“I don’t think you do.” I glance down the hallway. The guys are still chatting and no one seems to notice or care the two of us aren’t there. I have to make this right between us. “Last night . . . I left, and I shouldn’t have.”
“Why?” Her brow furrows and her gaze snaps to mine. “Because you made me feel bad? I don’t need your pity.”
“That’s what you think?” I reach a hand up to the back of my neck, the muscles tense under my touch. “That’s not why I left. God, you have no idea.”
Her jaw hardens and she crosses her arms over her chest. “No need to patronize me by pointing out how clueless I am. I already understand I’m way out of my element here.”
That’s it. I can’t stand it anymore.
With one hand on her hip I push her backward inside the bathroom and let the door shut behind us.
“What are you—?”
My lips crash down on hers and this time I don’t go slow or hold back. I pour everything into this kiss. All the attraction I feel toward her. The pent up sexual frustration. Even the anger I have toward my uncle. I kiss her with all of it, and I don’t stop until my fingers tangle in her hair, our bodies pressed together, and I’m utterly breathless.
“That’s what I should have done last night.” I cup her cheeks, her skin flushed and pink. “I’m sorry I made you feel that way, or doubt yourself. I was an asshole. Iaman asshole. I didn’t leave because I didn’t want you. Fuck. I ran because I was scared.”
Her eyes, green with flecks of gold I never noticed before are wide, her voice a whisper. “Scared?”
“Yes, terrified actually. You scare the shit out of me, Opal.” I force my hands to my sides. The need to touch her is powerful, but more, I need to explain. “What I feel when I’m around you goes beyond anything I’ve ever experienced. And when you told me you were a virgin it made me stop and question what the hell I was doing. I’d never take something so special from you.” I don’t mention the blackmail. Mine or my uncle’s. The omission wedges a sliver of guilt into my mind, but I shove it away for now.
Opal watches me with those wide eyes and I think for a moment she might throw me out of the bathroom. I wouldn’t blame her if she did. But instead she takes a step forward, her hands finding mine as our bodies align. “It’s not taking if I give it to you. It’s a gift.”
Fuck me. I squeeze my eyes shut and let out a groan. “A gift I don’t deserve.”
“You don’t get to decide that.”
My eyelids fly open with surprise. “What?”
“That’s my right. I determine if you’re worth it to me. Not you or anyone else. Unless . . .” She worries her lip between her teeth.
“What?”
She shrugs, steps backward, and I immediately miss the warmth. “If you’d rather be with someone else. Someone with more experience. I’d understand. I’ve seen the way the fans scream for you. You wouldn’t have a problem finding someone who knows what they’re doing.”
I shake my head. I don’t want anyone else. “They don’t hold a candle. Opal, you shine so much brighter than anyone else in a room.” My lips pull up with a grin and I reach for her, my hands on her hips to pull her close. “Or a sold-out stadium. I want you.”
“So, now what?” she says softly and glances up from beneath her lashes. With open palms she skirts her hands up my chest to rest there. Her lips part on an exhale and while I have no idea how to navigate this situation, there’s one thing I do know. I won’t be able to stay away from her. Not now. Not after laying out how I feel.
“Kissing.” The roughness in my tone is filled with need.
She lifts her chin and whispers it back. “Kissing?”
“I would very much love to kiss you right now.” I drop my chin and ever so slowly close the space between our lips.
“Only kissing?” She breathes when we’re a few centimeters apart.
“Opal?”
“Yeah?”
“No more talking.” I claim her mouth. Tasting. Seeking. My tongue dances with hers and it’s the most glorious experience. My entire body thrums with delight and joy. We’re doing this. She’s in my arms and for this one moment everything is perfect. Exactly where we’re meant to be. Whatever comes next we’ll figure out, but for right now we’re making out in the bathroom like two horny teenagers who can’t wait for a better space. Fitting, since technically we both are.
Laughter, boisterous and loud, comes from the front of the bus and only then do we finally pull apart. Opal’s lips are full and pink, her hair a bit of a mess, and she breathes as though she’s just run a mile. I have no doubt I look the same.
“We should . . .” she trails off and glances at the door, out to where reality awaits us.
I don’t want to go out there. As senseless as it is, I wish we could stay here in this bathroom for the rest of forever. Instead I nod and pull her flush against my body. “I’ll go first. Wait a few minutes and follow.”
