As I look around the room at the people surrounding me, I realize what it is.
Love.
I found my family.
* * *
“You still haveone present to unwrap,” Chase tells me as we clean up.
Nate just left to take Hailee home.
“No more gifts. I mean, I love what you guys got me, but it’s too much.” I hold my hands up.
Nate bought me a bracelet with an emerald charm while Chase bought me a cell phone. Both things I didn’t need but still appreciate.
He smiles. “This is different. I’m going to count to three. I expect you to run because I’m going to chase you.”
“Okay. I’ll bite. What happens if you catch me?” I bite my lip, trying to hide my smirk.
He gives me a wicked grin. “Then I eat you up. Ready?”
My breath hitches at his insinuation.
I don’t say anything, turning to take off running down the hall. I hear him count loudly. I make it to the room, slamming the door shut as he hits three. Then I look around, realizing I have nowhere to escape.
The door swings open, revealing a playful Chase.
“What do we have here?” he jokes.
“You haven’t caught me yet. I won’t go down without a fight,” I warn him with a smile.
“I wouldn’t want you any other way.”
He jumps at me, but I move just in time, climbing across the bed, laughing.
He grabs my ankle, pulling me down. I try to crawl away, but he rolls me over, placing his body on top of me.
I push at him, attempting to keep up the fight, but when he settles between my legs, they wrap around him without hesitation.
The pressure of his hardness against my center causes me to gasp.
“I’ve been waiting for this for a really long time,” he tells me as he leans in closer.
Once his lips are only a breath away from mine, he stops.
“If you want me to stop, you need to tell me now. Once I start, I’m not sure anything could make me stop.”
I close the distance, weaving my hand into the back of his hair, pressing my lips to his.
All the pent-up tension from the past month explodes as he moves his lips against mine.
Our teeth clash as we both press closer, fighting for control. When his tongue finds its way past my lips, I arch up into him, making him groan.
His hands start to roam, causing me to whimper.
“Is this okay?” he asks, breaking from the kiss.
“Yes,” I murmur before pulling him in for another kiss.
