Chapter Seven
Hazel
We walk to my place in silence. I chew on my lower lip, debating whether we’ll kiss. I want this first kiss. I’ve been thinking about it since the sushi place. Joshua is hot, but more so he’s sweet and funny and kind…
Who would have thought a masturbation session gone wrong would have brought me this attractive man to walk me to my door?
We pause side by side, and I turn my back to the door. Our eyes meet, and my heart pounds. Desire reflects back, and I decide if he doesn’t lean forward, I will.
Joshua steps closer and cups my face, and I press my cheek into his palm. “I’m going to kiss you…” he murmurs, giving me a chance to speak up. There’s no way in hell I’m objecting to this.
My tongue sneaks out, running along my lips before his warm ones rub against mine. A spark runs down my spine at the contact, and I whimper. Needing more, I tilt my head to the side and part my lips.
Joshua accepts the invitation and glides his tongue along mine in a sensual dance. Running my hands up his firm shoulders to his neck, I memorize the mix of chocolate and Joshua. A moan escapes me, and he guides me until my back presses against the door.
Our teeth nip and clash until we find a perfect rhythm. My heart races as I return the kiss. Shit, he’s good at this… What else is he good at? I dig my fingers into him to grab on and push to my toes. His arm bands around my waist, and the other cups my face.
His touch is both aggressive and gentle. Never have I felt cherished and wanted all at once. I press my hips forward against his thickness and shudder. Joshua hisses, and his fingers curl into me. Our kiss slows with short licks and teasing nips before he presses his forehead to mine.
“Shit.” His single word slips free, and he rubs his closed lips over mine. Pulling back, Joshua’s gaze is glazed with desire and need, and I imagine it reflects my own.
“Wow,” I mutter. This thing between us, whatever it is, has no room for anything but raw honesty.
“If I don’t walk away now, I won’t be able to stop myself,” he rasps.
The promise of those words makes my sex clench. “I don’t see a problem with that.”
A devilish smile lights up his face. He kisses me again, but it’s short and leaves me wanting more of the last one. “I really like you, Hazel. I want you right now, but I can’t risk rushing and ruining what we’re building. Go inside… and when you grab your vibrator like I know you will, create an ending neither one of us will ever forget.”
My breath hitches at his words, and he kisses my forehead before walking away. When he glances over his shoulder, I’m still standing there with one hand holding the doorknob for support and the other against my chest.
Joshua Bradley may be as sweet as the sundae he fed me, but the promise in his eyes is sure to set me on fire. A fire I’ll gladly step into if he’s on the other side.
***
Five days…
It’s been five long days since the scorching, toe-curling kiss in front of my door. Thanks to some unexpected changes in our schedules, we haven’t seen each other. Tonight he’s on shift, and I’m curled up watching a movie.
My phone vibrates beside me on the couch, and I smile after swiping up on the screen.
Nurse Hottie: Talk to me. It’s so damn slow, I’m about to fall asleep.
Hazel: I’m not really sure you should jinx a slow night.
After a minute, I set down my phone and return to the movie. I stare at the screen unseeingly, my thoughts on Joshua. I miss him. It’s a strange feeling, but I do. I enjoy our talks and—
My phone vibrates and my heart jumps.
Nurse Hottie: False alarm. Have I mentioned I miss you?
Butterflies take flight in my stomach at his words. It’s as if he heard my thoughts. I wipe my palms on my thighs, more out of nerves than sweat.
Hazel: No, you haven’t.
Nurse Hottie: Well, I do.
An idea forms in my mind, and I sit forward on the edge of the couch. My fingers fly along the screen before I press send.
