11. Chapter 11
Last night was the first night in days on this cruise that I’ve slept like an angel.
Half the night was me replaying that kiss over and over again.
Remembering the warmth of Leo’s lips on my skin, the way he held me…
I know I looked like a damn fool smiling and giggling the way I was.
The other half was me dreaming of what could have happened next, and it’s safe to say my body more than agreed with the outcome.
This morning, Leo’s offer hangs in the air expectantly as we run—him mostly limping—around each other to get ready for the day.
So much of me is screaming yes. Take the leap and do something completely out of left field for once.
But my body is still stuck in that club watching Justin kiss another girl, and knowing he wanted to make a move—whatever that may have been—makes me wish I could crumble into dust. My whole life has been a nest of anxious attachments and playing it safe or not at all because it always ends the same.
Sticking to the background and only allowing myself to come to the light when I know it’s safe and no one else is around is how I’ve made it this long without completely falling apart.
The shakiness I feel on unfamiliar ground is the only thing between me and a hell yes.
Not to mention what Elijah might say. Justin is his friend, but Leo has always been the brother he wished he had.
“How’s your foot? I still feel really bad,” I say as I rummage through my jewelry box. He can walk, but the limp has me feeling like I kicked a puppy.
“It’s all good. The ice really helped, I think.
Thank you.” Leo smiles at me sweetly as he waits for me by the door.
I fumble with my necklace a little longer than I need to to keep as much distance from him as possible.
I might be anxious, but that hasn’t slowed the heat that’s been simmering in my core since last night. “Do you need help with that?”
I shake my head swiftly. “Nah, I got it. I almost…” The clasp slips from my fingers again. “Shit,” I whisper.
“Here, let me.” Leo moves toward me, and before I can protest, his hands are in my hair, gathering it at the nape into his fist before instructing me to hold it up and trying my best not to go weak in the knees at how firm his grasp is.
It’s a dangerously sweet combination with the way the tips of his fingers graze the back of my neck so tenderly as he works to clasp the necklace on.
A chill runs down my spine, and it takes everything to keep myself from sighing and leaning back into him.
Once the necklace is on, he moves back, and the tension in my arms releases as I drop my hair and do my best to ignore the nagging feeling festering in me that misses his closeness.
“All set?” he asks with raised brows.
Nodding, I head to the door. “Are you sure you don’t want to go back to your room and get some clean clothes? It’s still a little early.”
He grins, his eyes narrowing on me. “If you want to stay with me a little longer, all you have to do is ask.”
“Oh, please,” I groan. “I let you stay the night because of your ankle, nothing more.”
“Was our kiss nothing more too, or are you just saying that to push me away?” Leo steps closer to me and stands taller as he looms over me, trapping me in the small entryway. The smell of his cologne takes me back to the moment. “All of my cards are on the table, Gina. What are you afraid of?”
I shrug, swallowing my truth. “I never said I was afraid.”
“But you act like it. You don’t think I notice the way you’ve been tensing up and doing everything you can to create distance between us?”
“I’m not sure what you mean.”
“I think you do.” Leo leans down toward me, his breath mingling with mine so much so that I can taste him—not that I’d ever forget.
He wavers there, and my lips part slightly before his head dips down to my ear, where his lips softly brush the shell with his every word.
“Tell me you don’t want me to take you right here, right now. ”
I pull my bottom lip into my mouth and shut my eyes as I feel his hand come to my waist. He digs into my flesh as he pulls me closer to him, my breast pressing into his chest. Leo’s gentle eyes meet mine, and my act completely falls apart.
He knows good and well I can’t say no, but he won’t move unless I do. Unless I give him a yes.
“What about Elijah?” I question. My brother and I don’t always get along, but I still care about him. If I start a relationship with Leo—or whatever this is—and it fails, what would that mean for their friendship? That’s not something I’m willing to ruin for him.
“We can cross that bridge when we get there.” There’s not an ounce of uncertainty or hesitation in his tone. I love that; I need that for once.
“I don’t want him to lose you as a friend, and how do I know this isn’t just meaningless sex?”
Leo looks down at me as his thumb presses smooth circles into my back. “We don’t have to tell Tee everything right away, and he could never lose me as a friend unless this really does bother him. I want you to trust me—I need you to for this to work. All I can do is show you if you’ll let me.”
My hands come up his arms to his shoulders, looking over him and feeling the steady rhythm in his chest as my hand comes over his heart.
The back of my mind races with the endless possibilities of what could go wrong.
This could completely blow up in my face, and I’d end up a puddle of mess again.
We are on a cruise for a bachelor/bachelorette party.
Who’s to say emotions aren’t high being swept up in the moment?
But wouldn’t a few days where I can be myself, allow myself to be cared for and seen without a care in the world about what comes next be worth never trying?
Nodding my head, I smile sweetly. “Okay. I’ll trust you.”
Leo’s smile widens, and his arms wrap around me before he presses his lips to mine. I let out a giggle as he dips me backward, peppering me with kisses all over my face, neck, and chest—a joyous sound of relief that I’d almost forgotten.
“Okay,” I exclaim as he lifts me back up, but not without planting one more long kiss on my lips. “We should go to breakfast.”
Leo grabs my hand and brings it to his mouth. “I have a better idea.”
Furrowing my brows, I cock my head to the side. “Right now?”
“No,” he laughs before leading me out the door. “Although that can definitely be arranged, I have a surprise for you.”
“How did you manage to plan something between last night and this morning? I didn’t even give you an answer.”
“I had to believe you would choose me.” He shrugs confidently.
“You’re too damn cocky,” I tease as I allow him to guide me.
“Not cocky. I believe in what we could have together, and I’m determined to show you exactly that.”