Velma held on to Brek’s muscled abs as he parked the motorcycle at their apartment building. His spicy scent overpowered her senses. The whole ride, she’d rehearsed what she might say. She hadn’t said no, and this time he seemed intent to see this thing through. So, they would talk about boundaries and create a plan.
Velma’s breaths turned shallow while she fought with the thick black clasp on her chinstrap.
Brek climbed off and unhooked his helmet easily.
Her clasp wouldn’t release. She pressed and pulled harder. The strap bit further into her jaw as her breathing became erratic. “I can’t get this darn thin—”
“Here.” Brek’s warm grip surrounded hers. With barely a flick, he released the clasp and removed her helmet.
Shaking, and with no grace, she climbed off the bike. Velma ran her hand over her hair and glanced to the variety of pebbles scattered across the asphalt. She studied them like they held the solution to all her life’s problems.
Brek placed his hands along her jaw, one on each side, and tilted her head up.“You can change your mind. Anytime.”
His thumbs stroked her temples.
Her stomach did a little flip at the sensation. “No. I just…I’m not good at this stuff.”
“Okay.”
“Okay?” she asked.
“Yeah.”
What was he even saying? “Yeah?”
“V, you’re overthinking things. Catch your breath. I’m still me. We’re still us.” He settled both hands against her shoulders, and the fingertips of his right hand brushed little circles against the sensitive skin just below her jawline.
She nodded. “Let’s go home.”
Focused on the sidewalk, she hustled toward the building and inside the elevator.
He stepped into the elevator and pushed the button to their floor.
“Havin’ second thoughts about us?” he asked, his expression genuine.
“No.” She wasn’t.
“Then don’t run from this.” The words were practically a plea.
The silver doors slid open. He looped his arm around her waist, his long strides propelling both of them down the hall.
Brek shoved the door to their apartment open. She hurried to her bedroom. Brek kissed her as soon as they got there. All fire and tongue, melting her against him.
He pulled back and winked. “Don’t move.”
She blinked as he disappeared behind the door and immediately popped his head back in.
“Don’t freak out, either.”
She opened her mouth to respond when he turned on his heel and left once more.
This time, her chest heaved full-on breaths. Each inhale drew excitement, and a dash of fear. What had she gotten herself into?
She should go and see what the heck Brek was doing.
Gosh, the room had gotten uncomfortably hot. Carefully, she removed her sweater and dropped it into the wicker laundry bin.
Her gaze moved to her bathroom, her only escape. She just needed a minute to get herself together.
