“So just like that, you’re going to jump in, feet first?”
He nods against my head. “Yeah, I’m jumping in. Care to join me?”
Biting on my bottom lip, I squeeze my eyes shut, my nerves twisting and turning in my stomach.Fuck, I don’t want to get hurt.Shit. Shit. Shit. I don’t want to get hurt. Not by him. Not by one of the sweetest guys I’ve ever met. Because I know. I know he’d never intentionally hurt me, which gives him a lot of power, yet it doesn’t make me powerless. He’s such a good man. Kind. Giving. But I don’t think I can survive being hurt by him.
Then again, I don’t think I can survive saying goodbye right now, either.
Shyly, I look up at him and say, “If I jump in, will you catch me?”
Playfully, a grin spreads across his lips, lighting up his entire face. “Don’t worry, I’ll catch you, Adalyn.”
* * *
Leaning against the door of my car, I play with the belt loops of Hayden’s jeans. After cleaning up breakfast, we joked and teased each other for a bit before he changed and offered me a set of shorts to wear home.
“What are you doing for the rest of the day?”
Gripping my hips, his large hands pressing me gently against my car, he says, “I have some errands to run, and then I promised Racer I’d help him out with something tonight.”
I can feel my disappointment take over me, my smile melting away. I was hoping I’d be able to hang out with Hayden tonight.
“Yeah? Sounds like fun,” I say, faking my excitement for him. Stupid Racer, what could he possibly want help with and why can’t he ask Tucker or Aaron?
Chuckling and rubbing his thumbs over my hipbone, he says, “Tell me how you really feel.”
Tilting my head to the side, I level with him. “You really want to know?”
“I really do.”
I give his belt loops a few tugs before answering, loving how with each tug he leans in closer. “I was kind of hoping we could hang out tonight, since it’s my night off.”
“Is that right?” His smile is contagious but also cocky.
“You don’t have to look so pleased with yourself.”
“It’s just nice to know where your head’s at. I like a girl who is open and honest about her feelings, none of this having to read your mind bullshit.”
“Oh, you’re not a mind reader?” I tease him, poking his rock-hard stomach. And of course, he doesn’t flinch. God, the man has fantastic muscles. It was so hard to hold back groans of pleasure earlier when my hands werewandering.I wanted to spend hours there, touching, memorizing.Man, did I want to dip below his waistband.
“No.” He’s silent for a breath before cupping my cheek and stroking his thumb over my skin. I let out a heavy breath as he squeezes in closer, his body flush against mine, towering over me, those dark eyes of his turning more sinister. “Want me to cancel with Racer?”
There is no humor in his question, no empty ask, and from the look in his eyes, his stone-like features, he’s serious.
Sighing, I shake my head no. “Don’t cancel on Racer. I’m sure he called because it was important.”
“I don’t like this sad face on you though. Maybe I can hurry things along with Racer, catch a late dessert with you tonight?”
“I can make chocolate cake.”
A brilliant smile spreads across his lips. “You’d make me chocolate cake?”
“From a box, don’t get too excited.”
“It’s still cute and thoughtful.” Moving his other hand to my neck, he presses his thumb against my hammering pulse, his fingers tangling with my wild hair. Talking low, he asks, “Does that mean I’m coming to your place tonight?”
Wetting my lips, I try to keep my breathing even despite how erratic it feels, despite the close proximity of this man, despite how crazy in lust he makes me feel. “Yes, it does.”
“Should I bring an overnight bag with me?”
