Chapter 10: Crossing the Line

The sound of a car shifting gears echoed through the phone.

Marcus was speeding up.

I reminded him, "No rush. Be careful on the road."

"Mm. Open the door."

The doorbell rang right after. I shuffled to the entrance.

"You’re here?"

He stood there—tall, steady, even in sweats his butt looked criminally good.

Marcus’s eyes lingered on me, lips twitching into a barely-there smile. The air between us turned heavy.

I reached out to let him in, but he grabbed my hand and yanked me close.

Warm hands on my waist.

I looked up. He slipped a hand into my hair, cupping the back of my head.

My heart thudded like it was trying to escape.

How did it come to this?

"Still feeling bad?"

"Still… still okay."

"Why’s your skin so hot?"

"The bed is warm… you wanna try it?"

Crap, I’m not thinking straight. I stammered, "That’s not what I meant, you just came in from outside, if you’re cold you can warm up on my bed…"

Marcus laughed, raising an eyebrow.

"No… not inviting you to sleep with me… mm…"

Cool lips pressed against mine, shutting me up.

He tasted like winter wind and cinnamon gum, and I melted into his arms, the city outside fading away. His lips left mine, but he didn’t let go. For the first time, I wondered if maybe—just maybe—I wasn’t the only one who’d been waiting for this.