Page 76 of A Little Tempting
“For what?”
“I don’t know?” I lift my shoulder, causing the neck hole of Reeves’ hoodie to slip and expose it, but I don’t move it back into place. I should, but I like the way his eyes shoot to the bare skin, practically caressing me. “Maybe he wants to make a grand gesture or something.”
The same dark chuckle vibrates up his corded throat. “A grand gesture?”
“It’s Finley’s theory, not mine.”
“Finley’s watched one too many fairytales.”
“Is there something wrong with fairytales?” I whisper.
“Not at all. And chemistry’s chemistry, right?”
I hesitate, digging my teeth into the edge of my bottom lip. “Yes?”
“And you felt it with your Cinderfella.”
“Yes,” I repeat, more resolute.
“Who you think is Everett,” he adds.
Again, I lift my shoulder in a shrug. “It’s only a theory.”
He nods. “Let me ask you this… Do you think it’s possible to feel chemistry with more than one person?”
“Well, since I’m pretty freaking inexperienced, I don’t think I have enough data to prove otherwise.”
His mouth lifts. “Shall we do an experiment?”
“What kind of experiment?” As soon as words leave my mouth, I know it’s a mistake. I know exactly what kind of experiment he plans to implement. A shot of adrenaline races down my spine as he reaches for my hips and tugs me closer, bunching the thick fabric in his hands until cool air hits my ass cheeks and the back of my thighs. It reminds me of the rink when he grabbed me the same way.
“Do you feel it yet?” he whispers.
My stomach flip-flops, and my cheeks warm as I feel the steady beat of his heart against my palm. “Feel what?”
His mouth ticks up, and his gaze drops to my mouth. “Chemistry.”
My breathing is shallow as I wait. For what, I’m not sure. Actually, that’s a lie. I know exactly what I’m waiting for. I’m waiting for him to kiss me. To put his money where his mouth is and prove his point. To prove I’m capable of feeling something for more than one person. Someone without a mask. Someone I know. Someone like him. An enigma who gets under my skin. And is kind to me. And is blatantly interested in me. And is unlike anyone I’ve ever met in my entire life.
It’s as if I’m in a black hole. As if, with every tiny millimeter of space closing between us, time moves differently. Slowing down, yet speeding up as he moves closer and closer. His eyes are locked on mine, a silent question shining back at me, daring me to tell him to stop, begging me to let him continue.
“For science,” I breathe out.
The corners of his eyes crinkle. “Science. Sure.”
And when his lips brush against mine softly, carefully, it’s as explosive as the kiss I shared with Cinderfella. I surrender to the surrealness of this moment. My eyelids feel heavy, and I close them, savoring the kiss while analyzing every tingle. Every taste. It’s confusing and confirming and mind-muddling and more addictive than any kiss has a right to be.
Spreading my fingers along his chest, I soak in his warmth as he tilts his head and opens his mouth. Not a lot. Hell, if I hadn’t been so focused, I wouldn’t have even noticed. The slight spread of his lips. The invitation. The dare.
I could push this further. I could kiss him deeper. I could take control when I’venevertaken control. But if I do…what then?
He dates girls for a freaking job.
Is he Hitching me right now?
Is he proving a point, or does hewantto be kissing me?
It’s confusing and conflicting and…