“So what you’re saying is you just want me for my body?” I joke instead.
She lets out a breathy laugh. “If I was, could you blame me?”
I keep my disappointment hidden, and force a smile. “So, let’s say I am interested in moving forward with this. What exactly are you proposing here?”
She tilts her head to the side as she mulls it over, her teeth catching her bottom lip.
“I’m not normally a friends-with-benefits type of girl, but right now I think that’s all I have to offer.”
I study her face, catching the flicker of uncertainty despite the mock confidence in her words.
“Are you sure you’re really okay with that? As much as I’m willing to take whatever you’ll give, I don’t want to force you into this. You know you don’t owe me anything, right?”
Her lips twitch. “Since when are you the one to turn this down?” she asks, the playful edge back in her tone.
“When I’m dealing with someone I care about I can’t just ignore what happens next. I want you, Hollis, you know that, butI won’t let things go any further if I know it’s only going to hurt you in the process.”
She lets out a loud breath and presses her hands against my chest, gently breaking free of my hold.
“I’ll be fine. As long as we keep this a simple friends-with-benefits situation, I won’t get hurt. You, on the other hand...” she trails, her gaze trailing over me in a soft but teasing way. “Are you sure you’re going to be okay if that’s all I can give?”
“Yes.” I reach for her hands and pull her back until there’s no more space left between us. “I’ll be fine. All I want is you, and I’ll take it in whatever form you’re willing to give.”
Her lips curve into a faint frown. “Fletch…”
“Stop worrying. I’m a big boy. I can handle my emotions, and while we both know it’s obvious I want more, if this is all I’ll ever get, then so be it. I’ll be fine, I promise.” I lift a hand, and brush back a fallen strand of hair as I place it behind her ear. “Just give me what you can, and I’ll deal with everything else.”
I don’t wait for a response and instead kiss her again, slow but more sure. There’s so much I want to say, but instead, I let my lips do the confessing.
Am I happy with this current arrangement? Hell no, but I’ll play by her rules, at least for now.
23
Hollis
I’m not stupid enough to believe him, but the moment his lips touch mine, I stop caring.
I know better. This can’t and won’t change anything. But come on! Why can’t a girl fully give in for once? I’m tired of pretending there isn’t some strong magnetic pull between us, and I’m exhausted from fighting a battle that so clearly doesn’t need to be fought.
If he’s not worried about the possible fallout, why should I be?
Plus, who wants to worry about consequences when his mouth is just that good? This man’s talents aren’t solely limited to baseball, and I have first hand experience on just how skilled those fingers and lips are.
Long forgotten is the adorable camp setup with the fire and s’mores. Fletcher’s the only sweet treat I crave as his arms tighten their hold around me. His palm sinks lower, grazing my jean-covered ass, as my hand gets lost in his hair before giving it a light tug.
“Damn,” he chuckles into our kiss, not breaking the connection.
I, on the other hand, can’t keep this up and pull away.
“Up there.” I nod toward the tailgate.
He doesn’t hesitate. His hands sink lower toward my thighs and I jump, trusting him explicitly as he scoops me up effortlessly. I loop my arms around his shoulders and he turns, setting me gently on the bed of the truck.
Shifting backward, I finally get a moment to take in the set-up. The entire bed of the truck is littered with pillows and blankets, but it's him who pulls back my gaze as a shiver races through me.
He lifts himself up with ease, and it’s hard to ignore the devilish smirk lighting up his face. Maybe that look should scare me, but it’s the exact opposite. It only makes me want this even more. I’m finally ready for this—for him.
“Crawl to me,” I challenge.
