And yes, I inhale it because I can’t seem to stop myself.
Ash must notice because he holds me a little closer and he kisses my forehead. It’s oddly sweet and tender and I realize it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that from anyone, especially a guy. It’s been a year since I’ve been in a relationship and that one was very casual. I have a feeling getting involved with Ash could ruin me for every other guy, but the longer we stay like this, the more I want to take that chance.
Am I rushing things? Is this too fast? Am I crazy because I’ve known him for only a handful of days?
No.
I justify that reasoning because I’ve taken things slow with guys I’ve known for much longer and it didn’t change the outcome. I’ve also rushed into things with guys I’ve known for years. What makes this different is that there is a connection with Sebastian that I never felt before. It’s scary and exciting and when I look at him, my heart aches with a need to just be near him. That has to mean something, right?
And it’s not that wave of lust or excitement you feel when it’s…well…lust.
Been there, done that, and this isn’t the same.
This is…me wanting to talk to him, to sit and watch TV with him, or to sit outside and watch the sunset.
Do I want to sleep with Sebastian in a sexy way? Hell yes! I’d have to be dead not to. But I know I’ll be fine if we don’t take that step yet.
But a little making out in his bed in our jammies would go a long way in making the wait more tolerable.
My hand now rests on his thigh, and I hear his small hiss followed by an almost indiscernible groan. I smile against his throat.
“Behave, Liv,” he murmurs.
Tipping my head back, I smirk up at him in the darkness, batting my eyelashes innocently. “What? I’m not doing anything.”
His grin is a little wicked and he leans in, his breath warm against my ear, and whispers, “I’m going to enjoy paying you back for this.”
I shiver with delight because in my mind, I’m already envisioning the type of payback I want from him. Unfortunately, we won’t have the hot tub to ourselves, but that’s something I’d definitely enjoy—naked hot tub time. Or skinny dipping in the pool.
It’s pointless to keep going with that train of thought because unless we find a way to get the other five people we’re staying with to all go out and stay out for hours, it’s never going to happen.
Dammit.
“We should have stopped for ice cream!” Roxie calls out. “I could really go for a sundae or a milkshake right now! Is it too late to turn around and go back into town?”
“There are multiple cartons of ice cream in the freezer and plenty of toppings in the pantry and fridge,” Vanessa answers. “You can totally make whatever you want back at the house. Just don’t eat or drink it in the hot tub, please!”
“You are such a buzzkill!” Roxie huffs but immediately follows it with a laugh. “And I don’t think I’m going in the hot tub tonight. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone on so many long walks with the dogs. I’m kind of beat. So, I’m going to make my sundae and call it an early night.”
Okay, that’s one down…
She leans forward and grins at me. “Not that I think you guys need to know this, but…Gunnar’s not going to try to sleep in your bed tonight. So just…FYI, Liv, if you want to sleep in our room, the coast is clear.” Then she winks dramatically and giggles. “But I’m sure you’d rather snuggle up with Ash and not risk my big yellow lab trying to spoon with you again!”
Oh, Lord…tipsy Roxie is a riot.
Not.
“When we get back to the house, do the dogs need to go for a walk?” Ash asks.
“They do, but I’m not taking them on the beach again. It’s too dark, I’m too tired, and I’ve had a little too much to drink.” As if on cue, she hiccups. “I can just take them out front and hopefully that little patch of grass will be enough.
“No,” he assures her. “I’ll take them for their walk. You go in and have your ice cream and I’ll take care of the dogs. They’re probably eager to go out for a bit after being alone for the last few hours.”
For a minute, Roxie doesn’t say a word, but then she leans forward and looks at me. “Liv,” she whispers loudly. “This one’s a keeper. Honestly. I told you he was a great guy. Hold on to him with both hands, ’kay?”
“I think someone needs to carry her up to bed!” Loren calls out.
“Ooh! Can Mike do it?” Roxie says with a bark of laughter. “I’ve always wanted Mike to carry me up the stairs! You know, because he’s a fireman! Can you do that, Mike? Please?”
