Page 131 of River & Rue

“Sure. Let’s do it.”

She stands up fast and brushes nonexistent dirt off her leggings, then gives me a smile that’s a millimeter away from light-shit-on-fire crazy.

Fuck, I love this woman.

Halfway down the path, slim fingers lace with mine. I play it cool, squeezing them like this isn’t the first time she’s instigated handholding. My heart, meanwhile, debates the merits of exploding.

“River Julian Ashburn, are you blushing?”

“Don’t think so. Probably all the sun I got yesterday.”

“Did you already forget what happens to liars? Rhymes with snurple durples.”

My nipples cringe.

“Fine, you menace—yes. I’m blushing because you’re holding my hand.”

Her eyes soften. More heat spreads up my neck and climbs my cheeks.

May as well lean into it.

“Turns out Elio and I have something in common besides our favorite brand of acrylics.”

It takes her a few blinks to catch the reference. When she does, I grin in satisfaction.

“Who’s blushing now?”

“I’m embarrassed on your behalf.”

“Uh-huh. Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with telling you I’m whipped.”

“Have you told Jae how you feel?”

A laugh bursts out of me.

“You little smartass.”

She squeals as I scoop her over my shoulder and keep walking. Her fists thump on my ass.

“Put me down, Brat Boy!”

“Not a chance. Thanks for the butt massage, by the way.”

“If you don’t put me down, I’m gonna barf all over this butt.”

Chuckling, I stop and lower her back to her feet. Her eyes shoot daggers, not ice, though—the prop kind that retract when you stab.

Unable to resist, I hook an arm around her waist and pull her against me. My other hand finds its favorite home at the base of her neck, supporting her head as I angle it and lower my face toward hers.

“Can I kiss you?”

She kisses me first, open-mouthed and hungry.

The next thing I know, she’s painting the air with sexy little mewls, her fingers tugging the roots of my hair. Mine are down the back of her leggings, squeezing her ass as I help her grind her clit against my cock.

BEEP-BEEP.

Once again, Kirk ruins everything.