Page 62 of Brighter Together

Her lips are pink and her cheeks flushed.

I want to kiss her again.

Among other things.

Instead, I brush a loose strand of hair from her face.

“So?”

“So what?”

“Baseline.”

She pretends to think, pursing her lips while I wait.

“Still promising.”

“Still?”

“Very.”

“Generous,” I shake my head.

She laughs.

I sit back and reach for the ignition.

Then Ella says, “You know, you still might be terrible in bed.”

My hand stops halfway to the start button.

I turn my head slowly.

She’s trying very hard not to laugh.

“You really want to keep pushing this?”

“I have high standards.”

“So do I.”

“Oh?”

“Yes.”

She looks intrigued. “And are you confident?”

I consider the question before answering. “I’m confident about us.”

The teasing fades slightly from her expression. “Why?”

“Because I know how much I want you.”

Her eyes darken.

“And after that kiss, I’m fairly sure you want me just as much,” I say.

“I do.”