“I didn’t think you were the type to share a space. Not that I think you’re picky, but you seem like someone who wants privacy to do whatever you want, anytime you want, without worrying about anyone else.”
“Well… Yeah.” She’s pegged me pretty well.
My phone pings. I check it and see a text from George from the polo team. We won.I knew it!
–George: Can you join us for a celebration? We’ll be hitting Bad Bastards.
That’s a pub we generally head to. Normally, I’d say yes, but right now, I have Aspen in my room.
–Me: No.
–George: You okay? I thought it wasn’t serious?
–Me: It isn’t, but I’m already back in my dorm, and don’t feel like heading out.
–George: Who is this texting me in place of Grant?
–Me: LOL. It’s me, asshole. I just need some sleep. See you next practice.
I put down my phone. Aspen tilts her chin. “What was that?”
“One of the guys from the team. He wanted to know if I was up for a victory celebration.”
“Most definitely not,” she says sternly. “Didn’t he see what happened?”
“Exactly.” I don’t tell her that’s why he asked. He knows I’m not really hurt if I’m well enough to walk to the parking lot. But I’m not going to waste this opportunity. “Just because I’m not hooked up to a machine and stuff doesn’t mean I’m okay.”
“Precisely.”
I give her a sweet smile, the one Emmett says could fool anybody into thinking I’m an innocent angel. “You could probably kiss it better.”
Her eyes narrow. “Kisswhatbetter? I thought nothing was broken.”
“That doesn’t mean I haven’t strained anything.” I give her my most innocent and serious expression, although my thoughts are anything but. I suffered a fall from a horse, not castration.
“If you tell me it’s your groin, I’m going to smack you.”
“I thought you were worried about my injuries.”
“Obviously you aren’tthatinjured.”
“I think my lips have a concussion.”
She gives me a prim look, but her eyes twinkle. Her good humor pierces my heart, already vulnerable after her concern for me.
I push myself up, bracing my weight on one hand. I reach out slowly and cradle the back of her skull with the other, threading my fingers through her silky hair. Her eyes widen with surprise, but her lips are soft as I bring her in and fit them over mine.
I keep the kiss sweet and tender as I taste the lovely honey of her lips. Her breath mingles with mine, and then her tongue darts out, shyly stroking.
My hormones surge, and my heart booms in my ears. It’s an effort to control myself. Aspen Hughes might have a body that could tempt a saint, but she has a gentle soul that deserves to be cherished and loved. I lick her back, and lead her tenderly, letting her tell me what she wants, how far she wants to go with her lips and tongue. Her breathing grows shallow, and mine matches hers. She lifts her hands, placing them on my shoulders. The heat from her palms through my shirt sends a hot rush of lust through me, and I groan against her mouth.
She slides her hands down my biceps, then up to my neck before linking them behind it. She opens her mouth more, inviting me inside. She tastes like fire and need. Sugar and spice. All the things lovely and beautiful. Things so precious they have no price.
It’s crazy I’m falling for her this fast, this helplessly. But logic has no meaning when it comes to my heart.
I want to give her everything. I want to take her all.
I want to make her mine, and mine alone.
