Page 70 of (My Accidental) Killer Summer

“Noah,” she says, voice pitched an octave too high. “It’s late.”

“You’re awake,” I say, letting my eyes do a slow sweep—top to bottom, bottom to top—just to make a point.

Her arms cross automatically, which only draws more attention to the way the fabric clings to her chest. My restraint dies a little.

I start to step forward. Shameless, at this point.

She blocks the doorway, lips twitching like she wants to smile but doesn’t trust herself. “What do you want, Noah?”

“To come in.”

“Why?”

“Talk. Or something.”

“‘Or something,’” she repeats, arching an eyebrow. “You know how that sounds, right?”

I flash a cocky grin. "Do you?'

She squints at me unsure how to react.

“Is Amy here?” I ask.

“Nope.” She says it too fast. “She left hours ago.” I know she’s lying. I don’t really care.

“Kids at their sleepover?”

She nods, but she still doesn’t move.

“Let me in, beautiful.”

She looks like she wants to cave.

“I do want to look at their bathroom still. After all, it’s your fault I didn’t get a chance to check it earlier.”

That gets her attention. “My fault?”

I smirk, and the air between us thickens.

She exhales, the sound halfway between a laugh and a sigh, and steps back. “Fine. But quick. No tools. No actual repairs tonight.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” I slide past her and shut the door.

Kiki V-T zooms over, inspects my presence, and then dismisses me with a flick of her tail.

Elle turns and walks ahead of me through the living room. Her bare feet make no sound, but her scent lingers—vanilla, clean skin, and something else I can’t quite place.

I step up behind her pressing my front to her back. “You smell amazing.”

“Flattery gets you nowhere.”

“I’m already in the house, aren’t I?”

Her body heat hits me like a slow burn. I turn her in my arms and close the distance between us, tightening my grip on her hips.

“What are we doing, Noah?” Her voice is soft, barely above a whisper her hands coming up to rest on my chest.

“I’m here because I wanted to see you. And we didn’t get a chance to talk earlier. And—full disclosure?”