Page 34 of Code Name: Atticus

“Brenna...”

I kissed my way across to his other shoulder, feeling him tense beneath me.

“You’re playing with fire,” he warned.

“Maybe I want to get burned.”

He moved so fast I barely had time to gasp. One moment, I was straddling his back, and the next, I was on mine, looking up at him, his hands braced on either side of my head.

“Don’t say things you don’t mean,” he said roughly.

“I’m not.”

“You’re killing me here.”

“Good.”

“Good?” He laughed, but it was strained. “You think it’s good that I’m about two seconds from kissing you senseless?”

“You’re taking too long.”

“God, Brenna?—”

“One kiss,” I said. “We’ve done it before. Three times, in fact. Plus, we’re adults. We can handle it.”

“Three times? I count four.” He leaned closer, his breath warm against my lips. “You sure about this?”

Instead of answering and calling him out over reminding me of my ill-fated attempt at seduction when I was nineteen, I lifted my head, closing the distance between us.

The moment our lips met, ten years of want exploded between us. His hand tangled in my hair while mine gripped his shoulders, and I forgot every reason this was a bad idea.

He kissed like he did everything else—with complete focus and devastating skill. When his tongue swept against mine, I made a sound I’d deny later.

My cell buzzed on the nightstand. Then a second time.

We broke apart, breathing hard.

“Someone really wants to talk to you,” he said.

I grabbed the phone, still trying to catch my breath. The messages were from Admiral, checking in about a briefing. I held it out for him to see. “I should respond…”

“Yeah, you should.” He rested his forehead against mine. “Probably for the best.”

“Why?”

“Because kissing wasn’t going to be enough.” He traced my jawline with his thumb. “Not with you.”

We stared at each other for a moment before reality reasserted itself. He climbed off the bed and grabbed his shirt while I tried to finger-comb my hair into submission.

“I look like I’ve been making out with someone,” I said, catching my reflection in the mirror.

“You have been.” He moved behind me, meeting my eyes in the mirror. “And you look beautiful.”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Finch.”

“Already got me a kiss. I’d say it’s working pretty well.”

We went downstairs,and I set the laptop on the counter where we’d eaten, then texted Admiral that we’d start in five minutes, if they were ready. He responded they would be.