Page 78 of Tell Me Everything
Sophie returned, dripping from head to toe. “Oh boy. You didn't tell me you were that hot.”
Perfect.
“See?”
“What?” Sophie wondered.
“Her scar.”
Her mouth turned into an oh. Elena stirred under theattention.
“I hadn't noticed.”
“Listen to Sophie.”
***
Elena was applying a fresh layer of sunscreen. The more she rubbed every inch of her skin, the more agitated Alex became. He couldn't stop staring at her; she was gorgeous, even when she wasn't trying. Her smooth skin, her shiny hair... The more he looked at her, the harder it became to look away. She was half-naked, and right there, only inches away from him. In front of this siren, his self-control was crumbling. Alex wanted her. He wanted all of her. And he couldn't help wondering what she tasted like. He wanted to kiss her. Everywhere.
Realizing that he was fantasizing about her, he raised his head. His neck and cheeks flushed at the mischievous grin Elena gave him. Alex cleared his throat and stared at the ice-cream truck. He did his best not to lose face, but he knew Elena understood. She knew what kind of images were playing in his head. She knew how much he wanted her. Because he'd been ogling her like a starved dog in front of the most delicious buffet. Elena turned her full attention to him. Her eyes sparkled.
“Am I turning you on?”
Sadistic as she was, Elena positioned herself behind him, pressing herself against his back. Every inch of bare skin, every curve, every breath. He felt everything. Elena placed several small kisses on his neck. Alex took a deep breath. A shiver ran down his spine, and his hair stood on end.
“Want me to take care of you?”
Her voice was deeper, like melted chocolate. Alex bit his lip. She wasn't serious, was she? A warmth formed in his belly, and he knew he had to do something while his head was stillclear. At least, clear enough. Not touching her was torture. If he let himself be tempted, he wouldn't be able to stop. He abruptly moved away from Elena and stood up. She fluttered her eyelashes as if nothing had happened. This was all a game to her, and Alex was at her mercy.
“We're going swimming.”
Without giving her time to reply, he headed for the water. He really had to cool down. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Sophie staring at him, confused.
“Alex, wait!”
Elena ran to catch up with him, but he refused to waste any time. He needed to take his mind off things, and a cold sea was exactly what he needed. Alex closed his eyes and let the waves rock him. He knew Elena was waiting for him to speak. All of this was new. Never before had a girl managed to get him so worked up. He'd always liked control, but every time Elena was around, he couldn't think straight. He wondered if she felt the same way. She had her own centre of gravity, and there was nothing he could do to get away from her. Hell, he didn't want to. He loved her too much to go back to how his life was before.
Alex let his head fall back. He couldn't run away from her forever. When he turned back, she was smiling at him—all traces of mischief long gone. She threw her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Instinctively, he placed his hands on the small of her back. Although the water was cool, he felt Elena's warmth invade him. In the distance, children were laughing, but Alex was unable to concentrate on anything but the siren in front of him. If she started singing, he'd follow her underwater. Without warning, Elena placed her lips on his. For a few moments, Alex was stunned. For months, she'd been the one holding back. Now Elena was taking the lead, and Alex didn't know what to do. She backed off when Alex still wasn’t responding.
“Why aren’t you kissing me back?” she asked, her head cocked to one side.
“Why are you kissing me in the first place?”
“Because I love you.”
Since when was she so outspoken?
“But you wanted to take it easy...”
“So you don't want me to kiss you?”
“No! I mean, yes!”
Alex grumbled. Every time she was with him, he scrambled for words. Her chest shook with silent laughter.
“I want you to kiss me every day. All day long, as much as you want to. I just don't want you to feel like you have to do anything if you're not ready.”
Elena rested her forehead against his.
