I shake my head, walking toward her. Fuck it, I’m going to say the ugly truth whether she likes it or not.
“I mean absolutely fucking not.”
She’s backing up as I walk forward until her ass hits the barstool, so I grab her waist, sitting her on it before I cage her in. Both my palms smacking down on the island on either side of her.
“I mean that I’m going to sleep with my fucking girlfriend.”
She draws her head back like she’s wondering what the hell I’m talking about, so I clarify.
“We’re not doing this anymore, Evil.”
“Not doing what?” she says on barely a whisper.
I ignore her, dominating the conversation. “I like you, Evie Monroe. That’s never been a secret.”
Her lips part, then close. Yep. Stay quiet. It’s my turn.
“And you like me too. Even though you like to try and pretend you don’t.”
She swallows hard.
“Fuck. I’m tired of trying to win you over, conning you into coming with me to the farmers’ market or to my restaurant just to prove I’m not who you think I am. Because what I’ve known since the first time we met is that I’m for you.”
Suddenly, she finds her voice again. “You lied? Oh my god ... of course you did, because you’re a guy with a group chat full of hookers. I told you last night—”
I cut her off.
“Fuck what you said. And don’t talk about my girlie pops like that. That group chat is four women in their mid-seventies who ride or die for me. So stop avoiding what I’m saying. You’re not hearing me,” I level, dead-ass serious as I repeat myself. “I said—I’m for you.”
Silence stretches out between us before she takes a shaky breath, licking her bottom lip to a shine as I look deeply into her eyes.
“Do you want proof?” My fingers only have to shift an inch in the direction of the phone before she shakes her head.
“No, it’s too ridiculous to make up.”
“Good. Then stop fighting this with all your bullshit reasons for me not being the one and just give me a goddamn chance already. I’m gonna surprise you.”
She’s barely blinking, but the look on her face was the same as the one when I pulled her flush to me in the tub.
“Because what did I just say?” I add, before she repeats it without hesitation.
“I’m for you . . .”
I grin. “Yeah, you are.” I clock the goose bumps on her arm and the way she shivers before I add, “So be in my fucking orbit. And let me in yours.”
“I think I’m going to pass out,” she whispers, but I keep going.
“I’m a fucking catch, baby, and I’ve spent a year and a half begging you to snatch me up. So I’m done with the bullshit. I’m gonna fucking kiss you, and you’re gonna let me. Not with the intention to fuck, but to just kiss you because I like you and you like me. And when I’m done, if you can remember how to tell me to fuck off, feel free.”
Not a breath is taken before I seal my lips over hers, slipping my tongue inside without permission. I’m going to devour her fucking mouth. Her head tilts, welcoming me, and I can’t help myself. I grab her jaw, making it deeper.
She lets out a sigh that almost sounds like relief, and it makes me hum a laugh. It vibrates my lips before she weaves her fingers through my hair.
There’s my girl.
My. Girl.
Mine.
