Page 59 of Easy Out

We need to finish our paper.

We shouldn’t be talking in the dark.

We shouldn’t be standing so close.

So, so close together.

Hart puts a finger over my brow to stop the twitching. My pulse quickens under his touch.

“What do you want to talk about?” Hart leans in, nuzzling his cheek against mine. The scrape of his stubble makes me shiver even though I feel fevered.

“We don’t have to talk with words, cariño,” he whispers in my ear. Hart grazes the side of my face and neck with his mouth.

My knees threaten to buckle. If I wasn’t white knuckling his t-shirt, I’d be on the floor.

14

HART

I should walk away.

I should put some space between us.

I should take her hand in mine and escort Lauren over to our table so we can finish our paper.

But her skin is soft, and she smells so good. I bury my nose in the crook of her neck and inhale a deep breath. Her hands cling to my sides, and her head digs into my chest. The whole world rights itself when she’s in my arms.

This is where Lauren was always meant to be.

I’ve never allowed myself the pleasure of being this close to a woman before. The idea of kissing someone I can’t manage to speak more than two words to wasn’t appealing.

I’ve had offers, sure. Girls in high school and college would flirt and try to tempt me. They weren’t worth my time.

My focus was always elsewhere. Getting good grades and playing baseball were the only things on my mind. Until her.

Lauren swallows when my lips hit her neck. She’s nervous. I am too but my need to kiss her, to taste her, overpowers any other emotions.

Dragging myself away, I run my hands up her arms until I’m cupping her face. “Tell me to stop, brujita,“ I whisper with my forehead against hers.

Lauren’s pulse drums against my fingers.

“Stop,” she says on a breath, stunning me. Ice fills my veins. I lean back instantly. Lauren grasps my hand when I remove it from her face. “I’m sorry. It’s just…give me a minute.”

“Whatever you need.” Not sure how I manage to speak through her rejection. It stings. It’s too familiar.

I’m busy bathing in self-pity when she says, “I’ve…I’ve never done this before. I panicked. I’m ready now.” Lauren pushes her hair off her face, puckers her lips twice, and clears her throat in preparation. My mouth twitches. Dios, ella es adorable.

“I’m going to kiss you now, brujita.”

“You’re not asking this time?”

“No.”

Lauren’s hazel eyes flick from my mouth to my eyes, then back to my mouth again. I slide a hand to the back of her neck and weave my fingers through her hair.

A quiet sigh escapes past her lips.

My heart threatens to beat out of my chest as I lean in and graze my lips over hers, testing their softness. Lauren whimpers when I pull away. I don’t go far. I’m too eager for another taste.

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