AllFreeNovel
Share Us
A hot curl of desire unfurls inside my chest, like liquid heat pouring through my body. “Like what sort of things would she need?”
His deep blue eyes hold mine, and for a few seconds, restraint seems to flicker across his irises. Maybe even a touch of concern. For me? For my recent breakup? I’m not sure. But he must let go of his questions, since he asks me instead, “Does she like it slow and sensual? Hot and passionate? Deep and possessive? A gentle caress? An exploration?”
I don’t say a word for several seconds. I just feel his words. The possibilities. And the dangerous flutters in my chest. Then, because tonight I’m not holding back, I admit something else. “I don’t know the answers,” I say.
“Why’s that?” he asks, like he can’t let go of this train of thought either.
I could blame the hot tub. I could maybe blame the wine but I’ve only had two glasses in two hours. Instead, I blame my ex as I serve up the next truth. “He’s the only guy I’ve been with for the last few years. I’m not even sure I’ve ever had a really great kiss. The kind that makes your knees weak. That makes your chest tingle. That feels like melting. With him or anyone.”
There. It’s said. It’s out there. I’m the yoga girl who’s supposedly in touch with her body, but I’ve never truly enjoyed intimacy with another person.
I’ve had sex. I just haven’t ever loved it. I’d like to though.
Hollis is flustered for a few seconds, mouth agape, eyes wide. “But that’s terrible. That’s criminal. That’s…just wrong.” Then he shakes off his shock. He’s strong, confident, the guy who scaled a balcony to rescue a cat. “Everyone should have a great kiss.”
I tilt my head, offer a small and hopefully seductive smile. “Why’s that?”
“Because kissing is another thing that shouldn’t be rushed. It should be savored. It should be enjoyed. It should be drunk slowly like a glass of fine wine.”
I don’t feel like the mom of the group tonight. I don’t feel like the wingwoman. I feel like my own problem solver. The girl who’s had enough bad luck. “I don’t know what that’s like.” Then I push past my nerves. “But I’d like to. Maybe this should be the real favor.”
He studies me, and questions seem to flash across his eyes. Contemplation, like he’s wrestling with something. I see restraint in them once more, then guilt flickers again, clear and obvious. I don’t know what to make of the guilt but it passes, turning into fuck it. “Let me make one thing clear—this is not a favor. You don’t owe me this. But I really want to kiss you, and I’d love to help you figure out how you want to be kissed.”
“You do?” I ask the question not because I don’t believe him, but because his voice right now is vibrating in my bones. I want to feel that buzz again.
“I really do. And I think I’ve got a good idea on how to start.” He takes a beat. “May I?”
It’s the may I that does me in.
13
TWO-WAY STREET
Hollis
She’s never had a great kiss?
That makes me seriously sad. I can’t think about the fans right now, or the rivalry between our two teams. I can’t think about anything but fixing that problem ASAP.
Though, admittedly, there’s one other issue on my mind. My teammate. I’m not the kind of guy who’d go after his friend’s girl. But Briar’s not Rhys’s ex or his girlfriend. She’s simply his crush.
That’s fine, right? Yes, that’s fine. Of course that’s fine.
Besides, I’ve known Rhys for years. We played against each other a lot in college. We’ve partied together in the pros. The two of us don’t have to call dibs on girls we both like.
For one simple reason—we’re excellent at sharing.
But…if you’re going to share you kind of need to be in the same place at the same time. And, well, he’s not here and I fucking am.
Time to shove Rhys out of my mind as I wait for Briar’s answer to the kiss question. When she tilts her head and gives me a playful, teasing smile, saying, “Yes. You may,” I seize the chance.
I slide across the seat in the tub, moving next to her in the hot water, the bubbles caressing the swells of her breasts, the water licking her pale, creamy skin.
She bites the corner of her lips. Lifts her chin. Waits for me to make the first move. She hasn’t been kissed well in a long time, she said. But also, maybe ever.
That’s about to change.
And one of the best parts of kissing is the anticipation. The moment before. The prelude.
