I can’t do anything about the tension between us, but it’s been long enough that I want to lean into it a little.
My tongue wets my lower lip. “How tall are you?”
“Six-three.”
“That’s tall,” I say, lamely.
“Next to you, anyone’s tall.” He pats me on the head.
“Hey!” I bat his hand away. “You’re only thirteen inches taller than me!”
He laughs. “I could toss you around without even breaking a sweat.”
I poke him in the chest. “Well, since you’re never going to toss me around, I won’t have to prove to you how fierce I am.”
He scrubs a hand over his now-stubbled jaw, looking at me all curious like. “I think you could stand a little tossing around.”
I flick my hair over my shoulder and stand up straighter, reaching for my maximum height. “You don’t believe me, but it’s true.”
“Uh-huh.”
I narrow my gaze. “I grew up with two older brothers who were ruthless. I know how to fight dirty.”
“Is that so?”
I lean forward. “I can getverydirty.”
His navy eyes flash. “You know you shouldn’t say stuff like that to a man.”
“Why? It’s true.” I give him a smirk. “You should be thanking me for warning you who you’re dealing with.”
He steps closer, stares down at me.
I sink my teeth into my lower lip to keep from craning up to him and begging for his mouth on mine. I want it so bad. Even though I’m not supposed to want it. Even though I can’t want it.
I do.
Just once.
Can’t I have just once? Is it really so wrong?
There’s that fight again.
His big hand slides onto my hip, and goose bumps break across my skin. His fingers wrap around the curve, not tight, not forceful, just enough to make me hyper aware of his strength.
His attention shifts to my lips, which part involuntarily.
“Cat.”
“Yes.” The word is filled with anticipation.
His head dips.
I raise my heels, just a little.
“You’re in my way.” He pushes me to the side and steps up to the blue line.
I jerk out of my haze of lust and straight into infuriated, sharp arousal.