I didn’t give him a chance to respond. Instead, I walked up the stairs two at a time and quickly made my way into my apartment.
This was the right decision.
Once I closed the door, I leaned my back against it and let out a heavy sigh.
If it was soright, then why did I feel like this? Like there was a weight crushing my chest from disappointment.
I closed my eyes, trying to compose myself, when there was a knock.
I pulled open the door, seeing Gabe on the other side, out of breath and hair messy. Like he’d sprinted up the stairs. How did—he must’ve gotten into the building before the door closed. Myeyes flicked to the mistletoe attached to the top of my doorframe, and butterflies swarmed my stomach. When did that get there?
“Did you forget something?” I asked.
“Yeah,” he breathed, “this.”
In one long step, Gabe closed the distance between us. He cupped my face in his hands and pulled my mouth to his in a romantic kiss that took my breath away.
32
GABRIEL
I was addictedto how sweet Lily’s lips tasted. So addicted that I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop kissing her once I started.
It was part of the reason why I didn’t think coming up to her apartment was a good idea. Because I didn’t want to stop. Neither of us did.
Kissing her was more than a want—it was a need.
I’d purchased the bundle of mistletoe earlier tonight from one of the booths, wanting to give Lily the breathtaking kiss she deserved, but no moment had felt right. It all felt too public. Even though this was on her list, I wanted this moment to be for us.
For someone who hadn’t been in love before, Lily spoke about it like she longed for it but had realized it was just out of reach. She seemed to knowexactlywhat it felt like yet had given up on it before experiencing it for herself. I wondered why that was. Why she recognized all this love around her but didn’t think it was within her grasp.
It almost sounded like she’d given up, and while I hadn’t known Lily for long, I knew her well enough to knew she was a fighter and went after what she wanted.
So, why wasn’t she fighting to find love?
She parted her lips eagerly, a soft whimper escaping as my tongue tangled with hers. I guided us further into her apartment, the door slamming behind us.
I carefully maneuvered us to the couch without breaking the kiss. The world would have to be on fire before I pulled my lips away from hers.
Lily’s hands moved quickly, undoing my coat and pushing it off my shoulders. I did the same with her hers, letting it fall to the floor.
She ran her hands along my shirt, a hum escaping as she felt the fabric. “You’re not wearing a dress shirt.”
“Wanted to look my best for you tonight,” I mumbled against her lips.
I could feel Lily smile. “You always look your best. Actually, I’m convinced it’s impossible for you to look bad.”
Once we were close enough, I sat on the couch, my hands firmly finding Lily’s hips and bringing her with me. She straddled me with ease, grinding her hips into mine and causing a rush of arousal that went straight to my cock. “Fuck, Lily,” I grunted, digging my fingers into her hips and pushing her harder onto my growing erection.
Despite the layers of clothing between us, the friction felt fucking incredible. Lily must’ve agreed, because she let out a breathy moan, her fingers moving into my hair and tugging hard. “More,” she breathed, tilting her hips toward me. “I need…more, Gabe. I—I needyou,” Lily stammered, and the words kicked my pulse into overdrive.
If she needed something—anything—I was going to give it to her. No questions asked. I wanted to be the person who gave hereverything.
But…I was also going to make her tell me exactly what she needed and wanted. I wanted to hear her say it.
I pulled away from her mouth, finally breaking the kiss. My hot breath hit her ear as I asked, “What do you need, Sunshine? Use your words and tell me.” I pressed my lips to the side of her neck, getting a shaky shudder from her. She pressed her hips harder into mine.
“I—I want,” Lily panted. “I know I shouldn’t, but I want you to touch me.”
