He steps inside. “I didn’t really notice.” He peels his eyes off her and looks down at me and I know what he’s saying with that one look. “Thank you for tonight.”
“It was just as muchfunfor you as it was for me.”
He holds his hand out. “Let’s get you to bed.”
I yawn at the thought of a good night’s sleep and groan as he pulls me to my feet. As he does, my balance slips and I fall into his chest. His grip tightens instantly. His chest warm, solid, and steady as he momentarily holds up my weight.
I blink up at him before straightening, swallowing under his heated gaze. We’re still for a moment as his eyes drop to my lips.
“I think .?.?.” he starts, voice catching, low and raw. “I think we need to set some .?.?.”
“Boundaries?” I guess, suppressing my disappointment since it’s clear he’s fighting the urge to kiss me again.
He glances at Ellie over my shoulder then takes my hand, walking me out of the room and gently shutting her door. “Ground rules,” he breathes, as he puts some distance between us in the narrow hallway. Twisting to face me again, he holds up his hands. “For me, mostly, I .?.?. I think I crossed that line tonight.” He rubs the back of his neck apologetically.
Another pang of disappointment and it’s exactly why theserulesare a damn good idea.He’s so noble .?.?. honest.Breaking down more of my walls,making me trust him.
But it would be wrong to let him take the blame for that kiss tonight. I wanted it too—but I’m not apologizing for it. “Is it crossing a line if I let you?”
He meets my eyes. Strong and unwavering. “It is.”
Right. Because you’re emotionally unavailable and I should know this.
Can’t get mad for the painful truth. I nod, clearing my throat since it’s clear he means business. “Is there a ground rules handbook? How do we do this?”
He scoffs. “If there were, I’d have thrown it out, but,” his eyes drop to my lips again like some sort of magnet, “we most certainly need one.” He blinks, rubbing his eyes like he’s condemning them. “Rule number one. You can’t let me kiss you again.”
I almost laugh, but it’s mostly at myself. “Veto. I can’t make any promises.”
“Willow.”
I cross my arms. “Oh what, you can have self-control and I can’t?”
“Fair enough.” His mouth curves, but he fights that smile. “We both make an effort on .?.?. rule number one.”
I nod.
He gestures to me. “Your turn.”
I narrow my eyes, assessing him. That heated gaze might be controlled now, but it’s coming back and then I most certainly can’t be held responsible. “You can’tlookat me like you want to kiss me.”
“Veto. I don’t know what that looks like.”
I laugh, my tension easing. “All right.” I pace the small space. “No walking around without your shirt on.”
“What, you’re not even going to try on the looking thing?”
I smirk and shrug a shoulder. “You’re doing it now, what would be the point?”
“I am not.”
I laugh.
“Shirts on when walkin’ around the house. Done. Three.” He sighs. “Think it’s safe to say neither one of us needs to worry about seein’ other people, so we’ll skip that.” He runs a hand down his face. “Last one and then I think it’s all I can handle for one night.” He meets my eyes, all humor gone. “Exit plan.”
“What do you mean?”
“Noah insisted you .?.?. sign a contract of sorts .?.?. I said no. I’m not tying anyone down to my problems. You stay at your will, you decide when you go, I won’t hold you to anything.”
