He was a mess? So was I. I wasn’t looking for anything permanent. “All I’m asking for is a kiss.”
His eyes burned into me. “What if I can’t stop at a kiss?”
My nipples hardened, pressing against my bra. “What if you can’t? What if I can’t? We’re both adults here.”
“You’re not someone I can just fuck.”
“What if I’m okay with that?”
At the moment, I just wanted him. Wanted to feel his kisses, his lips all over my body, his teeth tugging on my ultra-hard nipples, his tongue probing my most private places.
“I’m not okay with that, and I’m not ready to give more than that to you or anyone else right now.”
My mouth dropped open. He might as well have stabbed me in my heart. He wanted me. That was clear. He wanted me as much or more than I wanted him.
But he didn’t love me. He couldn’t love me. And he wasn’t willing to just fuck his best friend’s sister.
I understood.
I didn’t love him either, though I was feeling something big—bigger than I’d ever felt. Still, this was only the beginning of whatever could be between us.
But he was saying nothing more could happen. There was no beginning. Just a fuck.
Just one fuck.
I did deserve more. I knew that objectively. But I was fighting my own demons, and I wasn’t ready for anything more than a fuck either.
All I knew was that I needed those lips around my nipples. I needed them so badly.
I lifted my T-shirt over my head.
“Marj…”
I paid no attention. I unclasped my bra quickly and tossed it over a chair. Then I trailed my fingers lightly over my hard nipples. A sigh escaped my throat. “Please. Please, Bryce.”
“Fuck. Why are you doing this to me?”
“My nipples are so hard. They need you. I need you.” I gave one a quick pinch, and a jolt arrowed straight between my legs.
“You’re so fucking beautiful.”
Please. The word was again at my lips. But I’d begged enough already. He needed to make the next move. And if he walked away? I’d be embarrassed as all hell. But I had to believe he wouldn’t do that.
He didn’t.
He walked toward me, reached out, and lightly swept his fingers over one nipple. I drew in a quick breath.
“I won’t be able to stop,” he said gruffly.
“Who’s asking you to?” I stood and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Damn,” he said. “Damn it all to hell.”
“Nothing worth damning here.” I undid another button. His skin was warm under my touch.
“Marjorie…”
“Shh…” With the last button, I parted the two sides of his shirt, revealing his tanned and muscular chest. The perfect amount of sandy hair scattered across his perfect pecs. I pressed my breasts against his warmth, my own body tingling with desire. Without thinking, I kissed his neck. His silky corded neck. Then I inhaled.