I stack the cereal boxes back on the shelf, trying to ignore the fluttering in my stomach as Killian watches me intently.
“So...” he says, leaning against the shelves casually. “You’ve been avoiding me since we became roommates.”
I stiffen, keeping my gaze fixed on restocking. “No, I haven’t.”
“Yes, you have.” He steps closer. “Every time I enter a room, you leave. You never sit near me at dinner. And just now you tensed up when I touched you.”
I turn to face him, indignant. “That’s because you grabbed me without warning and lifted me into the air!”
“Maybe,” he concedes. “But I think it’s more than that.” His eyes burn into mine. “I make you nervous, don’t I?”
My breath catches at his proximity, his musky scent enveloping me. I force nonchalance. “You don’t make me nervous.” I’m such a liar. My heart is racing, my knees are weak and my palms are sweating profusely, just from being in his presence.
He smiles slowly. “Yes, I do. And you know it.”
Suddenly, he presses me back against the shelves, caging me in with his arms. My heart pounds wildly as he leans in close, our faces inches apart.
“But that’s okay,” he murmurs. “Because I’m going to spend every day breaking down those walls of yours, Dylan.” His fingers trail down my arm and I shiver. “Before long, you’ll be like putty in my hands.”
My lips part, shock and desire warring within me.
Just as quickly, he smirks and pulls back, sauntering away.
“See you at home, roomie,” he calls over his shoulder.
I slump back against the shelves, my pulse racing.
Oh boy. I’m in trouble.
I take a deep breath to steady myself as I watch him walk away, his taut ass bouncing pleasantly in time with his long strides. My skin still tingles where he touched me.
I can’t deny there’s an intense magnetic attraction between us. And, living together, it seems impossible to resist. That close proximity, and the intimacy of sharing a space even though we sleep in separate rooms. So many chances for accidental nudity.. we’ve already had a nip slip incident, for goodness’ sake. The situation just seems ripe with opportunity and risk.
As I continue my shopping, I can’t stop picturing Killian shirtless after a workout, his muscles rippling. Or emerging from the shower with just a towel wrapped around his waist. If only I could make that towel fall down. If only I could be that towel.
A flush creeps up my neck at the thought. Get it together, Dylan.
But my mind keeps wandering to all the tantalizing possibilities of having a roommate who looks like Killian. Lazy weekend mornings lounging in bed together. Steamy showers where we “conserve water.” Curling up on the couch, his strong arms wrapped around me.
I bite my lip, desire simmering within me. Maybe this arrangement is just what I need.
As I head to the checkout, I make a decision. No more running away from Killian. It’s time to stop fighting this magnetic pull between us.
I’m going to embrace every moment of having this gorgeous man as a roommate. And let him break through these walls I’ve built.
One searing kiss at a time.
Chapter 20
Killian
Thehumofmyengine is the only sound cutting through the silence as I cruise down the empty back roads. My hands grip the steering wheel, my knuckles turning white as a riot of thoughts storm through my head.
Despite her obvious strength, she was all curves and softness when I picked her up at the grocery store, a jolt of desire shooting through me at the contact. And that brief, accidental touch of her butt cheek... God, what’s happening to me?
I shake my head and sigh, shifting in my seat. The memory of Dylan’s body pressed against mine floods my senses, my body’s instant reaction proof that the chemistry between us is undeniable. But is it worth the risk?
“No screwing the crew. That’s the rule,” I mutter under my breath.
