“Because I’m not your type either,” I grasped at the last straw once more. This time, he heard me. This time, he stopped.
“And what’s my type, Hazel?” His voice sweet as velvet, both hands in his pockets. He looked so carefree. Like we were discussing different types of fish.
“Mostly brunettes, long legs, big boobs, confident one-night-stands.” My voice got a little shaky.
“Hmm... try again.” He stepped closer.
“Extremely beautiful, hot, flirty girls who exude sex appeal and only eat salad for lunch,” I whispered as he finally approached, his calm, intoxicating presence wrapping around me like a vine before he even touched me.
“And why exactly aren’t you all those things?”
I stumbled back a little until my back hit a tree. Luke’s hands found my waist, and my arms grabbed his for support. My heart was racing as I tried to get a hold of the situation, but his gaze trapped mine. We were in our little bubble again.
“Well, for starters... I love a good burger,” I whispered and gulped as his nose lightly grazed my cheek. My breath hitched at the feeling of his hips pressing into mine. He cupped my face, and I closed my eyes, leaning into his touch. I couldn’t havehelped myself even if I wanted to. I longed to stay here. In his arms. But my pounding heart reminded me why I shouldn’t.
“Luke,” I breathed, forcing myself to meet his eyes. “You were right yesterday. We’re too different. I’m...” I lowered my eyes, the words stuck in my throat. “I’m not the girl for you. I’m not the girl you want.”
I couldn’t look him in the eyes, but his fingers tensed on my skin. His other arm slid behind me and pulled me closer, making my legs go jello. He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear.
“Hazel, sweetie. Look at me.”
I lifted my gaze. The person staring back at me was collected, confident, and sure. So sure.
“There’s nothing in the world I want more right now.” His eyes didn’t lie, just like mine never could. His forehead touched mine, and I closed my eyes again. It was officially too much for me to handle. My fingers brushed over the linen shirt, feeling his muscles flex the moment I touched him.
This foresthadto be enchanted. Otherwise, I would’ve never let a small moan escape me as his thumb traced my lower lip. Just like last night.
“I can’t get it out of my mind,” he softly said, holding me in his spell.
“What?”
He sighed. “The incredible softness of your lips.”
I wanted to throw all my reasons out the window. I wanted Luke, desperately. And what’s worse—I wanted him to want me. To really want me. But it was so hard to care about the reality when his scent blinded me and his palm burned into my skin. His hand slid back to my hip, thumb brushing dangerously close to my lower belly, sending sparks straight between my legs.
Which lips was he talking about?
Oh, my God. Shut the hell up, Hazel! You NEVER say that to him.
His breath hit my face, flooding me with memories of yesterday’s kiss. Kisses, in fact—there had been many. Each different—soft, calm, desperate, rushed, intoxicating, every possible emotion. And the thrill of it happening again sent me into overdrive. Because now I knew how he tasted.
Luke closed in, our mouths so close our breaths tangled. I could already feel his tongue on mine. Just an inch closer.
“HAZEELLLL!”
A loud scream echoed through the majestic forest. We froze, locked in each other’s gaze, afraid to break the spell. Not uttering a word. Not even breathing.
“LUUUKKE!”
Luke groaned, burying his face in my shoulder, his grip on my hips tight. Struggling to hold himself back. Loud laughter burst from me, and I couldn’t stop. I felt his lips curve into a smile against my neck. My giggles only got worse, and I covered my eyes with my hand, embarrassed by the emotions coursing through me.
“I’m dumping them tomorrow,” he muttered, lifting his head. Green moss clung to his hair, his eyes dark and earthy, blending seamlessly with the forest’s palette.
“No, you’re not. You love them,” I said, still trying to tame my laughter. I brushed the tiny particles out of Luke’s dark locks, earning a heavy sigh from him.
“Unfortunately,” he grunted, and then leaned in, pressing a quick, achingly sweet kiss to my cheek. Then, without saying another word, Luke took my hand and led me back to the people he loved most in the world.
* * *
