Page 49 of Slick Trip

“I haven’t said anything about undying devotion,” I pointed out.

He threw the blanket away, looking indignant. “Undying devotion is the bare minimum for a relationship with me.”

I watched his mouth, admiring the fullness of his lips. How many times had I pictured kissing him? I’d lost count. “Fine. Undying devotion it is.”

“Thank you,” he said with a courteous nod. My lips twitched. Trust Cooper to negotiate devotion while hiding under a blanket. He pulled it over his head again. The constant shifting of the fabric had made his hair electric and it was pointing in every direction.

“Oh, God,” he breathed. “There’s going to be so much kissing.” A pause. “We should’ve bought lip balm. I feel unprepared. What if I get a stubble rash?”

“Not an issue if you stay buried in that blanket,” I joked.

He peeked at me, his scent becoming richer. It wasn’t just peaches anymore, it was something wilder and even more inviting. I’d never smelled anything like it before.

“Wow,” he murmured. “You’re coming on strong, Alpha.”

“Come here,” I said, enjoying the way his lips parted. The blanket slipped away. “Sit in my lap.” I waited for a heartbeat before adding, “Where you belong.”

He blew out a breath hard enough to move his curls. For all his attitude, when the reality of us slammed home, he was adorably shy. He didn’t move at first. Then, very slowly, like any sudden movement might trigger an explosion, he slid closer.

He paused.

He looked at me, then away, then at me again, biting his lip.

“Don’t say anything,” he warned.

I didn’t.

He took a breath. Another one. Then, so carefully it was almost ridiculous, he climbed into my lap—and immediately shut his eyes. He looked like a very suspicious cat. I didn’t move; I didn’t dare to. I held my breath and said nothing, letting him settle, letting him realize I wasn’t going anywhere.

Then I just waited.

His hands hovered before landing awkwardly on my shoulders. His scent wrapped around me, intoxicating, sweet, mine.

Slowly, he opened his eyes. They zeroed in on my mouth.

“Oh, God,” he whispered. “This is worse than I thought.”

His fingers clutched at my shirt.

“Worse?”

He nodded solemnly. “You’re definitely going to kiss me.” He looked like he wanted nothing more. My hands moved, my palms sliding slowly up his spine, feeling his warm skin. I pulled his smaller frame completely flush against my chest, anchoring him against my weight until there wasn’t an inch of space left between us. He went entirely still, a soft, helpless whimper catching in his throat as his heart raced frantically against mine.

“You’re absolutely right,” I said just as solemnly. He stared at me, lip caught between his teeth. I wanted to tease him a little. “Just so you know, I’m going to do so much more to you than kissing. But that’s where I’ll start.”

He looked dumbstruck. Had I actually managed to render Cooper speechless? He didn’t even blink.

“You okay? I was planning on starting now.”

For a second, I thought I’d broken him. But then he smirked, and God, I wanted him so fucking much.

“Go ahead, Alpha. Unless you’re all talk—”

I cupped his face, and then our mouths met.

Fucking finally.

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