Page 29

“I want you for however long I can have you.”

Noah's eyes widened, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before it softened into something warmer. He scooted forward, crossing his legs in front of me, our knees almost touching.

“Okay,” he murmured, reaching to cup my face with his hand. His thumb brushed across my cheekbone, sending a shiver down my spine.

I leaned into his touch, feeling the warmth of his palm against my skin, and before I could second-guess myself, I closed the distance between us. The kiss was tentative—I was afraid this moment might shatter if we moved too fast. But then, Noah's hand slid to the back of my neck, pulling me closer, and the kiss deepened. His lips were warm and insistent against mine, and I felt something inside me begin to unravel.

I reached out, my fingers tangling in the fabric of his shirt, desperate to anchor myself to him as he kissed me back. The cold of the cupboard door at my back faded away, replaced by the heat of Noah's body as he pressed closer.

When we finally broke apart, breathing heavily, I rested my forehead against his. Noah's eyes were dark, pupils dilated, and a flush had spread across his cheeks.

He looked as dazed as I felt, and something about that steadied me.

“I shouldn’t be doing this,” I admitted. “I'm selfish and stupid.”

“If you're going to tell me the kiss was a mistake…” Noah shuffled back, but I caught his wrist before he could move. My heart raced.

“No,” I said, my voice hoarse. “That's not what I meant.”

Noah paused, his eyes searching mine, and I tugged on his arm, pulling him towards me.

“I meant I shouldn't be doing this because I'm a mess,” I explained, my words coming out in a rush. “But I want to. God, Noah, I want to so much.”

“Sex is just that. It doesn’t have to mean anything, Brody.”

“I know.”

Relief flooded his features, and he moved, closing the distance between us. I guided him onto my lap, my hands settling on his hips as he straddled me, his weight warm and solid.

This time, when our lips met, there was no hesitation. I slid my hands under Noah's shirt, exploring warm skin as he pressed closer. His fingers tangled in my hair, and I groaned into his mouth.

We broke apart for air, both panting. Noah's forehead rested against mine, his breath hot on my face. I could feel the rapid beat of his heart where our chests pressed together.

“Brody,” he whispered.

I surged forward, capturing his mouth again. My tongue traced the seam of his lips, and he opened for me. As we kissed, Noah rocked his hips, creating delicious friction. I gasped, breaking the kiss to trail my lips down his face.

Noah's head fell back, exposing more of his neck as I kissed and nipped the sensitive skin. His hands gripped my shoulders, fingers digging in as he ground down against me. I bucked my hips up to meet his movements, groaning at the feel of him hard against my belly.

“God, Brody,” Noah panted, voice rough with need. “You feel so good.”

I captured his lips again, swallowing his moans as we rocked together. My hands slid down to grip his ass, guiding his movements as we rutted. The heat between us built, tension, coiling tighter with each thrust.

My hand slipped beneath the waistband of Noah's sweatpants, fingers grazing skin. He gasped into my mouth, hips jerking at the contact. I wrapped my hand around his cock.

“Is this okay?” I murmured, searching his face.

“Please, don't stop,” he pleaded.

I stroked him, reveling in the way he shuddered. His head fell to my shoulder, breath hot on my neck as he panted. I could feel him trembling, little whimpers escaping with each movement of my hand.

“Brody,” he moaned, voice muffled. His hips rocked, pushing into my grip. “I'm close, I'm gonna?—”

I tightened my hold.

Noah's words cut off with a gasp as I quickened my pace, twisting my wrist on the upstroke. His body went taut, muscles trembling as he approached the edge. I pressed open-mouthed kisses along his neck, tasting the salt of his skin.

“Let go,” I murmured into his ear. “I've got you.”