Page 197 of Silver Fox Puck

“You okay?”

I pull back just enough to meet his gaze.

And God, he’s looking at me like I’m it.

Like I’m the reason he’s breathing.

Like I’m not something temporary.

My chest tightens.

Because I actually believe it.

I exhale, my fingers brushing the back of his neck.

“I think I finally get it.”

Grant tilts his head. “Get what?”

I swallow, voice quiet but sure. “Why people stay.”

Grant’s throat works, his jaw flexing like I just knocked the air out of him.

Then, slowly—

His fingers slide under my jaw, tilting my face up.

His mouth brushes mine—just barely.

Not impatient.

Just a promise.

A choice.

And when he finally kisses me—

I know.

I’m not running anymore.

And neither is he.

Our mouths find each other like magnets—urgent and messy and real. There’s no hesitation, no careful steps. We’ve already walked through fire together. This is what we get on the other side.

He kisses me like the tension in his body has nowhere else to go.

Like I’m the answer.

And maybe I am.

My back hits the hallway wall with a soft thud, and I gasp as his thigh slips between mine, spreading me just enough for the friction to spark something low and hot in my belly.

I grab the back of his neck, pulling him closer until there’s no space between us—just heat and breath and hands that can’t stop touching. He presses into me, hard and already thick beneath his jeans, and my entire body tightens in anticipation.

“Bedroom,” he murmurs against my lips, but I shake my head.

“Here.”

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