“And how do you know my type?” I murmured, trailing kisses along her jaw. Her nails dug into my shoulders, and I rewarded her with a slow, open-mouthed kiss on her neck, drawing out more of those soft, sweet Hazel sounds.
“I’m not blind, am I?” she teased, but it felt uncomfortable. I had flirted with other women in the coffee shop. And in front of Hazel. At the time, I didn’t put much thought into it. Now I actually hated myself for it.
She doesn’t believe me.
Slowly, I pulled her off me, savoring the way her body resisted the distance. Her eyes flickered with panic and confusion, but I lifted her effortlessly, laying her back on the pillows. My gaze locked onto hers, commanding, unrelenting.
I watched her like my life depended on it. The fear in her eyes dissipated, and her body followed my movements. Like we were still on that dance floor. My hand traced her curves, drawing invisible lines down her chest, her waist, stopping at her hip. Hazel’s breathing quickened, but her eyes were still on me. My nose brushed over her freckles, tracing them one by one, teasing her.
I wanted to show her. I wanted to make her believe.
So, I let my breath fall on her one last time before I kissed her again, putting everything I had in that kiss. My tongue swept along her lips, my hands gripping her like she might slip away. Her body arched into me, chasing my touch. Our bodies were crashing like waves flowing along one another. I moved slowly but deliberately. Every brush of lips, every touch had a purpose. I was tasting her, and she was melting into me.
I broke the kiss just enough to whisper, “Do you believe me now?” Hazel’s gaze changed, and after a beat, she nodded, confirming I’d done good work at the convincing department.
She tugged at my hair, pulling me down. My lips hovered over hers, the corners lifting as a rush of warmth spread through me. Happy. I wasfuckinghappy. Every tiny particle in the universe seemed to align perfectly for this moment to happen, but just as our lips were about to meet again, a loud sound shattered our little safe space, making Hazel jolt. Because life’s just that kind to me.
I felt a vibration under her. It was a phone. Her phone. I dug a little using the chance to slide my hand along her cute ass before handing it over. She was still looking at me when she picked up.
“Hello?” she said breathlessly.
“HAZZEEEEL!” someone yelled on the phone. “Happy birthday, girl! It is your birthday there, right? I calculated the time difference like ten times.”
Hazel smiled, her gaze softening. “Thank you, Mady. Is it past twelve?” I tipped my wrist toward her, letting her see the time. “It is. Your math is on point.”
“How’s Europe treating you?”
“I’m good. The sun is amazing, but the heat—” Her eyes dropped to my lips. “—is a bit more than I expected,” she said, and I grinned. I couldn’t help myself. How had I missed it? The way she was. So... ahh.Sexy.
“Excellent. Oh, by the way, I don’t want to alarm you, but I just wanted to let you know. Jackson called me.”
As soon as his name came up, Hazel froze. Her smile vanished. She tried to look unbothered, but I saw the panic flash in her eyes.
“What did he want?”
“Just wanted to know where you have disappeared.” She gulped. I cupped her cheek, grounding her. Letting her know she’s safe with me. She shut her eyes, leaning into my palm for a second, and her shoulders relaxed. The gratification I got from that small gesture was something I couldn’t even explain to myself. I kept my face calm, but inside I was burning with anger. I wanted to keep her here. Safe and with me.
“Did you tell him where I am? Or when I’m coming back?” she asked, still calm. Still pretending. I put my head on her belly, hugging her waist.
“Hell, no. Told him I wasn’t saying jack shit.”
I liked her already.
Hazel’s entire body eased. Her fingers brushed through my hair, and I hummed softly against her, tightening my hold around her body.
“Thank you.”
“How’s your Mr. Hottie in the Suit? Has he ‘accidentally’ dropped his towel in front of you yet?”
My head snapped up at the sound of my name woven into the hilarious commentary. Panic on her face was back, this time accompanied by red cheeks and a frantic response.
“I gotta go, Mady. Love you. Thanks for the birthday wishes.”
“Haze—” The call cut off. I smirked.
“So... I’m a hottie?”
She groaned, hiding her face in her palms. I laughed, prying her hands away to see her adorable, flushed face. Our gazes softened in sync.
