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Hansley chuckles, the sound vibrating through his chest and filling my body with warmth. “You’re surprisingly strong. I felt my soul leave my body when you pushed me.”
“That’s YouTube exercise videos and good genes.”
His fingers graze up and down my arm. “As much as I’m enjoying this, making out every time my parents come around isn’t the way to convince them we’re in love.”
“Then?”
He hikes up on one elbow and brings his face close to mine. Leaning in, he kisses me softly. “Just do what feels natural.”
“What if I don’t want to touch you at all?” I whisper.
He kisses me again, holding on for longer this time and taking my bottom lip in between his mouth before gently nipping on it. Easing back, he whispers, “I don’t think that’s the case.”
“Cocky…”
He kisses me one last time and I temporarily lose all thought.
When he pulls back, my lips are moist.
“Any more objections?”
Breathlessly, I cling to his shirt. “We’re not… this isn’t real.”
“So?” he whispers.
“So we’re not.” I gesture between the two of us. “This. We can’t. It’ll only be confusing.” My eyes open languidly and I stare at him, desire clawing its way through my bones, defying everything I’m saying. “Let’s not pretend when we’re together. No flirting. No, you know, consummating.”
He studies me for a long moment.
I think he’ll argue, but he just kisses my nose and allows me to ease myself off him. “Fine. We show affection only in front of my parents.”
“Deal.”
Hansley takes my hand as we walk into the kitchen. It’s every chef’s dream. Stainless steel appliances. Tons of counter space. A gorgeous splash drop.
I’m not a great cook, but I do enjoy preparing meals. Something about the order and structure of measurements paired with the unpredictability of the results challenges me. Makes me want to try harder and harder to do my best.
“Hansley,” Mrs. Nicholas nods to the living room, “your father has your fishing gear at the door.”
Hansley groans and wraps his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. “This is a trap.”
“It’s an invitation.” Her lips quirk.
“Why do you want Asia alone?”
“Your precious wife can handle herself, can’t you, Asia?”
I pat Hansley’s hand. “Go fishing with your dad.”
“Blink twice if you want me to stay.”
I laugh. “Hansley, go.”
“Stop being so clingy, son. You’ll smother her.”
“She’s right.”
“How can I survive when I have you two ganging up against me?” He kisses my forehead and then slants his mom a firm look. “I’m going, but ma…”
