Page 56 of XOXO, Valentina

Her eyes found mine and held. “I want to come. I want to be with you.”

I hooked my arm around her waist and backed her up against the desk. I forced myself not to pounce on her like a hungry lion. “You do?”

“Yes, Joey.”

She said my name as if she wanted to devour me. A stray lock of hair fell from her ponytail, and it was all I could to do to keep from brushing it off her cheek.

I wanted to rip her clothes off and fuck her right on top of the desk, but it wouldn’t be enough. I needed more than a quickie with Gabriella. I needed more than a stolen afternoon or a forbidden breakfast.

I dipped my head and kissed her, taking more than I should. She met my kiss with her own demands. I broke away, content to know I had her to myself for at least a few days.

“You missed me, didn’t you?” I teased.

“Don’t beun gallo.” She grinned up at me, and her hand snuck to my package and stroked me through my shorts.

I grabbed her wrist with a growl. My swelling dick didn’t need encouragement. “Don’t start.”

She stretched up on her tiptoes and kissed my cheek in an innocent gesture that felt sexy as hell. “Sorry.”

“When will you come?” I asked, already eager to lie beside her on a deserted beach where no one would know us.

“Wednesday?”

I nodded. That would give me four days to visit with my family before I made everything about Gabriella. I grabbed her ponytail and tugged. “Let’s get back to class before anyone notices we’re gone.”

She glanced at the front of my shorts, eying my hard-on as if it were a dangerous weapon. “You can do yoga like that?”

I grimaced. “I might have to skip eagle pose.” I cracked open the door and peeked into the hall. The coast was clear. I nudged Gabriella out, then followed a moment later.

25

Chapter 22

Gabi

I had a list of things to do before Wednesday, including underwear shopping. I jotted down the items I needed to take care of before flying out of the country. My passport was current from a missionary trip to Haiti with our church group, but my swimsuit collection was from five years ago. I was debating on whether to drive to Charlotte to do some shopping when Kennedy called.

“How was yoga?” she asked.

I pulled a brush through my tangled hair. “Hot.”

She smothered a cough. “The studio wasn’t the only thing that was hot,” she said. “How’s Joey?”

I dropped my brush. “How did you know Joey was there?”

She laughed. “You know what? My office has a security camera.”

“What?” My cheeks flamed, and I paced into my bathroom.

She choked with laughter. “Yep. I get a notification if the motion detector goes off. Usually I lock my door, but I guess I didn’t tonight. You’re welcome.”

My hand flew to my mouth. “I’m so sorry, Kennedy.”

“Don’t be. He looks like an excellent kisser. Please tell me he’s a good kisser.”

I grinned and sank to my bed. Joey was an amazing kisser. “He’s the best.”

“Knees weak?”

---