Page 113 of The Drummer

Right.

After filling her in about our visitors and the plan for the song, I deal with her shock, horror, back to shock, insecurity, and finally, the inevitable playful swat when I push the teasing too far.

She’s still laughing when I dodge her smack and tug her toward me.

Her smile fades as her eyes lock on mine. A flare of heat sears her gaze, and she presses closer. Her body is still damp,but warm, her hair wet and saturated with that floral citrus blend I love so much.

There’s no way not to kiss her. We reach for each other at the same time.

The collision is harder and more frantic than the last few. My lips chase hers while she tangles her fingers in my hair and drags me to her. My mind races toward the bed just a few feet away. My body is on fire at the feel of her barely covered form rubbing against me.

I scour her lips, her chin, her neck, sampling rogue drops of water and the tart hint of soap. She tastes so good, feels even better. There’s no way in hell we should be doing this right now, but I can’t stop. When she gasps out my name in a reluctant reminder of reality, I briefly resent the guests on the other side of the door.

“I know,” I concede through a stuttered exhale. “I know.”

But instead of pushing me away, her hands find the button of my jeans.

Shit. Blood rushes in hot pulses as she runs her hand over me, then drives her hips into mine at a torturous angle. Nothing but a towel and thin layer of cotton separate us now, and our kiss intensifies into something dangerously close to the limits of control.

We have to stop. We just…

I wrench back abruptly, breathing hard as I drop my forehead to hers. Several long seconds pass, lust and scorching replays saturating the misted air.

It’s nearly impossible to let her go, but I have to. There’s no way this can go where I want it to. Whereshewants it, based on how she’s still looking at me. Still touching me.

I’m incinerating, aching for her. She has to see the torture all over my face because I feel it radiating from me.

My fears are confirmed when her lips curve in a knowing smile.

Wait…

“You did that on purpose,” I accuse in a strained voice, still hoarse with lust.

“Did what?” There’s nothing innocent in her return grin.

Now she’s seducingme?

I let out a breath and shake my head with a smile. This girl never ceases to surprise me.

“Come out when you’re ready, you vixen.”

I press a quick kiss on her forehead and escape while it’s still possible.

I tryto play it cool when I return to the guys. Based on the sheer delight on their faces when they see me, there’s zero chance they’re going to go easy on me.

“That was quick,” Eli quips. “Poor girl.”

“Shut up,” I grunt. “I was just warning her you guys were here.”

“With your dick?” Eli returns, motioning toward my jeans.

“Shit.” I zip my pants and secure the button.

Sweeny bursts out laughing. Even Luke has an amused smile on his face.

“Whatever,” I mumble. “You’d understand if you saw that woman in a towel.”

Luke lifts a brow, and I cringe. “Wait. No, that’s not what I meant.”

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