I Have Lived and I Have Loved - Willow Winters Page 0,156

make me want you more. I’m just glad you’re starting to cave.”

“Who said I’m caving?” I goad him a bit. I enjoy our banter.

“I’d say the boat was a good indication I’m no longer friend-zoned.”

“I can put you back there if you’d like?”

Not that whatever we’re doing is serious. It’s only been two dates and one hell of a night. But it’s definitely more than friends. I mean, Brody is my friend, and we sure as hell don’t rip each other’s clothes off. We’ve gone fishing, and not once did I end up grinding against him.

Eli’s arms tighten, forcing my body to be even closer to his. “I don’t think I was ever there, and I don’t think friends do this.”

In an instant, his lips press against mine, and the flutter in my belly grows stronger. Eli’s musky cologne envelops me, and I commit it to memory. I want to remember each detail regarding this moment. How his lips feel against mine, the way the callus on his thumb roughly grazes the skin on my cheek, and how he tastes. It’s cinnamon and the hint of toothpaste. If this doesn’t work out, I’ll have this memory to hold on to.

His tongue seeks entrance, and I give it willingly. I don’t even pretend to fight him. I want it. When he touches me, I can’t help but find myself craving everything he’ll give. I tell myself, and everyone else, that there’s nothing here, but when he’s close, I can’t pretend. Eli breathes life into a heart that was deflated. A heart that never thought it would beat again is once again thumping at a steady pace.

He kisses me hard, forcing my feet to move with him. My back presses against the wall, and he pours himself into each movement. I’m trapped between the cool wood panel and the heat of Eli’s body.

Everything is a contrast between wanting more from him and wanting things to end before it’s too late to walk away.

I need him to leave, but I’m desperate for him to stay.

I say there’s nothing between us, and yet the idea of him leaving is enough to make me scream.

I drop the mug to the floor, not caring that it shatters. My fingers grip his neck as I hold his lips to mine.

I drown in this kiss.

I die in this kiss.

I come to life in this kiss.

Eli pulls back and gives me a cocky smirk. “Do your friends kiss you like that?”

Instead of telling him the truth—that no one kisses me like that—I inhale and then sigh. “You know, I’m not even sure that was a kiss. It felt . . . a little . . . weak.”

“Weak?”

“Yeah, it was okay, but you know . . . nothing to write home about.”

“Really?” He pushes his hips forward, allowing me to feel that he’s very affected by our kiss. My head falls back, and I use every ounce of strength inside to keep up my bravado. “You think so?”

“I’m just telling you how it is.”

I’m playing with fire and I welcome the burn. I see the heat in his eyes, and I’m more than willing to dance closer to the flames.

Eli studies me like a lion about to strike his prey. Each movement is calculating, and I know I’m going to be one happy gazelle. His lips hover above mine, washing his warm breath over my own. I keep my eyes open, playing the part I’ve created. My pulse races as he stares at me.

His hand grazes my neck, sliding down my shoulder before he runs his fingers across my arm. “I know you’re lying, baby. I know because of the way you kiss me.” His lips barely touch mine before he retreats, and I smother a whimper. “I know because I can feel how hot you are. I can see the way your body is asking for me, even if you’re not. If I touched you, Heather, would you come? Would you fall apart at my touch?”

I could come just from this. “Maybe you should find out.” I dare him again.

Eli smiles and leans back so we’re no longer touching. His hands frame my head, using the wall to keep him upright. “I have plans today for us, but tonight, baby . . . tonight we’re going to find out a lot.”

I move forward, kissing him softly. “We’ll just see about that.”

Chapter 15

Heather

“Busch Gardens?” I ask with a groan. I love this place, don’t get me wrong, but Eli isn’t