Four Letter Word (Love Logic #2) - K.M. Neuhold Page 0,77

flirting...It’s hard to resist,” he says, leaning in closer to me, his eyes dropping to my lips and then flitting back to my eyes.

I tug my lip ring between my teeth out of habit, dragging my tongue along the cool metal before releasing it. Leo is different than Bishop or Hudson, more closed off. He may be feeling relaxed and a little flirty now that the adrenaline has worn off and he has a strong drink in him, but the last thing I’m going to do is push things too far too fast.

I lean forward and press a gentle kiss to his lips. He leans in, his lips tasting strongly of rum. I keep the kiss chaste, moving my lips softly against his for a few minutes, never taking it further than that.

Leo whimpers when I pull back, choking back a groan at the sight of his wet, puffy lips, his eyelids fluttering open slowly.

“Why don’t we cuddle and watch a movie?” I suggest. He blinks a few times and then nods.

“Can I have another drink?” I pick up my half-full glass and hand it to him, kissing the side of his head and grabbing the controller to pick out a movie. He leans into my side, wiggling a little until he’s comfortable. He’s about the same size as Bishop, but with a lot more hard muscle. He feels nice in my arms.

My stomach flutters as I turn my head and surreptitiously draw in a deep breath, filling my lungs with the scent of him. I wonder what kind of soap he uses. It smells kind of spicy and nice.

My internal clock reminds me that it’s nearly the time I get sick of a new place and pack up to find somewhere new for a little while. Is that what I want? Or have I finally found a place I want to stay? People I want to stay for? I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but maybe there’s a future here with Bishop, Leo, and Hudson. My heart flutters at the thought, and I smile, squeezing Leo tighter. I guess we’ll see.

Chapter 19

Hudson

Luckily my nose wasn’t broken, and by the time Comic Con rolls around, the bruises have even faded.

I stand in my bedroom, considering the steampunk vest I was sure was perfect yesterday, but now feels like it might be a little embarrassing. I glance at the time on my phone and see a text waiting for me.

Riot: On my way.

The message was sent twenty minutes ago, which means he should be here any minute. I sigh and zip up the suit bag that contains all the pieces of my cosplay and resolve not to worry about what Riot will think of it, because it’s too late to come up with something different now.

Right on cue, there’s a knock at my door, and my heart jumps into my throat, an excited smile forming on my lips as I shove the last few items I need into my suitcase and zip it up. I smooth out my Star Trek t-shirt and fiddle with the pockets on my jeans for a second, stalling for time as my nerves jumble up my stomach.

Excitement prickles along my skin as I pull my front door open. A slow smile creeps over Riot’s face. He looks me up and down without shame, his eyes heating as he tugs his lip ring between his teeth.

“Hey.” My voice comes out more breathless than I intended, and I clear my throat to try to cover it. Yes, I may have a small crush on Riot, but so far, I have no idea if the feelings are mutual. I know he was kissing Leo on the sidewalk outside the restaurant two weeks ago and that our schedules haven’t lined up to hang out since. He might not even be interested in me as more than a friend, and until I know one way or the other, I need to play it cool.

“Hey,” he greets, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Can I take a look?” he asks, gesturing toward my nose.

“It’s fine,” I assure him.

“Humor me?”

I heave a put-upon sigh, even if my stomach gives a happy little flutter as he steps closer and gently cups my face. I dart my tongue out to wet my suddenly dry lips and try to keep my breathing even as he gently prods my nose, his brow furrowing with concern.

“You secretly a doctor too?” I tease, trying to hold