Page 11 of Stealing for Keeps
“I’m a good kisser,” I assure her.
“Wow.” Her laughter doesn’t deter me. I work hard at the things I like, and I like kissing. “That’s not happening. I don’t even know you.”
“Like I said, I’m Austin.” I hold out my hand, but she doesn’t take it.
“I’ll make out with you, Austin.” Lacey smiles. Her dark hair falls over her shoulders. “You’re cute.”
I wink at Lacey and then glance back at Claire with a cocky grin plastered on my face. “I could just kiss you on the cheek or forehead or something?” He didn’t specify where I had to kiss her, and I’m about to take any loophole I can to get out of this with my pride intact. “Would be a waste though. You’re hot, I’m hot…”
She hops down from the back of the four-wheeler and steps closer while crossing her arms over her chest. She’s shorter than I remember, but she holds her head up high and pushes her shoulders back. She’s got this fiery attitude and sass that I didn’t pick up on this morning. I like it a lot.
“You really know how to sweep a girl off her feet,” she says dryly.
“Well, I kind of did if you think about it.”
She smiles with a soft laugh. “You’re a real charmer.”
“What can I say? It comes naturally around you.”
She shakes her head like she thinks I’m making it up, but for her, I’m ready to pull out my A game.
“Tell me,Austin, what do I get out of this?” Her tone sounds almost bored. Almost. There’s just a hint of amusement and maybe intrigue.
“What do you want?”
She studies me closely. “I’m not sure yet.”
“You can have anything you want.”
“Anything, huh?” Claire steps closer until I can feel the warmth of her skin next to mine. I think I hear Lacey squeal with excitement behind her, but I can’t look away. Claire’s eyes are different colors. One is blue and the other is hazel. Both are framed with long, black lashes. And her lips, which keep catching my eye, are coated in aglossy pink. She might be the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen up close.
“Anything.” If she wants to get out of here and go somewhere more private, I’d be down for that too.
Her eyes dart to my lips, and she moves another inch forward, laughing quietly. “You owe me so big.”
My heart is beating so fast. It must be because it’s been so long since I’ve kissed someone. I don’t remember ever having this reaction before.
“You’re sure?” I ask, then slam my mouth shut. What the hell? Am I really trying to talk her out of it? Forget the dare. I just want to taste her.
“No, but I’m rarely certain of anything anymore.” Another small laugh escapes, but then she tips her head up in invitation.
I close the distance, leaning down and brushing my lips over hers softly.
Instinctively, one hand finds her hip, and the other goes up to the column of her neck where I can feel her pulse racing in time with mine. She smells like cotton candy, and the way her mouth molds to mine, I already know I’ll never get enough.
Somewhere in the back of my mind, I remember we have an audience and reluctantly pull back. We can continue this later. There’s no way I’m not kissing this girl again.
We stare at each other, still inches apart.Thank you, Barrett.
Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I turn, almost floating. Not kissing anyone for a month can really fuck with a guy.
I smile and shake the fog from my brain when I realize its Vaughn behind me.
“Hey. You made it. I was looking for you earlier.” It’s only after I speak that I realize he’s glowering at me.
“Hey, Vaughn,” Claire says, tone icier than it was with me.
I open my stance and look between them as I try to piece together the situation.
