Page 104 of Where We Stay

There’s no teasing in his voice now.

“We said slow,” he reminds me.

“I know.” I turn in my seat to face him properly. “I meant with the relationship. With Aspen. I don’t want to rush into promises or labels before we know what this is.”

Dean holds my gaze, waiting.

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want you,” I add quietly.

His eyes darken.

“Ask me again,” I tell him.

Dean’s jaw tightens. “Do you want me to come inside?”

“Yes, Dean.”

This time, there isn’t a trace of uncertainty in my voice.

* * *

The front door barely closes before Dean’s mouth is back on mine.

His hands move over my waist and along my back like he can’t get enough of me. One slides into my hair, tightening just enough to tilt my head and deepen the kiss.

My back meets the wall beside the door, and I let out a breathless laugh.

“Jesus Christ.”

“You invited me in,” Dean reminds me, his voice rough.

“Starting to regret it,” I tease.

“Liar.”

His mouth moves along my jaw, and heat spreads through every inch of me.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to get my hands on you, Miss Morgan,” he murmurs against my skin.

A small moan slips from my lips. “Why don’t you show me?”

Dean’s hand slips beneath the hem of my sweater, his palm warm against my skin.

Every part of me wants to lean into him.

Until suddenly, I don’t.

It’s tiny.

Barely even a thought.

But my body goes rigid before my brain catches up.

Dean pulls away immediately.

“Hey, baby.” His hands disappear from my body. “Look at me.”

I force my eyes to meet his.