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Is Alexis Matthewsthe one?
I shake the thoughts out of my head. That’simpossible.
When I glance back at her, she’s turned around, focusing on the space.
“So, this is one of your hideouts?”
“Only when I want to disappear.”
“Cars. Now, boating. Wow.” She laughs. “Is there anything you can’t do?”
“Fall in love, apparently.”
15
LEXI
Easton shrugs off his suit jacket and sets it on a coat hook on the wall. My eyes glide down his body as he rolls up his sleeves, revealing those delicious tattoos. I’m staring, and when he notices, those beautiful lips tilt upward. I don’t glance away, regardless of how intense it is to be in his presence sometimes. This man is the king of intimidation, and I understand why people say what they do about him, even if I don’t believe most of it.
I reach for the bottle, needing another drink.
“Did I passyourtest?” he questions.
“Was that a date? Because they usually end with an attempted kiss.” I smirk, meeting his blue eyes.
“Really?” he mutters, stepping forward. His fingertips trail up my shoulder, causing goosebumps to form, before his fingers gently thread through my windblown hair.
I search his eyes, not sure what I’ll find. Easton leans down until his mouth is dangerously close to mine.
My lips part in anticipation of tasting him. The temptation has me in a choke hold as we’re suspended in time, neither of us making the next move. But my eyes flutter closed as need andwant and deeply rooted desire take over. I feel as if I’m holding my breath, desperately waiting for him to kiss me, knowing no one else I’ve dated has made it this far. No, just him.
Easton whispers across my mouth, “Consider this an attempt, Alexis.”
The overwhelming need to move forward half an inch nearly takes control, but I don’t. It’s sweet, agonizing torture, and when I think I might be able to feel his lips against mine again, he pulls away.
I swallow hard, wishing my body weren’t on fire, feeling the deep ache between my thighs.
Easton Calloway will destroy me. I know this to be true.
“Why didn’t you kiss me?” I finally ask, my heart still thumping, the butterflies fluttering as the rejection onsets.
“Because I can’t,” he admits.
It’s a power move.
The control this man exudes is impressive.
My brows furrow and he notices my frustration.
He releases a breath, his jaw clenching as he tucks hair behind my ear. It’s gentle. “You’re emotionally unavailable, and after tonight, this isn’t a game to me.”
“Okay,” I whisper, knowing he’s right. He’s always right.
Easton gives me a sweet smile; his gaze lingers a few seconds longer. “I want to take you somewhere.”
I nod, needing and wanting the distraction to pull me away from the realization that Iwantedhim to kiss me.
“I’ll be right back.” He turns and climbs the stairs.