Page 42 of A Better Place

His eyes flash, and I know I’m in trouble, but I can’t seem to stop. “Oh, you think you’re so funny, don’t you?”

I giggle and shrug my shoulders as I start to take steps toward him. He turns and saunters my way, flipping his ball cap backward, our eyes never leaving each other’s. “I think I’m a little funny,” I say as I continue walking toward him, holding my finger and thumb up with only a little space apart.

“Funny or delusional?”

Saunter.

Step.

I guffaw and press my hand to my chest. “Delusional? Who’s the delusional one here?”

Saunter.

Step.

“You’ll see.”

Saunter.

Step.

“I’ll see the awesomeness of Dean? I have no doubts.”

Saunter.

Step.

And I’m suddenly hanging upside down over James’s shoulder being carried back into the living room.

“Aggghhh! James! Put me dow…” I laugh. “I’ll pee! James! Seriously!” I’m laughing so hard that tears are already forming in my eyes.

He tosses me on the couch and pounces, his large body covering mine in a very non-friendly way, but I don’t say a thing. I can’t say a thing. While we have not been overly touchy in the weeks that we’ve known each other, we also haven’t refrained from showing each other small amounts of affection. He always puts his hand on the small of my back when we’re walking, and he’s held my hand when we were crossing the street to go for supper. This, though? This is by far the most affection and feeling we have shown each other.

“Take it back,” he repeats, his eyes heated and voice husky, his arms pinning my hands above me, our fingers threaded together so perfectly it felt like they were made for each other.

“Hmm? What was that?”

“I said…” He lowers his face so we’re nose to nose. “…take…” His nose skims the length of my neck. “…it…” Deep inhale. “…back.”

Heart flutters.

Flips.

Flops.

Kaboom!

My breathing picks up, and I know in this moment that I have two choices:

1. Melt into a pile of goo. Which I’m basically well on my way to doing.

2. Take matters into my own hands.

I choose option two.

I pull my hands free, frame his face, and pull him down closer. His eyes heat and flit over mine questioningly. And I do something I’ve been wanting to do for what feels like ever.

I lick him, from jawline to temple.

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