Before You Go

THREE

Holden walks me to my apartment door, but doesn’t move when I open it. Oh no. He’s going to make me ask him in. Well, that’s mortifying.

He puts his hand on my shoulder and turns me to face him.

“Hey, Scout,” he says, tipping his head down. “What is your real name, anyway?”

“Tabitha,” I tell him. “Why?”

He smiles and takes hold of my hands. “Because I’d like to know the name of the girl I’m going to kiss.”

Then, without waiting for a response, he brushes his lips against mine. It’s slow and sweet at first. His lips are soft and smell like mint. And just as I’m getting used to the sensation, he brings my lower lip into his mouth and takes a little bite.

My entire body tenses and my head goes light. I grip his arms for balance—his hard, taut arms cut in lean muscle. It’s ridiculous what he’s doing to me. He continues to explore my mouth and jaw and neck. It does nothing for my equilibrium, so I have to hang on.

Holden clears his throat and looks down at me, shifting the weight on his feet. “It’s late. I better let you get inside.”

He takes a step back.

I take a step forward.

“I like you, Tabitha,” he says, reaching out to rub my arms. “I don’t want to overstep here, we just met and—”

This time, I leap forward to silence him. My lips crash into his and he welcomes it. I inhale his musky scent and want more. I rise up to my tiptoes and link my hands around his neck. I want to hold him here and stop time.

It’s unexpected, this draw I have to this guy I just met.

Holden pulls me up to him, his arms snug around my back to hold me in place. He stays in that moment with me, our tongues exploring while our bodies cling to each other.

The moment doesn’t last. Soon the mood becomes urgent, desperate. Holden’s hands tangle in my hair, turning my head so he can deepen the kiss. His movements are frantic and I love knowing it’s me doing this to him. I also know that I can stop it at any time—and knowing that gives me the courage to keep going.

Holden drops his hands to my waist. They quickly make their way under my shirt. He runs his fingers down the length of my back and then before I can process what’s going on, he skillfully unclasps my bra. He exhales, his breath hot on my neck, and I melt into him.

There’s this amazing push-pull thing going on with us. It’s a dance, really. I take the lead—just the way I like it. Then, he steals it back, knowing exactly what to do to make my body surrender. Something I can’t let happen. I need that spotlight tonight.

It’s time to make the big move.

I pull away from him and look into his eyes. I smile as I lift his t-shirt from his jeans and slide my hands up to his chest. He’s ripped and his skin is smooth and incredibly warm. I let my hand rest on his heart so I can feel each erratic beat. Then I begin my descent. His breathing now matches his heartbeat. I bring my hand to his stomach, trailing the light path of hair down to his waist, before dipping my fingers under his jeans.

Holden’s grip tightens around my ribs and he kisses me with so much force he almost knocks the wind out of me. This incredibly erotic dance continues as he takes over. His hands release their death grip on by body and travel upward. But just before they reach his intended destination, I yank him inside my apartment.

This time, he doesn’t argue. He follows willingly, kicking the door shut behind him.

We fall onto my couch and his head smacks into mine.

“Ouch.” I laugh.

“Sorry, Tabitha.” He kisses my forehead, my nose, my lips. “Sorry,” he says again, brushing his lips on my chin, my neck, my chest.

He lifts me onto his lap and we sit face to face with my thighs straddling his. He gently tugs on my tank top, gathering the bottom as he slides it up over my head. Even though the clasp is open, my bra still covers me. But I’m not sure for how long. Holden kisses me over the silk. Still, the kisses are warm and wet, almost as if on my bare skin. When he does it a second time, I feel like I’m going to explode.

Time to get this situation back under my control.

I drop the bra straps off my shoulders and Holden’s eyes cloud. Slowly, I slip the bra off and let it drop to the floor. Holden appears to be frozen. He sits, staring at me, without a single movement. Taking advantage of the situation, I lift his shirt off. My eyes meet his and I hold his gaze while I undo the top button of his jeans. He closes his eyes and tips his head back.

I can’t believe how much I want him in this moment. I can’t wait any longer. Sliding off him, I take his hand and bring him to my bedroom.

I giggle to myself, knowing he doesn’t stand a chance.