Page 61 of Brighter Together

“Still sure?”

“Yes.”

I slide my free hand around the back of her neck and pull her towards me.

This time there’s no hesitation from either of us.

Her lips meet mine and the tension I’ve been carrying since Friday finally disappears.

I kiss her slowly at first, taking my time now that I know exactly where we stand. At least until she shifts closer and her hand lands on my chest.

Then patience becomes significantly harder.

My fingers slide into her hair.

Her lips part.

I deepen the kiss, and Ella makes a soft sound into my mouth that has my grip tightening automatically.

Fuck.

I spent the entire weekend remembering what kissing her felt like.

My memory did not do it justice.

Her tongue slides over mine and a groan escapes me.

She smiles against my lips.

I feel it.

I kiss her harder in retaliation.

Her fingers curl into my shirt, pulling me closer despite the gearstick and centre console making the whole thing far more awkward than it should be.

For a few seconds, I forget we’re in a public lay-by with traffic passing behind us.

A car door slams outside.

I slow the kiss and reluctantly pull back enough to breathe.

One last brush of my mouth over hers.

Then another.

Ella laughs softly.

“What?”

“That was more than one kiss.”

“I changed my mind.”

“Twice.”

“I’m thorough.”

“Good quality in a researcher,” I grin.