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“I didn’t agree to that.”

He narrows his eyes, and there’s a flicker of… jealousy? “Why not?”

“Because we’re not together,” I say plainly.

“So, you want to date other people?” he asks, his voice a disgruntled rumble.

“I didn’t say that.”

“Okay, I’m back to being confused.” Connor blinks. “So you don’t want to date anyone else, but you don’t want to be exclusive?”

I groan internally. I understand he doesn’t get how difficult this is for me, but…

“Connor, I’m trying, okay?” It’s all I can offer him at the moment. Maybe it’s all I will ever be able to offer anyone. This is completely unfamiliar territory for me. I can’t tell if I’m being unfair or not, but the idea of commitment makes me wish the ground would swallow me whole and burn my skin off in a fiery inferno.

“All right.” He cups my cheeks, looking down at me. Any despair or sadness has melted from his expression, and that familiar Morningstar sparkle is back in his eyes. I wonder if he inherited it from his mother or father because all the boys have it, even Rafe.

Connor bends, brushing his lips over mine. “Tonight. I’ll pick you up at seven.”

I nod and deepen the kiss a little, and I can feel his lips pull into a smile as he kisses me back, his fingers tunneling into my hair.

He tastes so good, feels so good, but I pull back when I remember Alice is still waiting for me. “Tonight at seven.”

Connor just stares at me, his eyes roaming over my face. There is a hunger there, but it’s the gentlest hunger I’ve ever seen. It’s caring and adoring, “You’re so beautiful.”

I smirk up at him. “Don’t make me cancel on you.”

He laughs that deep, delicious laugh and my smile broadens at the sound. “So, no compliments?” he asks, and the question is so earnest that I can’t help but reach up and kiss him again, moaning into his lips.

“Gods, you’re so mushy.”

Connor bites my lips. “The mushiest.”

I pull back reluctantly. “I have to go.”

“But… kisses.” Connor pouts.

I laugh, trying to pull away, though I put in very little effort. “No, I left Alice at the union.”

Connor holds me with ease and leans in again to kiss me deeply. “Well, she’s a big vampire.”

My hands are on his arms, and I am supposed to be pushing him away. Instead, I end up holding him tighter. I moan into the kiss, letting him taste my need. Connor backs me toward the bed, his lips never leaving mine. My legs hit the edge of the mattress. He breaks the kiss and gently eases me onto the bed. I look up at him and lick my lips, my chest heaving.

He pulls his shirt off over his head, and I sit back to appreciate his abs, his scent surrounding me. “Still have to leave?”

Fuck… I can’t tear my eyes away from his stupidly hot body.

“Yes.” I pant. “Fuck.” I push at him and try to wiggle off the bed but get distracted by the heat of his skin beneath my palms. Connor laughs and bends, kissing me again. I practically lay back on instinct, desperate to feel his weight on top of me.

“I’m serious, Summer. Do you want to go?” he asks, kneeling between my legs.

Say yes, say yes, say yes.I’ve finally found a friend. I need to be a good friend. Maybe we can be quick, though?

I grab his shoulders and pull him down on top of me. His mouth slams over mine, our tongues tangling. I slide my fingers into his thick hair and fist my hands, yanking hard. Connor groans into my mouth, and I answer with a needy moan.

Without breaking the kiss, Connor unfastens my sports bra and slides it down my arms. He chucks it to the side and cups my breasts, teasing the nipples before trailing his fingers over my stomach. He hooks his thumbs into the waistband of my leggings and panties, pulling them off in one go.

I lift my hips to help him. The gesture is almost futile, given the strength he puts into pulling them down. My panties are barely off before he’s plunging two fingers inside me. My core is soaked, my body ready for him. He groans at the feel of the tight, wet heat and crooks his fingers. My eyes roll back, and I gasp. I spread my thighs and reach for him, eager to get him out of his pants. My phone rings loudly, the shrill ringtone cutting through the moan-laced air.