Then at me.
Slowly.
“You did that on purpose.”
A grin spreads across my face. I didn’t.
But I’m not about to admit that.
“Maybe.”
He reaches for a pillow, and I see it coming just a second too late.
It hits me square in the face.
I gasp. “Did you just…”
“Yes.”
I lunge for another pillow. “Oh, you’re dead.”
The next few seconds dissolve into chaos, pillows flying as we try to outmaneuver each other, Marvel darting between us like he’s orchestrating the whole thing. Dex laughs, real and unguarded, blocking my swings like this is the easiest thing in the world.
“Stop cheating!” I say, trying to land a hit. “You’re using your height. Not fair.”
“I’m not cheating,” he shoots back. “You’re just slow.”
“Really?” I square my shoulders. “I’ll show you slow.”
I swing again.
He catches the pillow midair, pulling it out of my hands, and suddenly I’m off balance, stumbling forward…
Right into him.
Everything stills.
My hands land flat against his chest, warm and solid beneath my palms, his arm wrapping around me on instinct as he steadies me, pulling me just a little closer than necessary.
Too close.
His scent hits me all at once, filling my lungs until it settles somewhere deeper.
His hands rest at my hips, warm, steady, sending a ripple of heat through me that raises goosebumps along my arms, my back, everywhere.
His gaze drops to my lips.
My breath catches.
For a second, neither of us moves.
It feels like the whole room is holding its breath with us.
Then…
Marvel jumps between us, grabbing onto my pant leg.
The moment snaps.
