“Am I?” he asked, his voice low. “Because the way I see it, you’ve been running ever since we met. And you never stop.” He pressed me harder against the counter. “You’re running away from everything you desire. You want Austin, right? And yet younevertried talking to him.”I talked to him. “You want to be more confident, yet unless Imakeyou do something, you won’t even try. But the worst of all, you’re running away from me, from us, from whatever this is between us.”
I swallowed hard, the words hitting me right in the chest.
He wasn’t wrong, but admitting it felt too dangerous. Too real.
“You’re awfully full of yourself for someone who just recently learned how to bake,” I said, trying to somewhat change the subject. Even I could hear how weak the attempt was.
Eden chuckled, but it was soft, almost resigned. He leaned down, his lips almost brushing mine, when he whispered, “Am I?”
I held my breath, or maybe I forgot how to breathe. His hands were still on my body, steady and warm, and I hated how much I wanted them to keep touching me.
I could’ve nodded, tried pushing the conversation toward something entirely different, and yet I circled back. “What’s between us anyway?”
Eden’s eyes searched mine for a moment as if contemplating his next move. There was a depth to his gaze that I couldn’t decipher, a mix of longing and uncertainty that almost mirrored my own feelings. And then, with a soft smile playing on his lips, he spoke, “Why don’t we find out?”
Before I could respond, his lips captured mine in a gentle yet urgent kiss. It was as if the world around us faded away, leaving only the warmth of his touch and the taste of him on my lips.
His hips pushed against my body and I could feel his growing erection pressing against my stomach. A gasp fell from my lips at the same time as Eden kissed his way to my ear.
“I’ll wait,” he spoke quietly, his hands roaming over my body. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Eden,” I breathed, my heart racing inside my chest, every nerve ending on high alert.
I felt his hands brush against my ass, a soft, lingering touch that made me suck in a sharp breath.
“Alana,” he murmured, his breath hot against my skin.
37
ALANA
The kitchen counter was like ice against my skin, but fuck, at that moment, I couldn’t have cared less about it. My whole body was on fire, every nerve screaming for more of him.
Eden’s hot breath fanned over my neck, and I shivered, goosebumps erupting everywhere.
“Alana,” he whispered, and his lips were on me, trailing down my neck like he was marking me as his. I leaned into him, my ass pressing against the hard bulge in his pants.
God, I wanted him so bad it hurt.
His fingers traced along my spine, feather-light, and I shuddered. Then they dipped lower, skimming my waist, teasing me. I arched into him, my tits pressed against the cold counter, nipples hard as fucking diamonds. But that asshole pulled away, just enough to make me whine.
“Eden,” I breathed, my voice dripping with need.
I turned my head, looking at him over my shoulder. His eyes locked onto mine, dark and hungry, and I could see the lust burning in them. He was playing with me, and I hated it. Loved it. Needed it.
The scent of his cologne hit me again, that perfect mix of spice and warmth, and I was drunk on it. Drunk on him.
His hands were back on me, tracing the curve of my hip. He gripped my hips, pulling me hard against him.
I could feel his cock through his pants, thick and hard, pressing into me, and I couldn’t help but grind back, desperate for the friction.
“Fuck, Alana,” he growled, his breath hot on my ear. “Tell me how badly you want me to fuck you.”
I whimpered, biting my lip so hard I almost drew blood. His fingers were between my legs now, tracing the soaked fabric of my panties. I was trembling, my clit throbbing, my pussy aching for his touch.
“Please,” I begged, my voice raw with need. “I need you inside me, Eden. Now.”
He didn’t hesitate. His fingers shoved my panties aside, and then they plunged into me, filling me up.