A slow smile curved his mouth. “Yeah. But maybe the kind you need.”
And then, just before the moment tipped into something I wasn’t sure I was ready for, he pressed a soft kiss to my temple instead. Gentle. Careful. Like he knew I needed space to want more before I asked for it. The restraint, the choice to hold back, lit a fire in me stronger than if he’d kissed me outright.
And then my mouth was on his.
It wasn’t delicate. It was greedy, desperate, like he’d been holding back for too long. His hand slid to the small of my back, anchoring me, as I clutched at the fabric of his shirt. The kiss deepened, his beard rough against my skin, his breath warm, tasting faintly of. I felt it everywhere. Down my spine,at the tips of my toes, curling low in my stomach.
Being this close to him felt like fire. If we had not been sitting on the side of the road, looking over the pier, I may have been tempted to break more of the rules I created to protect myself. This was uncharted territory, and I did not mind. I leaned into the moment, enjoying his embrace and allowing my hand to feel the swell of his biceps.
When he finally pulled back, both of us breathing hard, his forehead rested against mine. His voice was rough, almost ragged. “Still trouble?”
My answer was a shaky laugh as I buried my face against his chest, giggling like a girl half my age. “Shh, no talking.”
His chest rumbled with quiet laughter, and his arms tightened around me. In that moment, with him holding me with no intention of ever letting go, I knew I was already deeper than I planned to be.
I grinned, unable to help it, still clutching his shirt like I needed proof he was real. Before doubt could creep in, I pressed my face into his chest, breathing him in. A nervous laugh slipped out, bubbling up before I could stop it. His arms tightened, creating a sense of safety that I knew I could hold onto when everything else felt uncertain.
And in that small, imperfect moment, I realized just how much I wanted this. How much I wanted him.
Chapter Fourteen
Hunter
Her laugh was still caught in my shirt when I finally eased back, brushing one last kiss to her lips before we headed toward the truck. She slipped her hand into mine without question, her fingers small but certain, her warmth anchoring me with every step.
The whole walk to the truck, I kept sneaking glances at her. Memorizing the curve of her smile, soft and secret, like she was still replaying the kiss in her head. Hell, maybe I was, too.
When we reached the truck, I opened the passenger door with a mock formality, bowing slightly. “Your chariot awaits.”
She arched a brow, clearly amused. “Pretty sure a chariot doesn’t come with oversize tires and a lift.”
“Only the best for you,” I said, smirking, enjoying her laugh as she climbed in.
By the time we hit the road, she was already fiddling with the radio, scrolling through my presets until she found one of my playlists. The beat that filled the cab was hard and fast,bass thrumming through the seats. She gasped, clutching her chest in fake horror. “Is this… EDM?”
I side-eyed her, one hand steady on the wheel. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Five minutes ago, you were humming along to Florida Georgia Line. Now it’s…whatever this is. Explain yourself,” she teased, grinning.
“It’s called music, Cami.” I deadpanned.
She laughed, the sound bubbling out in a way she couldn’t stop. “Music? This is a war crime. One second, it’s cowboy hats and heartbreak, the next, it’s bass drops and club lights. Who are you?”
“The best of both worlds,” I deadpanned.
She snorted, leaning back in her seat. “You’re like if Spotify had an identity crisis.”
“Jealous?” I muttered, tapping the wheel in time with the beat.
“Of what? Your chaotic playlists? Please.” She crossed her arms, a smirk tugging at her lips. “This just confirms what I already suspected. There are so many layers to you,Hunter Bennett. What are you going to tell me next? You’re secretly a cowboy who dreams of break dancing.”
I barked out a laugh, shaking my head. “Don’t tempt me,Camille Brooks. I’ve got some moves.” Emphasizing her name in response to her using mine.
“Oh, I bet you do,” she teased, eyes sparkling. “Do I get to see them?”
“Not a chance,” I said quickly, though I couldn’t help the grin spreading across my face. “The world isn’t ready for all of that.”
She leaned her head back against the window, still smiling. “You’re ridiculous.”
