Page 80 of Never Say Never
Today is no different, for the most part. But I can’t totally shut down the part of my brain that knows how undeniably attractive he is when we’renoton the court.
It’sRawley’shands, Rawley’s chest, Rawley’s hips, Rawley’s thighs.
It’s also the guy who makes me laugh, who seems to genuinely appreciate who I am, who has had my back at every moment possible lately…
In the meantime, the ball is in my hands and it’s time to make a move. I shut down my thoughts and twist away from him, making room for an uncontested shot.
Swish.
“Beauty,” he says, as if we’re on the same team.
“Why do you enjoy me beating you so much?” I can’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.
“You’re so good. So much better than me,” he says. “It’s hot, to be honest.”
With all the moments of tension and emotion swirling around us, his words probably should feel like an innuendo.
Instead, he sounds sincere, and that does more to me than someone overtly flirting.
Plus he’s wearing a big smile, his beautiful blue eyes full of joy for losing to me, of all things.
I want this man.
The realization, here on the court, as the June Florida sun starts to heat up, could not have worse timing. There’s nowhere for me to hide.
“Your ball—what? What is it?” he asks, catching whatever is on my face.
I’m rarely impulsive, but I stop fighting what’s pulling at me.
I step forward, place my hands on the sides of his face, step on the tiptoes of Rori’s shoes…
And I kiss him.
21
RAWLEY
When her hands come to my cheeks, I freeze.
And then her lips touch mine.
Holy shit, Avery is kissing me.
Move, Rawley.
My arms swing around to pull her closer while my mouth responds in kind. I let her control this first contact, but show how much I want it.
She must get the message, because she moans and presses her frame into mine. I let my hands slip down her back, encouraging her to get as close as she wants.
Feeling more confident, I slide my tongue into her mouth, claiming my first taste of her.
She swiftly reciprocates, and now the kiss is deep and intense.
We stand there, taking what we want from each other, until…
Avery pulls sharply back. “Shit.” She takes a hard step away from me, and I let my hands fall off her.
“Shit,” she repeats.
