Page 141 of Cross the Line
Eli’s scrolling movie options on the big screen while JJ is making popcorn on the open fire.
It’s so domestic that it’s cute.
Butterflies flutter up into my chest when Eli leans close and presses a kiss to JJ’s bare shoulder. I’ve only been away from them for a handful of hours, but I missed them so much that the ache of not being with them still echoes in my chest.
Eli gives him a playful bite, and when he turns to look at him, JJ’s stare finds me. His half-bitten chuckle morphs into an all-out grin that turns me to goo on the spot.
God, I needed this.
“You came home early,” he says, shaking the popper with one hand while the other flattens to Eli’s chest, balancing himself as he swivels on his butt to face me and Kailey.
“Figured being the good sister that I am, I’d return your lost puppy to you,” Kailey croons, waving at Eli as he looks over his shoulder. “And now I’m going to make ramen, and slurp it to my heart’s contentment in bed withTangled.”
Kailey disappears with a quick goodnight, leaving me in the middleof the room under Eli’s laser-focused stare. Christina’s words echo as I go to him. Kneeling between his thighs, I fold my arms around his shoulders, sandwiching Jayden’s hand between our chests.
“I love you.” I press a kiss to his cheek.
When I start to pull away, his hands grip my waist. “You’re not going anywhere,” he says, tugging me fully into his chest.
His palms roam down my sides to my thighs. With a firm grip, he lifts me to straddle him. My whole body hums as he combs my frizzy hair back, gathering it at my nape.
“I love you, too, Angel,” he murmurs, covering my face in soft kisses.
“We’re gonna be okay, Eli.”
“I know, Fin.” His hands frame my face while JJ’s deft fingers work through my tangled hair, braiding it down my back. He slips a hair tie from Eli’s wrist to secure it, then deposits a tender kiss on the top of my head.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, kissing my shoulder. “Want me to make you some ramen, too?”
“Meh, popcorn and cuddles are perfect,” I tell him.
I’m not parting from either of them again tonight. I don’t care what we do, so long as I’m glued to them, I’ll be happy, and my universe will be perfect.
***
“Don’t let go!”My yelp pierces through the thick turn-up of my beanie while I grip Eli’s hands for dear life.
Jayden is somewhere behind me, still trying to convince Kailey to brave the packed rink in the middle of the Christmas market.
Elvis’Santa Claus Is Back In Townblares around us, reminding me of the first time Eli and I danced together in the shed behind his father’s church. The first time we touched each other like man and woman.
It’s been so long since I’ve skated that, even with Eli’s help, I’m slipping and sliding everywhere. Having a real Bambi moment.
Maybe this is why JJ picked the movie last night while we cuddled by the fire. Preparation for the embarrassment of being out-skated by toddlers whizzing around like they were born with blades on their feet.
“Relax, Fin,” Eli hums, his voice a warm lull against the winter air. “I’ve never let you go before. I’m not doing it now.”
He’s quiet this morning. When his eyes aren’t on JJ, they’re on me. And every shift from him to me, from me to him, the intensity of it deepens.
Something happened between them. I sense it in their lingering glances and stolen touches. There’s this warm glow in my chest that makes me certain they did more than cuddle and kiss.
Every time I catch JJ watching Eli, he’s wearing the biggest grin. I know that feeling of overwhelming fullness that comes from physical intimacy.
I’m happy for them. And, so damn curious that my mind is conjuring up endless images of them together. Mouths claiming, hands exploring, bodies seeking…
“Hey, earth-to-Finley…” Eli dips his face into mine. “You okay? You’re a little flushed.”
“Umm… Yeah. Yeah, I’m… I’m…” His eyes narrow on mine, hands squeeze my waist; between his touch and my thoughts, I’m burning. “So, you and Jayden…?”
