Page 187 of Safe With You

I didn’t.

His hand came up slowly, his fingers brushing along my jaw before settling against the side of my face. A few of my curls had fallen forward, and he gently swept them back, tucking them away from my face before his eyes met mine again.

“Luna.”

The way he said my name sent warmth through me.

I could wait for him to close the rest of the distance, but I didn’t. I leaned in, and his mouth met mine.

For one brief second, all I registered was warmth before Ellis kissed me with a softness that made my fingers curl into the front of his shirt. His hand stayed against my face, and there was nothing rushed or demanding about the way his mouth moved against mine. He gave me just enough pressure to make me lean closer and forget about the keys still pressed into my palm.

When we pulled apart, neither of us went far. His forehead nearly touched mine, and the breath I let out sounded suspiciously like a laugh.

Ellis smiled.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“That didn’t sound like nothing.”

“I’m allowed to laugh.”

“After I kiss you?”

I looked at him.

“That confidence came back fast.”

“It never left.”

“Clearly.”

His thumb brushed once along my cheek. I should probably step away, but instead, my eyes dropped to his mouth.

Ellis caught me, of course, and his smile changed.

“See something you like?”

“Don’t ruin it.”

He laughed softly, and I kissed him again.

This one was shorter.

Not because I wanted it to be, but because if I stayed where I was much longer, I was going to have to admit that I had no interest in going home.

When I pulled away, Ellis was still smiling.

“You done?”

“For now.”

“For now?”

“Goodnight, Ellis.”

He laughed as I finally opened my car door.