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Before I can even open my mouth, he’s on the move again. By the time he grinds to a halt, he’s so close I can feel the warmth of his breath ghosting over my lips. The magnetic pull I feel for him has my body swaying forward. Instead of giving into the urge, I hold still, maintaining distance even though it’s the last thing I want.
It’s so tempting to lie but I’ve never been one to hide my true feelings or play games. Although, I’ve never blurted them out to a man who’s practically a stranger. This is new terrain for me and it’s nothing short of terrifying. The only other option is to keep them contained, and I can’t do it any longer.
I straighten my shoulders and force out the truth. “Maybe because I wanted you to kiss me again, and this seemed like the easiest way to accomplish it.”
A long, guttural groan escapes from him as his nostrils flare. If I didn’t know better, I’d think the man was in agony.
The other night, he took my mouth like a conquering hero. Today, his lips hover over mine, barely touching them. I tilt my chin upward, attempting to get closer. For a long, drawn-out moment, we hang in suspension. He doesn’t back away, but he doesn’t take it any further.
The anticipation all but kills me.
Just when I think he’ll dive in and take my mouth, he rips himself away until there’s at least ten feet to separate us. I feel the distance with every fiber of my being.
He plows a rough hand through his hair before glaring. “You know nothing can happen between us, right?”
The question has my heart constricting. “Why not?”
His scowl intensifies. “For one, your father is my boss.”
“And two?”
“You’re too damn young.” His gaze slides slowly down the length of my body before he rips it away and swears a blue streak under his breath. “Do you realize that I’m seven years older than you? For fuck’s sake, you’re still in college.”
“So are you,” I point out with a smirk, hoping to lighten his darkening mood.
His lips flatten as if he doesn’t find that comment the least bit amusing. “I’m taking a couple of classes while I work. That’s not the same as being a full-time college student. We’re in totally different places and…” There’s a pause. “I’m too damn old for you.”
“Who says?”
“I do,” he snaps, voice growing hard.
“What if I don’t agree?”
When he remains silent, I cautiously close the distance until we’re once again standing toe to toe. I have to tilt my neck to hold his gaze. There is so much suppressed heat and anger churning in his dark depths. The hot sparks that fly from his eyes nearly singe me alive. He’s like a wild animal that needs to be tamed with a gentle touch.
Even though I’m desperate to soothe the hurt that lurks within him, I keep my hands glued to my sides. The more time that ticks by, the harder it becomes. When I can’t resist the temptation any longer, I cautiously reach out and place my palms against the bare skin of his chest. He’s hot to the touch as the muscles tense beneath my fingertips. There’s a part of me that’s afraid he’ll bolt.
When he remains still, I stroke my hands upward, over chiseled pectorals before allowing them to drift downward. My hungry gaze tracks every movement, committing the moment to memory.
His body is beautiful.
I wish I could take my time and explore all of him.
“Poppy,” he grits out, breaking into my thoughts.
“What?” I glance up and meet his gaze. The intensity nearly scorches me alive.
“You need to stop.” His voice is strung impossibly tight, as if it’ll snap at any given moment.
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want to lose control.”
“What if that’s exactly what I want?” I pause before admitting, “I can’t stop thinking about what it would be like if you just let go.”
That’s all it takes for a growl to vibrate in his chest as one hand snakes around the nape of my neck. Barely is there time for a gasp to escape as I’m dragged forward and his lips crush mine.
Mason
