32. Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Chloe
I’m glad the restaurant gave us those soft white mints with our check because the moment we get to the parking lot, Dawson pushes me up against the passenger side of the car. “Really, right here? Where anyone can see?”
Dawson nods, his gaze set on my lips. My stomach tightens at the same time flutters go wild.
“Yes,” he says, resting his hands on the top of the car behind me, trapping me between his arms. “It’s getting dark out and people can mind their own business.”
Pushing my palms flat against the car door behind me, I ask, “What about rock climbing?” I get out between stuttering breaths. I like being stuck by Dawson. Instead of feeling small or caged in, I feel safe, protected.
“We’ll get there. Eventually .”
My pulse races, anticipation making it pound faster and faster, as I’m surrounded by Dawson’s heated stare, his gorgeous brown eyes, his fresh, clean scent .
“Okay,” I whisper.
Dawson leans in closer, his mouth an inch from mine. “I haven’t exactly planned what our first kiss would be like, but considering the amount of points I need, I’m warning you, I’m skipping a few steps. Speak now if it’s too much.”
I shiver from his warm breath tickling my lips. Letting him know I am fully committed to his plan, I wrap an arm around his neck and tug him until his body is flush with mine. Our mouths come together in a crush.
Dawson, as promised, wastes no time being sweet or playful. His lips take mine in hungrily, like this will be our last kiss rather than being our first. Lava flows from my heart throughout every vein, heating me from the inside out.
Dawson’s mouth opens to mine. He tastes like mint and though I had my own after dinner, getting a second hint from Dawson makes my toes curl. It takes everything in me to remember we’re in a parking lot outside of a restaurant, and I shouldn’t climb him like a tree. But the desperation to be closer—though we can’t be physically closer than we already are—overwhelms me.
This man is a pumpkin latte on a cool fall day. Apple cider donuts at a festival. Candy on Halloween night. He’s sweet, warm, and good .
Taking control of the kiss, I bring my other arm around his neck, pressing my lips firmly against his. Our mouths tug and nip, push and pull.
Staying single was the only way I knew how to protect myself and other people, but what a disappointment my life would be if I continued living that way. I’d be missing out on kisses like this .
And I don’t want to live in a world where I can’t kiss Dawson.
Where I can’t show him through my actions all I’m feeling and thinking when it comes to him and the connection we share.
Dawson’s hand moves from the car to the side of my neck. Can he feel my pulse pounding under his palm? His thumb traces my jawline. A fresh wave of lava cascades throughout my body.
Breaking away from Dawson’s marvelous lips, I take my time exploring the warm skin on his neck, letting my mouth leave a trail from under his chin, up to his ear, and down to the indent of his clavicle.
I feel his Adam’s apple move under my lips as he swallows hard. Suddenly, he’s pushing away from me and I pitch forward slightly, suffering whiplash from the sudden distance between us.
“Dawson?” My eyes focus on him a few feet away. Why did he stop?
My heart thrashes against my ribs. Partly because of the kiss, partly because of his reaction. Our kiss was absolutely amazing. At least for me. Does Dawson think differently?
He’s taking deep breaths and muttering.
I take a step toward him, but he holds his hand out, palm facing me. “I need a minute.”
“Did I do something wrong?” Hot shame turns my dinner over in my stomach. Has it really been so long since I’ve kissed someone that he’s doing his best not to puke because I suck at it? Pulling the car door handle to see if the Subaru is unlocked, my hand meets resistance .
I’m stuck with a man who doesn’t want me.
Way to ruin my first date with the man I’m falling hard for.