Page 33 of From the Embers

“Try me.”

He tilts my chin so our eyes meet. “I shouldn’t be here.”

“Yes, you should.”

His eyes shift down to my cleavage and I revel in his delight. “You look like my own private wet dream, Princess, and that ain’t cool.”

“Really? I beg to differ.” I place a finger over his mouth, not wanting him to say anything else because negativity will surely ensue. “Let’s just enjoy this dance.”

He smirks while his hands slide down my body and I almost lose myself in his touch. I’m so wet. I feel it everywhere. When he begins to move, really move, I’m lost in the tempo, the heat, and the sexy way he can’t keep his eyes off me.

I’m bolder than I usually am, one hand planted on his chest as my other entwines with his, and then he spins me. My back hits his chest and he pulls me close again. We sway and I grind back against him. Hearing him groan like that, his grip tightening around my waist, makes me so fucking ferral.

“I want you,” I mutter. “Please, Denver.”

“Please, Denver, what?” he mutters against my ear.

“For tonight, forget who we are to each other. I can’t take this anymore.”

“Babe—”

“You came over here for one reason and one reason only,” I remind him. “You were jealous when you saw me dancing with someone else, admit it.”

He doesn’t, but I hear the low growl in his chest and I smile smugly, even though he can’t see my face.

“We’d be so good together.”

“That’s the problem,” he says, his voice low, barely audible, but then he adds, “But I also can’t fight this anymore. I’m done.”

He’s done?

Before I know what’s happening, he spins me again and cups my face. Leaning forward he presses his forehead against mine. “What am I gonna do with you, Adi?”

“I can think of a few things,” I whimper.

“Fuck, baby, we can’t tell Daryl…”

“I know that,” I mutter. “Just kiss me. Kiss me like you want it⁠—”

He doesn’t even let me finish the words and his mouth is on mine. I wrap my arms around his waist, hardly daring to believe that it’s happening again. This time, instead of a fake kiss to piss off his ex and her mean friends, it’s real.

When his tongue finds mine, a new ecstasy rises inside of me and I want so much more.

“My place,” he mutters between kisses. “My place is closer.”

“I just have to tell Ellie I’m leaving,” I pant.

He pulls back, stroking one side of my face. “I’ll be by the front door. Make it quick.”

I love how demanding he is all of a sudden. With my heart racing I nod, then turn to seek out Ellie, who’s still in the embrace of Shaun. I quickly tell her I’m leaving with Denver and she jumps up and down with delight, hugging me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” I don’t mean to glance warily at Shaun, but I can’t help it. Ditching my friend was never on the cards tonight, but she seems content.

“We’re going back to his place.” Ellie shrugs. “So you have yourself a great night. I can’t wait to hear all about it.”

“You too.” We hug again and I take off.

Denver is exactly where he said he’d be, and he reaches his arm out to clasp my hand when I get closer to him. “Do you have a jacket?”