“Why not?” With a grin, I stand up and spin around, twirling her like a bride I’m about to carry over a threshold.
Lila squeals and tightens her grip. “Put me down before you hurt yourself!”
“Hmm, I don’t think so.”
She kicks her legs a little, putting up a playful fight, but there’s a smile on her face.
“Tell me to stop and I will,” I murmur, watching her eyes.She doesn’t say stop, she pulls me closer.
I stumble to the bed and set her down. She lays herself out automatically, and I waste no time in crawling on top of her. My lips find hers in an instant, and even though the Hawk could be circling the station at this very moment, I don’t bother holding back when I groan into her open mouth.
Lila pauses, though. “Wait, I should tell you—”
A sharp knock on the door cuts her off.
“Fuck. Shit. Damn it,” I hiss, scrambling off the bed. I’m already half hard, and it’s tough to hide with the sweatpants I’m wearing.
“Lila?” a familiar voice calls through the door.
Evan.
Lila sits upright. “Christ…”
“Lila?” Another knock. “Old Bill said you were up here. I think we should talk.”
“Um, one second!” she calls out.
But the knob is already turning, and before I know it, Evan is gazing in at the scene before him. Lila, was sitting with parted legs and flushed cheeks. Her hair more wild than it’s ever been. And me, sporting half an erection.
Evan blinks in surprise, but quickly assesses the situation and nods to himself, taking a step inside before letting the door fall shut again. The lock slides into place a moment later.
“Well, good,” he says. “I seem to have arrived at an opportune moment.”
Chapter twenty-four
Chapter Twenty-Four: Lila
Noah turns to Evan, holding out his hand with a grin. “No going back, bro.”
Evan laughs softly and shakes it. “No going back.”
I roll my eyes at their ridiculous ritual, but my heart is pounding so hard I can feel it in my throat. Boys are so weird. If I were about to do this with another woman, I definitely wouldn’t be shaking hands first.
“So,” I manage, voice shaky, “what happens first?”
Noah’s dimples flash. “This bed’s too small. Everyone up.”
Evan’s hand rubs soothing circles on my lower back as we stand. Noah strips off the comforter in one smooth motion and spreadsit over the carpet like he’s done this a thousand times (he hasn’t, but the confidence is doing things to me).
Noah pulls his shirt over his head, revealing that ridiculous gym-bro physique—broad chest, cut abs, the V that disappears into his sweats. He drops to his knees on the blanket and crooks a finger at me. “Come here, Blondie.”
Evan gives me a gentle nudge. I kneel in front of Noah, resting back on my heels. He leans in, smile soft, and kisses me, slow, sweet, familiar. I melt instantly, parting my lips, letting his tongue slide against mine like we have all the time in the world.
Then Evan is behind me, warm, solid presence crouching down. His hands slip under my cardigan and camisole; I lift my arms without thinking. He peels both layers off in one fluid motion, lips brushing the nape of my neck as the fabric clears my head.
Noah’s hands settle on my hips. Evan’s arms wrap around my waist from behind, pulling me flush against his chest. He sweeps my hair aside and presses open-mouthed kisses along my shoulder while Noah trails his lips down my collarbone.
I’m surrounded, front and back, heat and muscle and gentle hands everywhere. My bra unclasp is a team effort; the lace falls away and for a heartbeat everything stops.
