Page 96 of Not Safe For Work

“Thanks for telling me all that,” she says. “It means a lot that you trust me. Well, I shouldn’t make assumptions. But I think you kind of trust me.”

“I kind of love you.”

She sucks in a breath and I’m frozen. Why the hell did I say that? I’ve never told anyone I loved them before besides Gabby.Can I take it back? I look down at the sliver of space between us, praying if I just wait long enough, she’ll let me pretend it never slipped out.

“Only kind of?” The corners of her mouth pull into a teasing grin.

Immediate relief hits me, and I exhale so heavily it pushes our lips together.

This time, when she kisses me, it feels different. Like there’s no destination, like we’re both just here to enjoy the ride. After many pointed comments from her brothers about thin walls, I know tonight will be tame, but I really don’t care. I could stay like this forever.

I slide my hand up to her neck and cup her jaw, reveling in the feel of her soft skin.

“Scottie,” she whispers against my lips. “I might love you a little bit too.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

OLIVIA

Gavin falls asleep quickly,his hand still tucked against my chest, our faces so close we share each breath.

Not me. I’m wired.

It feels like I swallowed starlight. Like I reached through the telescope and stole every shimmering ball of fire from the sky. If I’m not careful I might start glowing, a neon sign wrapped around me telling the world I’m in love.

Love. Is this my first time feeling it?

When I got serious with Ian there was this constant buzzing under my skin. Every time he invited me on a new trip or to go to some special event, I’d get hit hard with it, this zing of possibilities.

But if that was a spark, this is a flood, extinguishing any last remnants of my old flame.

I’m not just falling for Gavin. I’m drowning in him. His hold on me feels like cool rain on a hot day, an icy drink after a run. It doesn’t feel like something I want, but something I need. Like something I never want to go without.

I must doze off thinking about this. But my blissful dream of crisp rain pouring over me turns scalding when I wake.

Hot, hot, hot. Not the good kind. The pillow beneath me is damp and I pull back, realizing Gavin and I slept most of the night pressed up against each other.

The heat subsides when I get some space and I reach to touch his face. It’s burning.

“Scottie, wake up,” I say, gently pressing against him.

“Mmm?” he mumbles, his eyes still closed. He shivers and reaches a hand to pull me back into him.

Feeling a hit of satisfaction for him wanting my comfort, I let myself curl into him for a moment. The sigh he releases makes me beam. But then I realize this isn’t helping the situation.

“Do you feel okay?” I ask, wiggling out of his embrace. “You’re really hot.”

“Thanks, Sparkles. You’re not so bad yourself.” His eyes are still closed but he grins. “And you love me a little bit.” Now my face is the one burning.

“See. You’re clearly delusional. I better take you to the hospital immediately before you lose any more brain function.”

“She makes jokes,” he says, pulling me in even tighter. “I know you wanted to go explore but would you be okay heading back early? I’ve got a headache.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t be driving if you feel sick, Scottie.”

“You drive. I saw you yesterday. My girl’s a pro with a clutch.”

Something about that singular wordmyhas me heating up again. Maybe whatever he has is contagious.

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