Page 9 of Queen Rose

When I get back, she’s waiting for me and hands off one of the two plates she’s gotten ready.

With a quick jerk of my head over my shoulder, I ask, “Do you want to eat on the porch?”

“Sure.”

My eyes flick to Becca and Brandon to double check that they don’t need anything, but they’re munching away happily.

Out on the porch, we sit down next to each other, plates in hand. My neighborhood might be shitty, but at least the sun is shining. I take a bite of my sandwich—it tastes like fucking heaven—but Aria immediately sets hers aside. “Is everything okay, Nate? I was worried after you left.”

“Oh. Yeah, sorry. I probably should have texted you when I got home. The power was out in the entire neighborhood.” I point down to the end of the street. “There were a bunch of service trucks when I got back.”

“I was worried.” She rubs her hands on her jean-covered thighs. “It’s okay, though. I was probably asleep by the time you got everyone situated.” She peeks at me from the corner of her eye. “I was pretty worn out.”

I raise a brow and give her a little smirk. “Why’s that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Some guy took care of me when I needed him, then kept me up making me feel good half the night. What kind of superpowered peen do you have, anyway?” She lifts her shoulders and ducks her head between them. She looks so damn beautiful with her cheeks blushing pink and that sexy hint of a smile on her face.

Her hair falls forward, obscuring her from my vision, and I can’t resist reaching up and tucking the hair back behind her ear. “All joking aside, I’m glad I could be there for you. Sometimes life is shit… but it helps to know someone cares.” I set my plate off to the side and wrap my arm around her, pulling her close and pressing my lips to her hair. She has the sweetest scent, but I couldn’t tell you what it is or whether it’s body wash, perfume, or simply her. It clings to her skin but it’s also something I taste when I kiss her. She’s intoxicating. I could get high as fuck just being near her.

I’m not one hundred percent sure where we’re at in this slowly forming relationship, but it feels right. I reach for her hand, lacing our fingers together, feeling like our bond strengthens with every moment we share. She squeezes my hand tightly. Turning her head to look at me, she leans in, her lips hovering in front of mine. Her eyes drift shut, and I close the distance, pressing my mouth to hers. On a sigh, she traces the seam of my lips with her tongue.

Groaning, I take the kiss deeper, cupping her cheek with my free hand. The taste of her explodes on my tongue and sends desire racing through my veins.

She whimpers into my mouth just as the door flies open behind us.

There’s a surprised noise, and then a giggle.

When I ease back from Aria, my eyes are still locked on hers, and there’s some loud whispering from behind us.

“They’re K-I-S-S-I-N-G,” giggles Becca.

Meanwhile, Brandon makes a disgusted sound. “That’s gross.”

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