Page 125 of Hold Me Instead
She watched his tongue trace his lips, her stomach doing flips of excitement.
“You have a habit of sharing my food. And drink,” she said.
He glanced down at her. “Tastes better that way.” He grinned and handed back the mug.
She peered inside, satisfied he hadn’t had too much, which would force her to leave their cozy love cocoon for a refill.
No,no,just“cozy cocoon,” she corrected.As though thinking the word would somehow alert the man beside her.
“Never really liked apple juice or cider growing up. But Sandra’s bragged about her recipe the last few years, I’ve just never been here to try it.”
Charlie nodded. “And?”
“Pretty good.”
“Want your own?”
“Like I said, tastes better from yours.”
Charlie bit her lip, pleased when he groaned. Zachary glanced around, then pressed his lips to hers, his hand cupping her cheek while he devoured her in a hasty, satisfying kiss.
“Maybe we should get out of here,” he said, voice husky.
Charlie shivered. “Extremely tempting. But your mom’s making dinner.”
“She has plenty of people to feed.” He bit her earlobe, trailed his nose down her neck.
“Zachary…”
He kissed her nose. “I know.” He sighed and flopped back against the couch, tugging her closer. “As soon as we’re done, though.” He threw his thumb over his shoulder. “Outta here.”
She nuzzled against his side. “Tomorrow afternoon I’ll be at Brooke’s. We’re going to watch movies in our pajamas all day. Something simple, hopefully enough to keep her and Mina distracted.” She picked at his sweater. Tried to think of an excuse to see him.
His fingers grazed her shoulder. Finally, he said, “I’ll be at Sandra and Jay’s.”
“Right.” Too much to expect they’d spend the entire holiday together. Why rush this non-relationship thing anyway?
“Maybe we could meet up tomorrow night?”
She slid her head along his chest to look at him, her heart doing a tap dance.
“Could have dinner, watch a movie. If you’re not sick of that by then.” He played with strands of her hair as he waited for her answer.
“That sounds perfect,” she said. They had a lot to discuss, but it could wait. 'Til after the holidays, maybe.
His eyes locked on hers, his smile bringing back those deep creases she loved so much. She traced them, his eyes softening.
She had to tell himsomething. This moment was too perfect. Her heart was in it, and it felt right to put it on the line—that she cared about him, deeply.
Zachary’s gaze moved, and he straightened, effectively sliding Charlie to his side. She looked over to find Daniel entering the room, his steps slow as he took in the two of them.
“Hey, Dad,” Zachary said, clearing his throat.
Daniel said nothing, instead taking a seat across from them, his eyes still calculating.
Charlie tugged her legs out from under her and Zachary shifted some more, sliding the blanket from his lap.
“I wanted to talk to you both.”
