Page 34 of Dying Without You

A deep giggle fell from her. “In that case, I’m on the right track. You’re definitely a champion.”

His gut vibrated against her back as he chuckled. “You think so?”

“I know so.”

“What makes me a champion?”

“You’re solid in all your endeavors; I appreciate your strength. Protecting me at the bar, fucking me to shreds at the speakeasy club.” She shivered, remembering. “You know you told me you were mine last night. So no partnering with anyone else.”

Langston whipped her around by her waist, his gaze penetrating hers. “No... I told you—you were mine, and you told me I was yours—so no partnering with others.”

They stared at each other, and Lisa’s heart skipped a beat. Realistically, this type of language was playing with fire. Especially since they were only supposed to be friends with benefits.

Had they passed that stage?

Were they a thing?

Or was this only a sexy, playful addition to their benefits?

Lisa smiled, brushing away the thoughts and going with the flow. “Breakfast?”

Langston flashed a mischievous grin. “Yes, please.”

They both sat down, and Lisa dished up portions of their breakfast feast. They ate while they laughed and eventually just got lost in each other.

Lisa could admit this felt like dating. But she wouldn’t dare dive into those types of questions for fear it would put a bad taste in Langston’s mouth. He had already said his heart wasn’t open for love, so it was important that Lisa put those silly thoughts out of her head.

Still, the more time they spent together, the more she fell for him. It was as if they were in some kind of trance—just lapping up the moments they shared. And now she wondered if she had taken things too far.

Langston wolfed down his food, and she enjoyed watching him eat.

“Mmm, this is the best breakfast I’ve ever had,” he commented between bites.

“I’m glad you’re enjoying it,” she replied with a smile.

When they finished eating, they simply sat and stared at each other. Langston leaned slowly across the table and captured her lips in a tender kiss.

Lisa felt a spark blaze between them, and she couldn’t deny their rising connection.

This was more than just sex. This was something more profound. Something special.

Langston’s intense gaze held her hostage, and Lisa felt herself melting into the moment. He hauled her across the table and stood as she wrapped her legs around his waist. Then he left the kitchen, carefully stepping into the living room.

“Mmmmm,” he moaned into her mouth, kissing the bridge of her nose, sighing.

Briefly, Langston’s eyes flipped across the room, and he squinted and paused.

“I don’t want you to leave,” she panted into his bearded chin.

“I was thinking the same thing.”

She turned her eyes up to him. “Were you?”

He finally pulled his gaze to meet hers. “Yes.”

Lisa blushed, her skin warming all over.

“Lisa?”