Page 31 of Switch

I lean back, studying her for a moment. “You okay?”

Her gaze flicks to mine, and she nods slowly, her breath catching as my hand reaches out, cupping her face.

“Good,” I murmur, leaning in.

The first brush of my lips against hers is slow, teasing. I let it linger, feeling the softness of her mouth and the way she exhales quietly. When I slide my tongue along the seam of her lips, she opens for me, and the world tilts.

What starts as gentle quickly turns into something hotter, more urgent. It’s like a match has been struck, the flame catching before either of us can think about putting it out.

Her hands find their way to my shoulders, gripping the fabric of my shirt as I pull her closer. I shift, wrapping an arm around her waist, and before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m pulling her onto my lap. She sits sideways, her knees brushing against my thigh, and her arms loop around my neck.

I kiss her deeper, my hand sliding along the curve of her back, holding her as if she might slip away. Her breath mixes with mine, fast and shallow, and I can feel her heart racing against my chest.

Whatever this is, it’s not just chemistry—it’s a goddamn explosion.

I pull back for a moment, resting my forehead against hers, both of us trying to catch our breath. Her eyes flutter open, and the way she looks at me—like I’ve just turned her entire world upside down—hits me harder than I’m ready for.

“You’re something else, Bella,” I whisper, my voice rough.

She doesn’t reply, just leans in to kiss me again, and I know I’m a goner. Her lips brush against my ear as she whispers, “I don’t want to go home tonight.”

My heart stutters, my grip on her waist tightening slightly. “Are you sure?”

She nods, her gaze steady and certain.

That’s all I need.

I stand, scooping her up effortlessly, and she lets out a quiet gasp before her arms tighten around my neck. I carry her down the hall, my footsteps heavy on the hardwood, and push open the door to my bedroom.

The room is simple—dark walls, a big bed with plain sheets, and a few pieces of furniture that match because I’m a grown-ass man who can pick out a set.

I lay her gently on the bed, my hands lingering on her waist for a moment before I step back. I grab the back of my shirt and pull it over my head in one motion.

Bella’s eyes follow the movement, and I see the way her gaze roams over me, taking in every inch of bare skin. She doesn’t hide the fact that she likes what she sees, and it lights something primal in me.

But then I pause, a smirk tugging at my lips. “There’s something wrong with this picture.”

She tilts her head, confused.

“You’re still fully clothed,” I say, my voice dropping.

A faint blush spreads across her cheeks, but her lips curve into a soft smile. “I guess we should fix that.”

I kneel at the edge of the bed, my hands sliding up her thighs as I meet her eyes. “Yeah, I think we should.”

Bella’s breath hitches as she sits up slightly, her hands slipping under the hem of her sweater. She pulls it over her head in one smooth motion, tossing it aside before meeting my gaze.

She’s beautiful—soft and curvy, her skin practically glowing in the dim light. I let out a slow exhale, my eyes dragging over every inch of her like I’m trying to memorize the moment.

Her fingers fidget with the waistband of her jeans for a second before I step in, my hands brushing hers away. “Let me,” I murmur.

I take my time unbuttoning and sliding the zipper down. The sound feels louder than it should, like it’s echoing in the quiet of the room. I hook my fingers under the fabric, pulling her jeans down and tossing them aside.

And there she is.

Her dark brown hair fans out on my pillows, her creamy skin practically begging to be touched. She’s wearing a black lacy bra, and my chest tightens at the sight.

I quirk a brow at her, unable to stop the smirk pulling at my lips. “Did you wear this for me?”

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