Page 82 of All We Need

His head cocks to the side. “Sowhat you’re saying is ifIwasn’t injured, you’d consider it?”

Anoomphleaves him when a pillow hits him in the face.

“You won’t be able to work.What’sthe restaurant supposed to do?”Idrop to my knees and gently lift his hand.Eyestrained on his mottled red knuckles. “Youdidn’t need to do that for me.”

With his good hand, he hooks a finger under my chin. “Iknow.Iwanted to.Hadto, actually.”

Booth doesn’t think; he does.

At first,Iput it down to him being impulsive and immature, but the more timeIspend with him, the moreIunderstand.He’sloyal to the core, headstrong, and puts his all into everything he does.Andhe’s found me worthy of falling into that bracket.

An odd sensation seizes me asIcatalog his bruised hand, sincere expression, and, well, him.

After placing a gentle kiss to his knuckles,Isurge upward and seal my lips to his.

A weightlessness accompanies the feel of his mouth against mine.Icould float into the atmosphere, disappear into theMilkyWay, if it weren’t for the unstoppable magnetism grounding me.

SinceNewYear’sEve, my defenses have weakened considerably.

Ignoring the meaning behind it all,Ideepen the kiss, weave my fingers through his messy hair, and wordlessly ask him to follow my lead.

His grip is harsh as he cups the back of my neck, tongue exploring my mouth lazily.Ourtouches roam, and a deep rumble vibrates in his chest when my fingers curl around the waistband of his sweats.

When they trace over his smooth, hard skin, my desire skyrockets.

Groaning in frustration against my lips, he pulls away.Heplucks my hand out of his pants and holds it against his cheek, smiling at me carefully.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”Hiswords negate his torn expression.

Mortification drips over me.Hisrejection is a punch in the chest.

I shoot to my feet, snatch up my coat, and make it two steps before a strong forearm anchors me to his chest. “Fuck, no.You’remisreading this.Iwantyou.”Hishard length presses into my lower back in confirmation.

“You said this isn’t a good idea.”Idespise the dejection in my voice.

“Silver, you said one night.Andthat was after you left me high and dry in the cabin, swearing to pretend that morning never happened.Thenthe supply closet happened…Forgiveme for being a teensy bit confused right now.”

Twisting in his hold, my eyes fix on the divot at the base of his neck. “I’mnot good at”—Ipoint between us—“This.I’vealready told youI’llbe leaving soon.”

His shoulders deflate. “Willyou look at me?”

I raise my gaze, and he tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “I’mnot asking for your hand in marriage.”Heexhales a slow breath. “We’reattracted to each other, you excite me, andI’dlike to spend time with you until you leave.”

His honesty is refreshing.Readingbetween the lines, he’s suggesting a no strings agreement.CouldIdo that?Forone, it would make my remaining time in town more entertaining and hopefully be a good distraction.

Most of my relationships have been casual.Butno one has roused me like him.Andthat’s the scariest part.

My decision is obvious or stupid.

“We have to keep things professional at work.Andno telling your family.”AfterDexandJo’scomments recently, that’s likely impossible.

His smile slips. “Oh, um, so about that.”

Point proven.

I cock my head. “Gossipmuch?”

“Hey, it wasn’t me.Theyhave no boundaries.”Hisexpression tells me he’s full of crap. “Iswear it stays between us.I’mnothing if not professional.”

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