Chapter 10: Ben
Honesty is the best policy, right? Usually I'd say so, but Lilah is glaring at me like I kicked a puppy. Color rises in her cheeks and her wide green eyes flash with anger.
"Why?!" Her pretty mouth hangs open as she searches my face for a reasonable explanation. She propels herself away from the counter she was leaning on and pokes me in the chest, and despite her anger, she's rather gentle with the poking. She smells like cinnamon and fresh laundry.
"Are you trying to get back at me for something?" she sputters.
I grab her wrist to stop her from poking me again, or maybe it's just because I want to touch her. I let my thumb skim along the side of her hand, feeling her smooth softness. I bet she’s like that all over. She scowls at me with renewed anger. The morning light is pouring through the window, illuminating her like a tiny, beautiful, fiercely angry angel.
"Calm down, Princess. I wasn't trying to be a dick."
"So, what? It's just a fun little game for you? Riling up the neighbors? Waking us up at all hours? Yeah, doesn't sound like a dick move at all."
"Jesus, you're one to talk," I say with a smile. I can feel her heartbeat in her wrist, the pulse growing stronger and faster with every sentence we exchange. "After turning up on my doorstep at 2 am just to yell at me?"
"That- that was different!"
"Why? Because you were drunk and wanted to see me?"
"I did NOT want to see you. I just wanted you to be a decent person, but clearly that was too much to ask."
There's a pull between us, like a rubber band drawing her closer every second until we're toe to toe. Our height differences force her to crane her neck up so she can glare at me. This close up, I can see the tiny freckle under her left eye and the flutter of her lashes as she blinks angrily at me. It's impossible not to smile at her. I've never smiled this much in my whole damn life, but my face hurts when I'm around her.
"You're fucking adorable when you're mad," I tell her.
"I am not!" she says indignantly.
"Yeah, you really are..."
She stares at me, eyes narrowed for two lengthy breaths. There is electricity between us, and I know I'm not the only one who's feeling it. Without warning, Lilah's arm shoots out, her warm little hand grabbing the back of my neck as she pulls me down. Her soft lips press against mine, kissing me fiercely. For a second, I'm so shocked I don't move. She takes my stillness the wrong way, pulling back and looking appalled at herself as she whispers. "Oh, my god. I'm so sor--"
I cut her off, cupping her face in my hands and kissing her back, swallowing the apology that I have zero interest in hearing. Her hands, pressed to my bare chest, are so warm. I want to feel all of her pressing against me, skin to skin. I'm not the only one who needs more because Lilah is leaning into me, her hips and stomach pressing against me. I sure as fuck can't stop my body from responding to the feel of her.
Running a hand through the soft hair at the back of her head, I wrap the other around her waist, pulling her closer, my hard-on pressing into her belly. Her lips part against mine and I feel the barest touch of her tongue against my lips, an invitation if there ever was one. I tighten my grip in her hair, taking control as my tongue slicks against hers.
Lilah moans, the sound muffled against my lips as she wraps her arms around my neck. She rocks her hips against me, teetering on her tiptoes. Jesus, she's so short. She's like a curvy little doll, and it makes me feel like a giant next to her. Gripping her ass, I straighten up and pop her on the kitchen counter, our lips never breaking contact.
The angle is even better like this, letting me claim her mouth as she wraps her bare thighs around my hips. I can feel the heat of her through my shorts and I'm aching to rip her clothes off and taste every fucking inch of her. The ways she moves against me, all soft skin and muffled pleasure, is intoxicating. I could lose myself in her forever.