Page 45 of Alaska Lights

His jaw ticks. “I really don’t mind. I have a load of laundry to do anyway,” Alaska practically seethes through tight teeth.

Oh…he’s jealous all right.

“Okay. Thank you. I appreciate it.” I stand from the bed, my joints popping as I stretch my arms above my head.

I groan; the muscles that were tense relax, and I let out a large sigh while I twist my back to get all the kinks out.

The shirt I’m wearing rides up, revealing my stomach, and Alaska’s gaze drops there, his nostrils flaring and his irises burning crimson.

“Where did you get your contacts?” I finally blurt, then, for the hell of it, I shuck Soren’s shirt off to gather more answers for myself.

I need to know if he wants me the way I’m wanting him.

The hunger in his gaze eats me alive. I’ve never felt so vulnerable or naked. I take a step closer to him and his breathing changes. It becomes faster. His shoulders rise and fall. His chest expands with every breath he takes. I want to press him against the wall, grab onto his hips, press our bodies together, and kiss him to the point of no return.

I’m not brave enough yet.

Yet.

“Alaska?” I hide my smile when he doesn’t answer me; his attention is locked on my chest.

He blinks, a constant growl in his throat, and if I’m not mistaken, two sharp points poke from his lips. “What?” He blinks with a slight shake of his head.

His hair sways over his shoulders, and I fight the urge to tuck a piece behind his ear.

I want to touch him. I want to know what he would feel like against me. Will his skin be soft or rough? Will I like his chest hair tickling my skin when our chests are pressed together? What about his lips? Will they be as soft as they look?

Because they do look so fucking soft and full and pink. I bet they taste sweet, like lemonade on a hot day or cotton candy.

“What did you say?” He shakes his head and clears his throat. “I didn’t hear you.”

What was I even saying? I got distracted by his lips.

When our attentions lock, I’m reminded. “Your contacts.”

“Oh. They are… They aren’t…how about you go shower? Food will be warm and ready for you.” He turns around, giving me a view of his impressive back.

Alaska grabs the simple gold door handle and rushes out of the room, taking all the air right out of my lungs with his abrupt departure.

Maybe he noticed I was flirty? Did I overstep? Am I reading this wrong? Maybe this attraction is one-sided.

“Fuck,” I whisper to myself.

My stomach grumbles, making me forget briefly about my worries. I kick my legs into gear toward the bathroom to shower. I don’t close the door. Why bother? Alaska doesn’t want to be anywhere near me.

“Probably because you smell and practically threw yourself at him,” I mumble, knowing the only damn person who is listening is me.

Thankfully, Alaska doesn’t have supersonic hearing.

“You’re a damn idiot, Leo.” I strip off Soren’s sweatpants, kicking them to the side, and toss my shirt on top of them. “He isn’t gay.” I pause, standing straight, scoffing at myself. “You aren’t gay.” I open the shower stall to turn on the shower and notice broken tiles missing from the wall, wondering how that happened.

I’m about to step completely into the stall when the hamper in the corner catches my eye.

No.

No, Leo.

You aren’t going to do that.