“I’m getting used to having your fine ass next to me every night, where I can do this.” He slid one hand up my shirt and cupped my breast before tweaking my nipple.
“And this.” With his other hand, he rubbed my sex through the outside of my clothes. “Do you want to spend the night alone?”
“N-no.” My voice shook, and the desperate need to be naked took over. I gripped the edge of his shirt and pushed him back. “I want you.”
“God, your eyes are gorgeous when you’re horny.” He cupped my face and brought his mouth down on mine for a long, deep kiss. “We need to head back downstairs. My sister will know exactly what we are doing, and I can’t have her bringing that up all year.”
“You devil.” I huffed. “You got me all worked up to walk away? I’ll remember that, Harrison. I’m keeping score.”
“If we’re keeping score, babe, you’re way ahead on the orgasm count.” He grinned, looking all sorts of sexy and naughty. I felt the heat of his stare in my core. “But I’m a good sport.”
“Whatever.” I rolled my eyes and swatted at his chest.
He caught my hand and held my gaze for more time than I was prepared for. It was an intimate look—one that had meaning beyond friendship or a fling—and I broke it by glancing at his crotch.
“Oh boy, you might need to cool off before you head downstairs,” I teased. “Seems like you have something in your pants.”
“I’ll be sneaking into your room tonight.” His eyes lit up. “That’s a promise.”
“Can’t wait. Now, I’m going to go talk more with your sister and learn embarrassing stuff about you.”
“She wouldn’t dare.”
“I think she might.” I felt confident and bold, something I hadn’t felt with a man in a long time, and waltzed out of the room. “Take your time up here.”
Something resembling a growl came from Harrison, and I couldn’t stop the smile spreading over my entire face even if I’d tried.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
HARRISON
Ihad to hand it to Blair—she had a better bullshit face than I did. The tight lines around her eyes and mouth didn’t fool me, but they did her kids. Parents should make sacrifices for their kids. But this is how I found myself sitting on the couch, nursing my third beer while talking to our family on FaceTime.
“Tell me about your presents, Gabby,” my mom said in a nicer tone than I was used to. It pleased me when they were kind to Blair’s kids, even though they were never as involved with us. Kids were messy and loud, and my parents liked a quieter life. “You look adorable in your pj’s. Oh, I wish you were here to snuggle!”
“Grandma, you know we can’t fly. It’s snowy out. I wish you were here with us!” Gabby moved the iPad and showed the room. “Everyone is here, see?”
“Your Uncle Hank isn’t, though.”
“Yeah, Gabs. Yourfavoriteuncle has a big football game to coach, unlike your other one.” Hank joined the conversation with his annoying, teasing voice. I gripped my beer tighter at his reminder that my team had a losing season while he got lucky. “Tell me who’s your favorite. Come on.”
“Hank, don’t do that,” my mom said without any real effort. “It isn’t fair to your brother.”
Poor Gabby looked at me, her expression worried.
I picked her up, hugging her tightly in my arms. “I think Uncle Hank’s ego can take a hit, sweetheart. It’ll be good for him.”
“Harry! My dude.” Hank’s voice grated on my last nerve. “You drinking yourself into oblivion after your horrible season? Still think you should’ve flown out earlier, but whatever. Hey, is that chick still there with you? I thought I spied someone outside of our family.”
“Chick? What chick?” my mom asked.
Great.
I pulled at my hair and mouthedI’m sorryto Becca. “My neighbor runs the sorority house next door, and some windows blew out. She’s staying with me during the storm, and I thought it’d be rude to leave her alone on Christmas.”
“A sorority house? That’s a little young for you. I know you’re trying to get over Vivian, but she was your age. Don’t be an idiot, Harrison.” My mom’s voice grated on me.
I ground my teeth together. “I think Blair wanted to talk to you. Wish you well and all.”
