Page 45 of Striking Range

“Because seeing it is a lot more intense than feeling it. When you look down and see them wrapped around you, it heightens everything by at least ten. It’ll blow your mind. It’ll feel like dying.”

I imagine I would. I imagine that, if Skylar got on his knees and swallowed me up, I would simply stop breathing.

He huffs out a heavy, hot breath that soaks straight into my skin. I breathe it in, watching the blue swim in his eyes. Watching the heat dance. The air around us is charged.

“Wow,” he whispers.

“Yeah, wow,” I mimic. I’m caught under his spell as he swallows audibly, just barely sensible enough to finally ask, “Did you bring him home with you, Skylar?”

Slowly, after what feels like an eternity in purgatory, he shakes his head. “No, I didn’t sleep with him. That’s what you’re asking, isn’t it?”

I nod. “Yeah, that’s what I’m asking.”

With only half of his attention, he pours us both another shot, throwing his back like he needs it to breathe.

“Everett,” he starts again. “Do you like guys?”

Every muscle in my body locks. I can barely hold his stare. “No, I don’t think so.”

He tilts his head at me. “So, you’ve never wanted to be with a guy before?”

Pouring myself another shot and throwing it back, I do not answer.

Skylar grins. “Who was it?”

“One question at a time,” I remind him.

“Answer me.”

I laugh, shaking my head at him as I say, “No, it’s my turn.”

Skylar shoves me, pinching at my side. “Answer me!”

I shove him back. “You’re so demanding.”

“Yeah, and you like it, apparently.”

I can feel my face flush, though the liquor is probably hiding it. But even through my embarrassment, I mutter, “Yeah, I do.”

He’s staring at me again, eyes searching my face as he smiles—soft and sweet. The picture of a pretty little puppy, and yet I can feel it in my bones that he’s winding up to make a fatal blow.

The predator and the prey—that is who Skylar is.

“Answer me, Evie.”

“I can’t.” It’s a whisper, all humor draining from my voice and exiting the conversation entirely. I consider for a moment that I might be too drunk.

“Why not?” he presses.

He might be closer now, slowly inching nearer and nearer.

“I just can’t.”

“I think I know.” Skylar is watching my mouth, eyes glazed over and so fucking bright—so full of heat.

I was right; we might just end up in a compromising position. I have to try and stop it, even if it’s just barely. That way I have something to lean on as I beat myself up tomorrow.

“Don’t say it.” I’m begging him, but I’m not moving away as his hand moves to rest next to my thigh and he gets impossibly closer.