The first caress of our lips is tentative, like we’re both almost unable to believe this is really happening. But the moment our tongues meet, a fire is lit within me and I never want it gone.
Everything about this kiss feels different, everything with Beck feels different, and all that I am wants to guard this special connection, keep it safe, and make it last.
Beck’s fingers tighten on me, moving to my nape as he draws me closer. My arms go around his neck as our kiss grows stronger, our tongues tasting, dancing, playing.
Then, I’m in Beck’s lap. He lifts me up and my knees land on both sides of his hips, and his arms wrap around me to keep me secure in his embrace as our kiss grows hungrier.
Just before I start writhing on his lap and think about taking this further, Beck slows our kiss down and rests our foreheads together.
“Eleanor?” Beck says, his breathlessness holding awe.
“Beck?” I ask, leaning back only far enough to take in his incredulous grin that pretty much mirrors mine.
“I have a confession to make.” There’s no guilt or maliciousness in the statement, so my walls remain down as his fingers rub up and down my back.
“Yeah?” I encourage, twirling a strand of his pretty hair around my finger.
Beck ducks his head to meet my eyes. “I know I said I wanted to be friends again. I lied. I want more than that.”
“Me too. So much more.”
“And, there’s one more thing,” Beck adds, shoulders climbing up toward his ears.
“Yeah?” Apprehension threatens my good mood, but once again, I aim to give him the benefit of the doubt.
“Tilly and Bodin aren’t fighting. I made that up as an excuse to spend more time with you. The guys helped me plan everything for today and postponed game night,” Beck admits, imploring me to understand with the most beautiful puppy eyes I’m increasingly weak for.
My smile grows slowly, enjoying the effort he’s put into this day and the fact that he enlisted his friends for some help. Forme. “That’s actually really endearing. I love the team effort.”
Beck’s brow furrows and his mouth sets in a serious line. “Eleanor, more than a minute has passed since we’ve had thetruth candies, so I’m saying all of this without any coercion. I want you to know that I won’t lie to you again. Ever.”
Whispering fingers across his brow and down the scales along his jaw, I say, “I’ll always tell you the truth, too. Promise.”
“Promise,” Beck echoes before sealing our vow with a kiss.
