11. Bailey #3
There’s something softer in his expression now, his eyes meeting mine with a vulnerability I’m not ready for.
“I followed my best friend outside of a club, on a random Saturday night, and stumbled upon the boy who wrecked me just days ago.”
His gaze drops to my mouth.
“The one whose eyes I can’t unsee. Whose lips I can’t unfeel. Whose taste I can’t unlearn.”
His eyes drift to my lips again and my breath stalls in my chest.
Breathe, Bailey.
“I tried to forget, green eyes. I really did. But, I couldn’t.”
His eyes search mine.
I don’t know what he’s looking for, but I’m terrified he’ll find it.
It feels like he already sees too much. Like he knows exactly where my weakness lies. Where I’ll break. He knows and he goes there anyway, hoping he’s right.
I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. My mind is racing. My thoughts are so erratic I can’t grab onto one and begin to make sense of it. They just swirl around, never reaching their destination.
“Did you forget how to speak or are you inundated with thoughts of why you shouldn’t be out here right now… with me?”
He steps closer.
“I’m going to ask you something,” he says, quieter now. “And I want you to answer me without first consulting that busy brain of yours, okay? Can you do that for me?”
I nod.
Anticipation drowns me in her dark waters while liberation throws me a flotation device and a wink.
“Am I the only guy you’ve kissed?”
I feel so fucking transparent I might die right here. In this alley.
Heat floods my face.
“Yes.” I whisper.
His mouth tilts. “Thought so.”
He leans in.
“Okay, one more. Same rules apply.”
I nod again. He’s so close I can smell him, feel the heat from his skin. The light dances across the glitter on his face like music dances in a song. It’s captivating.
“Am I also the only guy you’ve ever enjoyed kissing?”
Fuck.
Those wings, that voice, those shoulders. I am cooked.
I don’t think, I just answer.
“Y-yes.” I stammer.
His smile widens. He steps closer, wings shifting behind him, catching the light. The glittering edges dance with flashes of color.
Oh god, he smells so fucking good. Leather and spice. Cardamom and cotton candy.
His chest is a breath away from mine. His eyes alight with mischief as he watches me.
My god, I want him.
He brings his hand up to cup the side of my face, his palm warm against my cheek.
He doesn’t speak. He doesn’t have to. But, his eyes tell a story.
They tell a story of longing, and one of respect.
They ask permission, but are gentle in their persuasion.
Giving me a chance to stop this.
I don’t. I can’t.
I wonder what mine are saying in return?
He answers my question.
His lips touch mine in a featherlight caress, then he looks to me as if asking for permission.
I hold his gaze. A dare in my heart and fire in my veins.
He smiles against my mouth, “Oh, green eyes, you’re going to be trouble.”
Then his lips meet mine again. A gentle, tentative conversation without words.
This time, I answer.
I part for him and he takes it, pulling me in, deepening the kiss. He meets my invitation with fervor. The hand that was on my cheek moves to the back of my head as he pulls me to him.
His tongue clashes with mine, exploring, consuming, devouring.
He tastes like cotton candy and freedom. Like the best and worst ideas I’ve ever had.
I grab his hips and pull him toward me.
Greedy.
Wanting.
Insatiable.
I grind against him seeking friction like air to breathe.
He lets out a soft moan and I fucking lose it.
Our tongues battle for dominance as I lose myself in him.
His hard length brushes mine and I am a flame ignited.
Our bodies meld together perfectly, and it feels so fucking right.
His stubble scrapes my chin. New. Addicting.
Perfect.
His hands, strong and warm, anchor me.
Without warning, uncertainty and doubt pull themselves up from the depths and my stomach twists.
What if someone comes out here?
What if someone sees?
His frantic hands slow. His kisses falter and then stop.
We stand there, lips only inches apart. Panting breaths intermingling.
He pulls back just enough to see me, concern flashing across his face.
I risk a glance at his lips, swollen from our kisses.
A sinking feeling pulls me back down to Earth.
“You okay, green eyes?”
“Yeah—yeah. I’m okay. I just got in my head. Worried someone might come out here, that’s all.”
He smiles softly, a flash of something I can’t quite catch crosses his face before his eyes soften in understanding.
“I know, you’re right. This area isn’t exactly a secret.”
“I’m sorry.” My cheeks burn with shame.
I look at the ground, cheeks warm with embarrassment.
“Bailey, look at me.”
I obey, bringing my gaze to his.
“I understand. I promise. Besides, your friends are going to worry if you don’t get back inside soon.”
I nod in agreement, swallowing back the words I’m not ready to say.
“Come on, I’ll walk you in,” he says with a nod in the direction of the door.
“Okay.” My voice sounds fragile now, uncertain.
“When we find your friends, I’ll have one of them give me your number.”
I laugh at that.
I’m well and truly fucked.
He grins and nudges the door open.