Page 39 of Unexpected Complication

“Skylar,” I growled softly.

“Hmmm?”

“Why am I two checkers short?”

She blinked at me innocently. “Are you?”

“I thought these were safe to use. You don’t like them.”

She grinned, a sly, sexy smile that lit up her face. “I don’t like the black ones.” Leaning over, she nipped another checker from the board, popping it in her mouth. “Red are my favorite.”

I glared at her. “I win.”

She stood. “If you say so.”

I caught her wrist and pulled her down to my lap. “I win, Skylar. Say it.”

Her voice was husky. “You forfeited.”

I bit back my smile. “I won. I had one last move, and you ate it.”

“Can you prove it?”

I wrapped my hands around her face and pulled her down, crashing my mouth to hers. She gasped, and I slid my tongue in, tasting the sweetness I knew I’d find. Her hands flew to my wrists, but instead of pulling me away, she held on tight, a low moan trembling in her throat. I pressed harder, dipping deeper, the kiss exploding in heat. I commanded her mouth, my tongue insistent and unyielding. I kissed her until I had to stop. I drew back, panting.

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

“Yes, I proved it. You taste like cherry—” I stroked her warm cheek “—and Skylar,” I added quietly. “It’s an incredible combination.”

Her eyes widened, and I dropped another soft kiss on her mouth. “Skylar,” I whispered. “Kitten…”

She pulled back, standing up and taking a step back. “I have to go to bed.” She took another step away from me. “Alone.”

I ran a hand through my hair in frustration, even though I knew she was right. I nodded at her.

She hesitated, and before I could react, her lips were on mine again, and this time, she was kissing me. Her mouth was sweet, hot, and addictive. The feel of her tongue against mine was erotic, and I groaned, attempting to pull her close. She backed away, looking sad.

Then she turned and fled.

Again.

Somehow, the soft click of her door seemed louder than the slam earlier.

My head fell to my chest.

I was so fucked.

Chapter 8

Cian

I didn’t sleep well, tossing and turning all night. All I could think of was Skylar. How it felt to hold her, to kiss her. I tried to make sense of these strange feelings she brought out in me, but I couldn’t. More than once, I opened my laptop and checked on her. Her light was on all night, and she seemed as restless as I was, sitting up in bed, staring blankly, or sitting in the chair with a book she didn’t seem to be reading. I was tempted to go in and talk to her, but I wasn’t sure what I could say.

I hadn’t expected to feel like this about her. I hadn’t expected to feel anything.

Finally, when I saw her nod off to sleep, I was able to drift off as well.