“I was, umm, teasing.” She swallows hard. My dick stirs behind the denim of my jeans. An image of her taking me, swallowing my load, pops into my head, and I know she feels the growing bulge between us.It’s all for you, baby girl.
“Maybe.” I shrug, not believing her at all. “Maybe not.” I let that hang between us. “Either way, you need to know I’m interested in you.”
“Interested? In me? What happened to me being forbidden and off limits?” she questions like I knew she would. My lips tip up.
“Angel, have you not been paying attention?”
“You said?—"
“Babe, we left here with you holding my hand, and you didn’t even blink.”
“Jacob,” she whispers my name sweetly as she searches my eyes.
“I was wrong.”
“I’m not off limits?”
“Oh, you are,” I drawl. “And I know you didn’t miss the way Reed looked at me when we left. You’re definitely forbidden fruit, baby girl.” I dip my head lower, but she doesn’t move. If anything, it feels like she sways closer, pressing her breasts against my chest. “And it’s going to make this whole thing even sweeter.”
“Whole thing?” Her eyes drop to my mouth. I can feel her breath fan against my lips. I nudge my nose against hers and have to drag air into my lungs. I have no idea what’s taken over me, but fuck if I am going to stop. Breathing in the sweet Eden-infused air only makes me bolder. Hungrier.
“Claiming you,” I whisper, and she trembles in my arms. “I like you, angel, a fucking lot.”
“We’ve only hung out twice.”
“Once was enough, but I was a stubborn ass.”
“Hmm.” Her lips twitch adorably. I’m dying to kiss her. Somehow, I find the strength to keep my distance. Which is mere inches now.
That’s all that stands between us and me taking what I want.
“Would you like to come in?” she whispers. My jaw clenches.
“Eden,” I strain. My hands tighten around the curvature of her hips. I want nothing more than to follow her into her place. But she needs more from me than a hot night and awkward morning. I know if I step foot into her home, there will be no going back.
“I’m guessing that’s a no.” She blinks and steps back, putting space between us. And I hate it. “Thank you again, umm…” Her eyes drop to her purse as she searches for and finds her keys. She’s avoiding looking at me. I hate that, too. “I’ll see you around.” She turns to unlock her door, and something in me snaps. I’m losing control. It’s almost like I can see the thread I’m holding on to start to tether and give.
I crowd her, resting my hands against the frame, my body covering hers, and she stills. “Don’t do that, baby girl,” I plead in a low tone.
“Jacob—"
“Uh-uh,” I tsk, letting my tone drop while I lean in, my lips brushing against the shell of her ear. “You know what you should call me.” She turns her head and looks up at me over her shoulder.
Her eyes sparkle, but she doesn’t say it.
Still, I hear her voice in my head. The word bounces inside my mind, repeating more than a couple of times as she stares at me under the moonlight.
“I’m interested in you, baby girl. More than you know,” I rasp, wishing I were better with words. I feel so goddamn tongue tied I want to scream.
What would she say if she knew I drove by her place religiously? What would she say if she knew there hasn’t been a night since I helped her move in that I haven’t fallen asleep stroking my dick thinking of nothing but her? What would shesay if she knew I’ve been driving myself crazy with the memory of her, fighting the urge to talk to her again.
For two months, I’ve been slowly dying, wishing, and praying for a chance. Hoping for a way to justify making a move on my best friend’s much younger sister.
Now I know I didn’t need an excuse.
It’s as simple as that, she’s the reason I’m supposed to be in Moonlit Pines. She’s why I survived all the shit that life tossed my way. Regardless of whether her brothers like it or not.
“I’m going to prove it.” The words slip out, and she blinks up at me. Whatever she is searching for, she seems to find.
