“That you’re going to kiss me.”
“Am I?”
“I hope so.”
He leaned in slowly, giving me time to close the distance or pull away. I did nothing of the sort.
The kiss started gentle, his lips moving on mine with a patience that made me ache.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His hands tightened on my waist, and the kiss deepened.
When we broke apart, we were both flushed.
“I brought pajamas,” I said, because my brain had stopped working properly.
“You won’t need them.”
“You said that about my panties.”
“I meant it both times.”
I laughed, the sound shaky. “We should probably move to the couch.”
“Probably.”
Neither of us did.
“Tolrek?”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you for cooking dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“And for hanging my sketch where you can see it.”
“It deserves to be seen.”
“And for leaving the frames by my door.”
“You needed them.”
“And for being exactly who you are.”
His eyes darkened. “Haley?—”
I kissed him again before he could finish, pouring everything I couldn’t say into it.
When we broke apart this time, he lifted me off the counter like I weighed nothing, my legs wrapping around his waist. He carried me to the couch and sat, settling me in his lap.
Beau raised his head from his bed, gave us a look that suggested we were being ridiculous, and went back to sleep.
“He’s judging us,” I said.
“He judges everything. It’s his default state.”
I settled against Tolrek’s chest, his arms coming around me. We fit together well, given the size difference. His heart beat steadily under my ear.
