“That’s all it took?” I whisper. “I showed you some kindness at the hospital, and now I’m the only person who has shown they care?”
His back hunches as he replies with silence.
I push the rest of the blanket off my legs and stand up.
Dax turns around, concerned. “What are you doing?”
I retrieve my phone from the rock and open the group chat with my friends. It’s littered with unread messages, wondering where I went.
“Just texting my friends that I’m not dead,” I say, busily tapping the screen. “I don’t want alarm bells ringing and a search party coming after me. I’d rather give you my undivided attention.”
Surprise puffs out of him. “Seriously?”
I look up from the screen. “Yes. If you need someone to open up to, I’m here for you.”
His grin sends me giddy, and I finish my text messages. I make up an excuse that my family needed me home for a conference call with my mother. Hopeand Sylvie will buy that. I then text Roger, telling him I’ll be at Sylvie’s house and won’t need him again tonight.
I toss the phone in my purse and sit next to Dax. “All taken care of.”
“What did you tell your family?”
I swat my hand. “Oh, they’re the only ones I didn’t text. They won’t be expecting me home, so I’m in no rush.”
“Wow,” Dax murmurs. “You’re actually smiling.”
I touch my cheeks, noticing the stretch happiness has caused. As I lower my hand, there’s a flutter in my chest. “Oh.”
“It’s the happiest I’ve seen you since we met,” he remarks. “What’s changed?”
My face flushes, and I look down. “I feel silly saying this, but I feel free.”
Dax tilts his head, intrigued. “How so?”
“When I’m with my friends, I can predict everything that’ll happen,” I explain. “When I’m with my family, I have certain expectations to uphold. Right now, I have no idea what will happen. I don’t know what you’ll say or do. Anything could happen, and it’s thrilling. It’s the first time I truly feel alive in this town.”
A hesitancy comes over Dax. “And you feel like that because you’re with me?”
I shrug, biting my lip as I nod.
Dax lifts the blanket, and I scooch closer to him and snuggle underneath. As he wraps the blanket around us, he anchors an arm behind me, and ensures I’m warm.
My veins fizz with energy. Before his hand lifts off the blanket, I grasp it. I want to keep him close. The urge is overwhelming and uncontrollable, and I’m lost in lust.
I have to have it. I crave it.
I’m going for it.
I hold on to his arm and push myself forward until my face meets his. I press my lips onto his and pour myself into the kiss. I devour the fullness of hisbottom lip, and press my hand against the side of his face. His prickly stubble digs into my palm until I shift my hand.
Dax’s arms hug around my middle, and I enjoy the way his hand presses into my back. Usually, this kind of touch would freeze me up. All I’d want to do is push the foolish boy off me. But this is different. Dax’s hand feels natural. It doesn’t feel like he’s pawing at me, or attempting to use me. This feels valuable and unrestrained.
When Dax kisses me back, it sends a hunger through me. My heart pounds with lust, and I need more of him. Every time his lips move, mine work harder. My hand moves from his cheek to the back of his head. I run my hand through his thick, scruffy hair and plant it there. Not only do I want to experience an awesome kiss, I want it to be amazing for him too.
We break apart only when I need to come up for air.
“Whoa,” he says, almost breathless. “That was something else.”
I cup a hand over my mouth, the pink hue burning in my cheeks. “Sorry, something just took over me.”
