Page 48 of Hard Rock Love

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Istared into Seth’s eyes, bright green and earnest.

“You like me?” I repeated.

“Of course,” he replied.

“Then why do you keep pulling away?”

He went still, mouth hanging open.

“Uh—” he stammered as he backed up. His hands left my cheeks and his arms fell to his side, eyes wide. He backed up until he hit the counter, nearly knocking himself over.

“Ow,” he complained with a hiss, rubbing his side. “Has that thing always been there?”

“Seth…” I followed him, not letting him get away. “If you don’t like me in that way, that’s fine. I can handle it. I expected it, actually. But you kissed me back, twice.”

“I did, didn’t I?” He groaned and ran a hand over his now pale face. “Shit. I am in so much trouble.”

“What are you taking about?”

He lowered his hand and met my eyes.

“I’m in trouble because the only thing I can think of when I’m with you is kissing you.”

Elation filled my chest even as disbelief threatened to dampen it. Seth liked me. Maybe even as much as I liked him.

“Why is that wrong?” I asked.

“I can’t,” he said. “You’re Everly’s little sister. You’re only eighteen. I watched you grow up for fuck’s sake.”

“Don’t act like you’re some old man. You’re only twenty-two.”

“Turning twenty-three in a few weeks.”

“As if that matters.” I continued moving forward, crowding him, backing him up against the counter. He gripped it with both hands behind him. “You’re just looking for excuses.”

“Ever will kill me,” Seth said weakly.

“You let me worry about my sister.” I put my hand on his chest, feeling his heart beating wildly. His eyes grew wide, his Adam’s apple moving as he visibly swallowed. “Answer me something.”

He nodded, looking almost terrified of what my question might be.

I stood on my tiptoes, bringing my face closer to his.

“Do you want to kiss me right now?” I asked.

“You know I do.” His voice was hoarse, his whole body tense. Either he was resisting the urge to flee or trying not to surge forward.

“Then do it,” I whispered.

His knuckles turned white where they gripped the counter. I leaned forward even more, until we were a hairsbreadth apart. I took one of his hands, prying his fingers from the counter, and cupped it to my cheek. I nuzzled into his hand before meeting his eyes once again.

“I want you to kiss me, Seth,” I told him.

Heat flared up in his eyes, the green of them glittering darkly. He brought his other hand to the back of my head. I wet my lips, anticipating.

“I am so fucked,” he groaned.