipple.
It’s not until he says my name again that the lust clears enough to register that he’s attempting to communicate with something other than body talk.I look into his eyes.
“When is Gen getting back?”he says.
Wha…?Gen?
Panic spears my gut, and not because I’m worried Gen will walk in on us, though she could.I forgot all about Gen and Jaeger and the possibility that something exists between them.After all the encouragement I’ve given Gen to get back out there, here I am making out with a guy she may actually like.
What am I doing?I squirm out from beneath him, my anger piqued at myself and the idea that Jaeger could be playing me.Gen is my best friend.Enough of this.I have to find out what’s going on between them.
I swallow and attempt to gather the rest of my brain cells that scattered the minute Jaeger loomed over me with his large, heated body.“I don’t know, but she was pretty drunk when I left.She’ll probably be home soon.”
“Maybe I should leave.”He stands and adjusts his pants, which I realize now house a very large, impressive bulge.I glance away.
If I ask Jaeger about Gen now, I’m not sure I’ll be able to tell truth from lie.The subject needs to be addressed soberly—when I’m not reacting passionately to my protector.“That’s probably a good idea.”
ChapterFifteen
This morning my head feels like I thrashed it against a sharp boulder a few thousand times, but I’ve held back the queasies thanks to a few green olives and dry toast.Gen, however, has not fared as well.She’s in the bathroom puking her guts out.
“You okay in there?”
She doesn’t answer, so I open the door a crack and check on her.She’s hugging the bowl, her cheek affixed to the rim.I open the door wide.“You don’t look good.Do you want me to take you to Urgent Care?”
“No,” she says without moving.“Just need quiet time with the toilet.”
I grab two washcloths from the cupboard and soak them in cold water.I drape one across the back of her neck.
Gen moans.“Feels good.”
“Here.”I hand her the other.Her arm wavers unsteadily in the air.I grab her fingers and direct them to the cloth.
I keep a close eye on Gen for the rest of the day.By evening she’s eating but still feeling pretty crappy.
