Page 31 of Tempting-

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I promised myself Emma would never go through any of the shit I did. That she'd never hear that who she was orwhat she wanted was wrong. But fuck, it's hard. She tests my resolve all the time.

Even Kaylee pushes my resolve.

"Brendon? You okay?" Her voice is soft. Caring.

"Yeah." I push myself to my feet.

She stares at my empty coffee mug. "You're going to leave that there?"

I nod.

"I'm fine with that." She slides her purse onto her shoulder. The grey one with the gorilla key chain. "Really, I am."

"Of course."

She tries and fails to pry her eyes away. "Really?"

I chuckle. "Not that it bothers you."

"You're doing it on purpose."

"Why would I do that?"

"Cruelty." She grabs the mug, brings it to the sink, shoots me ayou winlook. "Why else?"

She's adorable flustered.

Too adorable.

It's sending my thoughts straight to my bedroom. To her splayed out on my black sheets, wearing nothing but those glasses and that tiny turquoise cardigan.

"Brendon?" Her fingers curl around my forearm. Her index finger slips. Traces the lines of my sleeve tattoo. "We can leave later if you have something to do."

Yeah, I do, but it's going to take all fucking day.

Go to my room, take off your dress, sit on the bed and wait for me.

"And delay our three-dollar meatballs?" I force my voice to something light. "I don't think so."

She follows me to the car. Her cheeks flush as she folds her arms over her chest. She tugs at her purse, pulling it closer. "Three dollar meatballs?"

"Ikea."

"Ikea?" Kaylee arches a brow. "Really?"

I nod.

She pushes her blue glasses up her nose. "Why?"

"Three-dollar meatballs are enough of a reason."

"Ew."

"They're good. Try them." I let the back of my hand brush against her arm as I lead her to the car.

She moves around the back and reaches for the passenger-side door. "I'll consider it."

I unlock the car and pull the door open. "You trust me?"

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