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“And for fuck’s sake, use protection.”
“Yes, mom.”
Brandon’s arm snakes around my waist, steady and warm as we weave through the crowd. The bass pounds through the floor, vibrating up my legs, and something settles between them.
The cool night air hits my face as we stumble out, my heel catching on something.
He catches me, spinning me into his chest. “Easy there, cupcake.”
“I can walk.” I fist his shirt, gripping it like it’s the only thing keeping me steady.
“Sure you can.” His thumb traces circles on my hip. “How much did you drink?”
Not enough to forget how good his hands feel. Not enough to silence the voice in my head screaming that this is a terrible idea.
I want him.
SEVENTEEN
BRANDON
“Come here, cupcake.” I scoop Naomi up and carry her to my jeep, trying to ignore how she fits against me better than my favorite chef’s knife.
How right this feels.
“I can walk.” Her fingers curl into my shirt, and her breath tickles my neck, warm and sweet from the cocktails.
God, I’d carry her anywhere she needed to go.
“You’re repeating yourself.” I adjust my grip, keeping her secure against my chest while fishing for my keys. “Besides, where’s the fun in that?”
“Brandon…” There’s that tone. The one that means she’s overthinking everything.
I hit the unlock button. “We’re not doing the whole analysis thing right now.”
She shifts in my arms, trying to create distance. “We should?—”
“Here’s a crazy idea. Stop thinking for five minutes.” I brush my lips against her temple. “Just let me get you home. Okay?”
“Only if it’s your place.”
“Naomi.” I set her down next to the passenger door, keeping her trapped between me and the car. “You sure about that?”
She tilts her chin up, eyes flashing. “Why wouldn’t I be?”
Christ. This woman’s going to be the death of me.
“You’re drunk,” I say.
“Not that drunk. Just… buzzed.”
“You don’t text me like that.” I lean closer, watching her pupils dilate. “Ever.”
Her lips part, but no denial comes out.
“I wish you would text me like that sober.” I trace her jawline with my thumb. “Although even drunk, you knew exactly what you were doing.”
“Did I?”