“Hey!” she protests, laughing.“A girl can have varied interests, you know. So, what are you into?”
“Action and adventure. Movies where shit blows up.”
“That isn’t all that different from thrillers. It still keeps you on the edge of your seat.”
“True, but at least action movies don’t give me nightmares,” I tease, raising an eyebrow.
“Nightmares?” she asks playfully, smirking.“Are you implying you’re afraid of a little thriller?”
“Of course not,” I scoff, feigning offense.“But I’d rather watch something that gets my adrenaline pumping rather than my paranoia.”
“All right, then, Mr. Adrenaline Junkie,” Jessica says with a grin before grabbing a pillow and whacking me with it.“How about a pillow fight, and whoever wins gets to pick?”
“Game on!” I snatch up a pillow of my own and swing it back at her with a laugh.
As our impromptu pillow fight ensues, Loki jumps into the fray, barking happily and trying to catch the flying pillows with his teeth. Between dodging pillow strikes from Jessica and playing with the rambunctious pup, I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time.
Amid our laughter and playful chaos, I manage to pin Jessica to the bed, one hand holding her wrists above her head while the other grips my trusty pillow. Our eyes lock, and the room seems to fall silent. Time stands still as I take in the sight of her flushed cheeks, her honey-blonde hair disheveled from our battle, and the way her chest rises and falls with each breath.
“Gotcha,” I whisper.
The corners of her lips curl into a small smile, and the intensity in her gaze sends blood rushing south. I should let her up, but I can’t seem to tear myself away from this moment, caught in the spell she’s cast over me.
In that instant, I can’t resist any longer. I lean in and press my lips against hers, letting my passion for her take over. Her response is immediate and equally intense, her lips parting to deepen the kiss. The taste of her fills me with a desire I’ve never felt before. I slide my tongue across hers, loving the way she moans in response.
She writhes beneath me, making me so hard I don’t think I’ll be able to stand it much longer. My hands slide under the hem of her t-shirt, fingers grazing the warm, soft skin of her lower back. I want to do so much more, but I sense her hesitation, so I pull away.
“Wow,” she murmurs as we finally break apart.
“Yeah. Jessica, I—”
Suddenly, Loki leaps onto the bed, breaking the tension and causing us both to burst into laughter. As I release Jessica and sit back, I wonder what might have happened if her loyal pup hadn’t interrupted.
“You little brat!” She playfully ruffles Loki’s fur before turning her gorgeous violet eyes toward me.
“Sorry,” I murmur, though truthfully, I’m not.“I just … couldn’t help myself.”
“It’s okay,” she says softly, her smile reassuring. Our faces are still close. The heat of her breath on my skin is an erotic indulgence unlike anything I’ve experienced.“Should we start the movie?”
“Which one?”
“You pick. I want to see what you like.”
The only action I want right now involves the two of us tangled up in these sheets. However, I don’t say it out loud. I don’t want to push her too far. Instead, I nod and hit“Play” on the remote, starting the movie.
As the opening credits roll, I find it impossible to focus on the screen. My mind is filled with images of her—the curve of her neck, the way her hips sway when she walks, and her laughter that sounds like music to my ears. And her scent—a mix of vanilla and something uniquely her—is intoxicating.
I wonder if she feels the same attraction, the same magnetic pull that draws me toward her. Kissing her again is all I can think about. I need to feel her body pressed against mine once more, but I know it’s not the right time. It might never be.
“Are you enjoying the movie?” She turns to me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
“Uh, yeah,” I lie, forcing my gaze back to the screen.“It’s great.”
“Good,” she says, snuggling closer to me on the bed. The warmth of her body only fuels my desire. I force myself to focus on the movie. For now, this will have to be enough.
The movie’s volume increases along with the action, but all I hear is the pounding of my heart. I’m struggling with my feelings for Jessica. It’s not like me to fall so hard so fast. But she’s just so … perfect. Her wit, her smile, and her kindness are a magnetic force that pulls me in.
“Hey,” she says, pausing the film and turning to face me.“You seem a little out of it. Is everything okay?”
