Page 42 of Replay
“Are you about to kiss me?”
“That was the general thought,” she huffs breathlessly.
I slide my nose along her cheek. “I like that thought.”
“Then why are we talking?”
“Because…” I pull back and frown down at her. “I have some rules.”
Her face contorts, and the mood is killed. “Rules?”
“Well, just one rule.”
“What?” she asks, annoyance dripping in her tone.
I brace myself for her wrath. “We have to be exclusive.”
“What?” She laughs, her face twisted in confusion.
I shake my head. “I told you I’ve changed.”
She blinks back in confusion. “So, what are you asking for exactly? To have me be your next two-month ride?” She chokes out the phrase. “Look, I don’t need to be another one of your two-monthers. I know you’re Mr. Monogamous now, but how do you know that’s what I want?”
“What do you want?”
“I don’t know…”
“Yes, you do.”
“No, I don’t.”
I step back, giving her some space. “Don’t think about it, just say what you want. Get out of your head.”
“I can’t get out of my head because that’s when mistakes happen.” She crosses her arms over her chest and begins pacing in front of the table. “After everything I’ve shared with you the past week, you think a relationship with me is a good idea?”
“I think it’s a better idea than kissing you and not knowing when I’ll get to kiss you again.” I eye her sternly because it’s a truth that I hate. As resistant as Tilly has been towards me since she came back, I don’t trust that she won’t kiss and run. She’s run before.
Tilly’s steps falter because she knows what I’m saying is true.
I soften my tone. “I’m not looking for hookups anymore. And I’d rather have you and know you’re mine than have you and worry that you could be someone else’s.”
Her eyes widen. “You can’t be serious.”
“I’m dead serious.”
“Sonny.”
“Trouble…”
She inhales deeply. “I’m not sure this is a good idea.”
“Why?” I reach out and touch her hip, halting her motion. “Look at us, Tilly. Our attraction is still here. Stronger than ever. Our bodies are like two magnets, finding each other all day long. Do you know how hard it was not to grab you any time you came near me today? I would have just fucking done it if it wasn’t for the fact that my nonna would have beat me over the head with her disgusting sauce stick.” I comb my fingers through hers, enjoying the smile at the edge of her lips. “Trust this. Trust us. Believe that we’ve both changed. That we can handle more now because we’ve changed. Doesn’t it sound exciting for us to get to know each other now? With clear intentions?”
“Jesus,” she huffs nervously, and I can see her resolve weakening.
I cup her cheek and dip my lips towards hers. “Just say yes. Say you’ll be mine.”
“What are you, a bloody valentine?” she huffs with a hyenic laugh.
