Page 103 of Mr. Swoony

“A distraction?” My eyebrows raise up near my hairline.

“A good one, but there’s not a lot I can get done sitting on your lap all day.” Her joking smile turns me on.

I close the gap between us, and her back is pressed to the door as my lips seek hers.

She stops me with a hand on my chest. “We’ll take it one day at a time. I have no doubt we can do this. And maybe we go to a sex shop and get some toys for phone sex?” She waggles her eyebrows.

“Fuck, you really are perfect.” I press my lips against hers. As always, being with her relieves some of my worry because we’re so good together, how can we not make it?

The kiss is soft at first, tentative, giving her a chance to pull away if she wants to discuss anything further. But she leans into me, her free hand curling around the back of my neck, bringing me closer.

The space between us feels impossibly small, the air of the car charged with the heat radiating off each of us. Her fingers tangle in my hair, and my hand grips her waist, keeping her against me. The leather of the car seat creaks as I tilt my body into her, not wanting an inch between us.

When we have to take a breath, I rest my forehead against hers, both of our breathing labored. The windows are steamed up around us.

“I really wish we had a bed right now.” My voice is rough with yearning.

She smiles, her hand resting against my cheek. “Kiss me again.”

And then my lips are on hers, and I dive my tongue deeper this time, more insistent, as though this thing between us might slip through our fingers if we don’t hold on tightly enough.

Outside, the world is carrying on, but in this car, nothing else exists—just us. I wish I could put a protective bubble around us and not let anyone or anything penetrate our happiness.

Forty-Two

Eloise

As soon as I get inside the Uber, I pull out my phone to text Conor.

I’m sorry I missed you before you went to the rink. Good luck tonight.

How did the appointment go?

I love that he’s more concerned about me than the fact I missed seeing him off before his first game of the season. I feel like a shitty girlfriend.

It went great! I’ll fill you in later. I can’t wait to see you play.

Yeah, there’s something I forgot to warn you about.

Shit, what is this about?

My dad is going to be there tonight. He sits with Kyleigh, which means he sits with you too.

My stomach gets queasy, but before I have time to respond, he sends another text.

I’m sorry. I should have planned a dinner or something. Guess I just don’t like to share you. But Kyleigh will be there, and he’s a great guy. You’ll be fine. Still, I’m sorry.

He sounds so worried.

I can’t wait to meet him.

I’m not sure whether I feel nauseated from not eating enough at lunch or from the fact that meeting parents isn’t easy. But I have to remind myself that meeting Conor’s dad likely won’t be like meeting Tristan’s parents, where I felt as though I was under a microscope.

Don’t worry about me. I’m good. See you there.

I can’t wait to show off for you.

I chuckle softy, and the Uber pulls to the curb.

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