Page 57 of My Demon Neighbor
When I straightened back up, Codie stepped close to me, his hands falling to my hips. He leaned up, his eyes on mine, and I closed the distance between us. He kissed me as soon as our lips were close enough, and this time, he didn't pull back. Instead, the tip of his tongue trailed over my bottom lip, and I hummed as I parted my lips, welcoming his tongue in as it tangled with mine.
I kept my arms loose at my sides, not wanting to startle him as he deepened the kiss, his fingers digging into my skin. Our tongues danced with each other's in a slow, smooth caress, and I moaned softly at the delightful taste of my mate.
When Codie pulled back, he was breathing hard, and I rested my forehead against his, waiting until his eyes opened and met mine to say what I'd realized earlier at the store. I'd debated keeping it to myself for now, but I couldn't.
"Codie, I love you."
His eyes widened, and his lips moved like he was struggling to speak. Reaching up, I covered his mouth with two fingers, shaking my head without pulling back.
"You don't have to say anything, and you certainly don't have to say it back. I just wanted you to know. My love isn't contingent on this being a romantic relationship either, okay? I just love you, and I'll continue loving you even if this is the last time we ever kiss."
Codie gazed at me for a long moment, as if searching my soul to make sure I was saying the truth. I stayed still, letting him see all of me.
In the end, he gave a single nod, then kissed me again.
