Page 75 of Let's Get Textual

He slides my thick curtain of hair to the side, exposing my neck so he can place his soft lips on my skin. Giving gentle kisses, he makes his way from my shoulder and up the side of my neck until his mouth is grazing my ear.

“Do you have any idea what you’re doing to me right now, Delia? Any idea how much I want to strip you of those clothes you just put on? Because Ireallyfucking want to.”

He spins me, his face only an inch or so from mine.

My chest is heaving, and he’s so close that every time I take a breath, my breasts rub against him. My nipples are straining against the thin fabric, begging for attention.

“I can’t do any of that. We haven’t even officially defined what the hell it is we’re doing. I want to be the asshole right now. I want to fuck you until you’re limp with exhaustion, want to make you say my name over and over again, but I’m not the asshole. I’ve never been the asshole. We’re not ready for that step.”

He steps into me, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me up on my tiptoes.

“But two can play the teasing game.”

Releasing me, he backs up and strips off his shirt then shucks his jeans.

I burst into laughter.

“If you think you’re going toSlytherinto my bed with those on, you’re wrong. I only allow full-fledged Hufflepuffs in there.”

Zach glances down at his underwear and hangs his head. “Why did I have to wear this pair today? Why?”

“What? I think they’re hot.”

“You think my Harry Potter underwear are hot?” I nod. “Youaremy dream girl.”

I grin and shake my head as I make my way to my bed. I do my best to straighten the covers before pulling back my side and climbing in.

“I think you were right earlier.”

“About?” he asks, standing on the other side.

“This bed isn’t big enough for two. I think we’ll have to snuggle.”

He smirks as he slides in, getting as close to me as possible. I don’t hesitate to match his movements—though I probably should. I should be weirded out that Zach’s in my bed. I shouldn’t gravitate toward him like I do.

But I can’t help it. Zach makes me feel…comfortable. Safe. Warm.Wanted.

We’re lying face to face in the middle of the bed, the blanket draped over our waists, grinning at each other like fools.

“What?” I whisper.

“I made it in.”

“What?” I ask again, confused.

“Your special Hufflepuff-only chamber of secrets.”

“Did you really just…” Laughter consumes me and I’m rolling to my back and covering my face in embarrassment…for him. “You are such a nerd, Zach.”

He peels my hands away from my face and I find that he’s resting his head on his hand, staring at me from above. “But you love that I’m a nerd.”

His eyes are sparkling, and I can’t help but be drawn in by his playfulness.

“That’s debatable.”

“Fact.”

“Debatable.”

---