I’m still going to have to stay here, so it would be smarter to just keep things as is and not read too much into anything.
Turning to face him, I find that his side of the bed is already empty.
For a second, my stomach drops, but then I hear the shower running, and I know he must be getting ready for the day.
Gideon’s bed is so warm and cozy that I never want to get up, but I know I have to leave this bubble.
The sound of his footsteps on the floor has me turning in the direction of the bathroom door.
Gideon is standing in the center of the room in a towel. He prowls toward me, and my center pulsates with desire.
My skin tingles as he approaches. The need to be touched by him is all-consuming.
I’m parched for him.
An unquenchable yet ever-present thirst lingers inside me.
Desperate and yearning.
This can’t be normal to feel like this.
It’s just lust.
No.
Even I don’t believe that.
“Morning,” he drawls out, crossing the space and leaning forward.
Gideon’s alluring aroma draws me in. He smells of fresh citrus. Like an orange grove, but he also reminds me of the lingering smell of burning wood during a campfire.
It’s delicious.
I meet him halfway, tipping my head up so our lips meet. Reaching my arms out to run my hand through his damp hair.
He groans into my mouth, deepening the kiss.
His tongue swipes against mine, and I’m lost and never want to be found.
But unfortunately, like most things in life, all good things must come to an end, and as Gideon slowly breaks our kiss, pulling back until his nose nuzzles mine, I deflate.
Opening my eyes, I find he’s peering down at me.
I know this private bubble we created for ourselves last night has burst, and the real world needs to be let back in.
“Firefly.”
“Mmm,” I groan, not wanting him to leave me and wanting to hear what he’s about to say even less.
“You have to let me go,” he teases, and that’s when I realize my arms are still wrapped around his neck, fingers still gripping his hair.
“Oops.”
He chuckles. A sound that I don’t hear often, but when I do, it warms my soul.
Damn¸ girl.
I no longer have to fear falling for this man because I already have.