“They’re actually pretty modest, so while they won’t mind touching and kissing, we need to be respectful in their home.” I shrug, actually thankful for that specific rule.
“Sounds good.” He stands in front of me with an unreadable expression. As he studies me, I know he’s probably waiting for me to make the first move, but shit. I can’t.
“I’m nervous,” I admit with a half-smile.
“Don’t be. I don’t bite.” He winks. “Well, unless you like that sorta thing.”
“Oh my God, Hunter!” I blush hard. “You aren’t helping!”
“Okay, sorry,” he says with a chuckle. “Don’t be scared. We’ll start slow.”
My chest rises and falls, heavy breaths release from my nostrils as I try to gain some control. I don’t know why I’m so anxious, but kissing Hunter like this feels so…calculated. Weird. Forbidden.
“Okay,” I finally say, not moving.
After a few silent moments, he cracks a smile. “Are you gonna kiss me?”
I cover my face, hunching over in embarrassment. “Ugh. I can’t stop the nerves.”
“Lennon.” His deep voice pulls me from my thoughts. “Just relax, okay?” He takes my hands and places them on his waist, bringing us closer together. “Breathe.”
I release a deep, steady breath as his palms cup my face.
“Do you trust me?” When his eyes bore into mine, I feel as though I’m looking into the depths of his soul. I know without a doubt this man would do anything for me.
“Of course I do,” I whisper, tightening my grip on his hips.
“Good.” He gives me the sweetest smile. “Now close your eyes.”
I do, and moments later, I feel his mouth on me.
Slow and soft, he presses his lips against mine as he moves us together in perfect harmony. He pulls back slightly, then his tongue traces my bottom lip before bringing us even closer together. My heart pounds so hard, I’m sure he can feel my pulse throbbing in my neck.
Hunter cradles my face as if I’m the most precious thing in the world. Gently, he rubs his thumb against my cheek, and when he slides his tongue between our lips, the kiss deepens, and I unwillingly release a moan. Hunter pulls back slightly, and my eyes pop open, looking right at him. By the expression on his face, he’s asking for permission to keep going, and when I don’t push away, he brings our mouths back together.
His hand slides down my throat, neck, and down my side, sending electricity everywhere he touches. I squeeze my fingers in his shirt and arch my back, forcing us closer together as he cups my ass. Reaching up, I wrap my arms around his neck, removing the remaining space between us. Hunter’s other hand falls from my face, and he snakes his arm around my waist, holding me tight. The kiss becomes eager, faster, desperate.
I feel his kiss down to my core. I feel it everywhere.
Mixed feelings surface as his tongue dances with mine, sending butterflies to my stomach as my heart races with eagerness. Each touch feels hot against my skin, and I’m powerless to stop it.
A deep groan releases from his throat, and when I feel his hardness against my stomach, I realize this is escalating too far. Quickly, I push him, stepping back to create distance. That kiss was way too heated and intense to be fake. My breathing quickens, and when I see his chest heaving, I know it affected him just as much as it did me. My gaze drops to his noticeably hard cock in his jeans. That’s, uh…really big.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have—”
“No, I—”
“I didn’t mean—”
We can’t seem to get the words out. Both of us are flustered, and I’m confused.
Why did that feel so damn good?
Oh, right. Hormonal as fuck.
“That was…” I pause, watching him lick his lips and looking as conflicted as I feel. “Really nice.”
Hunter releases a short breath and snorts. “Uh, thanks?” I study him as he wipes his hands down his jeans, a nervousness I’ve never seen before settling into him.
“Guess we won’t have any problems convincing them,” I tell him, not knowing what else to say. My heart is racing, torn in two as I think about Brandon—the man I loved—and see the man in front of me who cares just as deeply.
“I don’t think so,” Hunter replies casually.
We stare at each other, neither speaking or knowing what to do. The silence lingers until his phone rings, pulling us both away.
Hunter fumbles in his pocket until he grabs his phone, then declines the call.
“You can get that if you need to,” I tell him, picking up my water and turning to walk to the kitchen before he can respond.
Shit, I could really use a shot of tequila right now. If not to erase the inappropriate thoughts from my brain, then to at least to give me the courage to face him again. I blow out a breath, needing to calm my racing heart.