My eyelashes flutter when our noses brush, but I force them back open to watch him because…have I ever seen someone look this enraptured while leaning in to kiss me? This man doesn’t even know me, yet I’m convinced that I’m all he’s ever wanted.
When his mouth finally softens over mine, it’s such a relief that a tiny sound escapes me. I feel rather than see his smile before the hand on my jaw tilts my head expertly. Then he comes at me from another angle, still softly but with an intensity I’ve never experienced before.
My mind short circuits for a minute as everything I’ve ever known recalibrates. Light and sound seem to bend around us.Time crawls…or speeds up? I’m honestly not sure. All I know is that leaving my hands at my sides feels like a complete waste.
My fingers race up his torso, his chest, until I band them around his neck, plunging one hand into his velvety hair. A surprised puff of breath washes over me before he deepens the kiss, matching my fervor touch for touch. There’s a desperate edge to each brush of lips, almost as if we both know how fleeting something this good can be.
I would have happily kissed him for the rest of the night, but Blaire’s watery voice brings me back to the room. I’m aware of her coming closer as I break the kiss, never taking my gaze off the man in front of me. His pupils are blown wide, only an icy ring remaining.
“Can we go?”
I blink, trying to notice anything other than his swollen lips.
When Blaire tugs on my wrist, I snap into focus. “What did you say?”
“I need to leave.” It’s only then that I see the trails of mascara running down my sweet roommate’s face.
“What happened?” My hands frame her upper arms as I catch Courtney dragging Cal out the front door.
“Can I help?” the baseball player asks, and a blush of warmth ribbons through me at his genuine concern.
“No. I don’t think—” Blaire looks at her hands, her chin wobbling before glancing at me with pleading eyes. “Can we leave? I just want to go home.”
“Yes,” I tell her, tone reassuring, before glancing up to catch the baseball player’s eyes over her shoulder.
“Will I see you again?” he asks, and his broad chest stills as if he’s holding his breath.
“I’m flying out early tomorrow, and I won’t be back until next semester.”
I bite my lip, realizing how much it sounds like a lie but also aware I don’t have time to explain everything, not with Blaire looking like she’s half a second from a full breakdown. A part of me also knows that jumping into anything with someone new is not a good idea right now.
“So you’ll be back next year?”
I nod. “Yes. I have one more year.”
That dimpled grin breaks over his mouth. “Me too.”
My smile suddenly feels wild.
There’s a spark of potential between us, crackling like it’s a tangible thing. I’ll need to focus on surfing this summer, but this could be worth exploring when I get back.
“I’m on the team’s roster—first baseman. Look me up when you get back.”
When Blaire starts sniffling again, I sling one arm around her shoulders, tugging her toward the back door.
“I will,” I tell him, feeling every growing inch between us like a physical tether. “Next semester, I’ll find you.”
Chapter 2
Tenny
Present day
Brittany lifted her chin defiantly, leaning so close that Aiden could almost count the tiny freckles arching the bridge of her nose. “I don’t believe that you didn’t report my bakery to the town council. That feels very on brand for my nemesis.”
“I didn’t.” Aiden’s answer was a hard scrape. It was becoming difficult to think with her lips mere inches from his.
She hummed, unconvinced, and the sound sent pinpricks shooting to the soles of his feet.
