Page 33 of Left on Read

I dropped my eyes to his chest. “Try to make me feel better. I should have known these weren’t dates. But we met on a dating app, and I thought you were bi, so I assumed. I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong.” He pulled in a shuddering breath. “And you’re not wrong. I can see how you’d think these were dates because I would have too in your place.”

I squeezed my eyes closed.

“Hayden. Look at me.”

I did, my eyelids flipping open of their own accord. Jesus. Why did that slightly bossy voice affect me so much?

This time, he leaned forward, and I was the one who jumped back, only managing to stay upright because he was still gripping my arms.

“You’re straight,” I blurted.

“Am I?” River let out a hoarse laugh. “I thought I was, but now I’m not so sure.”

“I’m not following.”

“I always thought I was straight because I like women. I assumed I only liked women because I never wanted to kiss another guy. But it’s not like the idea gave me the ick or anything. I just never considered I might want that too because I never met a guy I wanted to kiss. It’s because of… What’s that word? Heteronormativity?”

I gaped at him, trying not to get my hopes up.

“Like, everyone told me I was straight because that’s the default, so when I started getting crushes on girls, I figured they were right and didn’t even consider that I might be into guys too. But now I’m not so sure.”

“You don’t have to humor me.”

“I’m not.” His face fell. “I wouldn’t lie about something like this. I know I’m not smart, and I should have realized this a long-ass time ago, but I?—”

“That’s not what I meant,” I cut in, hating how broken he sounded. “I don’t think you’re lying. I just meant you don’t have to let me down easy or anything.”

“I’m trying to tell you that I want to kiss you.” The corner of his lip tilted up in his trademark smile-smirk that made my stomach swoop and my knees weak.

“Are you sure?” I asked breathily.

What the hell was happening?

“Can I kiss you?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that was way too sexy.

I nodded, not sure I could form words just then.

River slid his hands up my arms and gently cupped my neck. The touch was soft, but so damn hot.

This time, when he leaned in, I closed my eyes and tried to empty my head of all the voices screaming at me that this was a pity kiss and I’d never hear from him again after he left.

I had no idea what to expect, but him softly stroking my throat with his thumbs wasn’t it.

“Open your eyes,” he commanded gently.

Instinctively, I obeyed.

He traced his gaze over my face, lingering on my lips. Slowly, he leaned in. This time, I waited until he closed his eyes before I did.

His kiss was soft and fleeting, more of a brushing of lips than an actual kiss.

It rocked me to my very core.

“Hayden,” he whispered.

I could only part my lips in invitation, my mind blissfully blank as he kept stroking my pulse point.