Page 34 of Until the End

His amusement fills me with a bubbly warmth. “I don’t mind. Here.” He holds out a glass of water, and I gratefully take it. A quick swish of my mouth does wonders. Carsonhelps me up off the floor and hands me my toothbrush, already loaded with toothpaste.

When I look in the mirror, I expect my mascara to be running down my cheeks. Instead, all I’ve got are tired eyes and pale skin. I’m bewildered as I catch Carson’s gaze. “Did you take my makeup off last night?”

“You don’t remember?”

“The last memory I have is of you carrying me out of Gia and Lottie’s house.” Although now that I’m a little more awake, some things are starting to come back. I gasp. “Did I take off my clothes in front of you?”

Carson snorts. “Yep. I don’t think you were paying attention to me when you did it. However, you did purposefully send me looking in your underwear drawer instead of your pajama drawer.”

I wince around my toothbrush. How embarrassing. “Di yo ay a nigh?” He raises an eyebrow at me and waits while I spit out the toothpaste and try again. “Did you stay the night?”

“Yeah. You asked me to.”

Wow. I made some interesting choices last night. Flashes of cuddling against his chest hit me. I wish I could remember it fully. Maybe if I’m brave enough, I can ask him to stay again tonight.

I want more time with him. “What are your plans for the day?”

“Depends.”

“On?”

“Your plans for the day.”

I bite my lip. “I’m thinking a swim might be nice.”

Carson’s eyes heat. “I didn’t bring my trunks.”

“I’m sure we can make do.” All I want to do is press up onto my toes and kiss him. I wish I was brave enough to take the leap.

But it seems Carson knows me better than I thought because suddenly, he’s leaning into me, his nose brushing against mine while our lips touch in the barest hint of a kiss. He’s giving me a chance to back away. I won’t do anything of the sort.

I press my mouth against his, those soft lips pliable under mine. Carson grips my face, guiding me and taking me over, body and soul. His tongue teases the crease between my lips, coaxing me to open for him.

So I do.

No kiss has ever felt like this. I’m flushed and aching with every swipe of his tongue. I tangle mine with his, needing more of him with every pass. How have I lived my whole life without knowing how he tastes?

Nothing has ever felt this erotic or all-consuming. I’m overwhelmed in the best way.

Carson pushes me backward until my lower back digs into the vanity. His body is flush against mine without a hint of space between us. I’m thrumming with need, trying my best not to start humping him until he gives me what I want.

Air is the only reason I pull back from his kiss. Carson takes it as permission to move down my jaw. I shiver when he reaches the soft skin under my ear. I’m going to die right here from an overload of pleasure. How can a few kisses make me feel like this? Is it because I’m hard up? I’ve never been one to feel an overwhelming amount of lust, but I’m finding it difficult not to strip down and let Carson have his way with me.

I’m not ready.

The thought helps cool my desire a bit. I slide my fingers through Carson’s auburn hair as he presses soft, sweet kisses to my skin.

“You’re everything I dreamed of and more,” he whispers, keeping his head tucked into my neck. I hold him close to me, soaking in the comfort of his embrace. With an inhale, Carsonstraightens, a gentle smile softening his features. “Are you ready for breakfast? There’s coffee downstairs, and I thought I could make some omelets.”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Get away, you beast!”I squeal, darting around my kitchen island as Carson chases after me with doughy fingers. After breakfast, we sat outside by the pool, drinking coffee and teasing each other as we’ve always done. I was worried that our relationship would be different after last night. Instead, it feels the same, except Carson touches me way more than he used to. I quite like it, actually.

I’d rather he not touch me now, though. Whatever dough he’s kneading is caked to his hands.

“I can’t have a hug?” He pouts.

“Go wash your hands. Then you can.”

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