Page 106 of Where We Stay

I hold his gaze. “I want you to stay.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, Dean.”

Only then does his hand return to my waist.

I kiss him again, all the hesitation replaced by my own choice.

His mouth meets mine, slower this time, allowing me to set the pace. When I deepen the kiss, his restraint begins to disappear.

This is different.

I chose this.

I take his hand and pull him down the hallway toward my bedroom, laughing when he nearly knocks into the console table.

“Smooth,” I tease.

“You’re distracting,” Dean argues, catching my waist and drawing me back toward him.

“Sounds like a you problem.”

A low sound leaves his throat before his mouth finds mine again.

Since when is that hot?

“I’m starting to hate that sentence,” he mutters.

I should be nervous.

Instead, I’m impatient.

For once, I’m not thinking about what someone expects from me. I’m thinking about what I want.

And I want him.

Dean’s fingers catch the hem of my sweater, but he pauses before lifting it.

“Still good?” he asks, searching my face.

“Yes.”

“Use your words, Blair.”

“I want this,” I tell him. “I want you.”

Something in his expression shifts.

“Good.”

His mouth finds mine again as I lift my arms, letting him pull the sweater over my head.

I’m left standing in the very pretty, very lacy bra I may or may not have bought online just in case.

I should feel exposed.

Instead, the way Dean looks at me makes me feel wanted.