Page 38 of Christmas in Quincy (The Edens 0.50)

“It’s okay.”

“No, it’s not.”

“Please, Austin. Don’t. I feel embarrassed enough as it is. I don’t want you to feel guilty.” I gave him a small smile, ready to run and spend Christmas Day locked in the hotel bathroom. But he stopped me with his next sentence.

“I don’t feel guilty.”

“Huh?” My mouth fell open. “You don’t?”

“I will never feel guilty for kissing you.”

I blinked. If I was confused, at least the tortured look on his face made me feel like I wasn’t the only one struggling to make sense of this. “I don’t understand.”

“Me neither,” he muttered, running a hand over his jaw. “Look, I like you.”

“You said that already.”

Austin stepped forward, closing the distance I’d put between us. “I know I’m not your favorite person and that I’ve been an asshole at times—most of the time—but I can’t pretend anymore. I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you. Truly sorry. You didn’t deserve it. I’m not proud of it.”

Poof. My brain went poof.

“I like you, Cleo.”

This had to be a dream because if Austin liked me liked me, I’d melt into a puddle. Good thing I was wearing this towel to sop it up.

“I’m sorry I kissed you.” He lifted his hand and cupped my cheek, like he had last night. The zing of electricity stole the air in my lungs and I leaned into his touch.

“I’m not,” I whispered.

“No?”

“No.” I shook my head.

“Do you hate me?”

“Some days,” I admitted.

That earned me a full-blown smile, straight white teeth and all. Puddle status was imminent.

“What is happening?”

Austin’s gaze dropped to my lips. “I’m kissing you again.”

“Oh,” I breathed as his whisper caressed my cheek.

Then his mouth was there, hovering over mine before he dropped a kiss to the corner of my mouth. Then another. And another. He peppered my lips with kisses until I leaned in and the clothes in my arms dropped to my bare feet.

Austin’s arms wrapped around me and he crushed me to his body. The gentle kisses were gone and he smashed his lips on mine. I opened, letting his tongue sweep inside. His taste exploded on my tongue and I moaned, wrapping my arms around his broad shoulders to hold him tight.

Holy fucking shit, Austin was kissing me. And my God, he was good at it. My legs trembled and I tightened my grip on his shoulders before my knees could give way.

Austin tore his mouth away and dropped his forehead to mine. “What do you want?”

“You. I’ve always wanted you.”

He leaned back, his eyebrows coming together. “You have?”

“Come on.” I giggled. “You have to know that I’ve had a crush on you since the day my father brought you into Crumbs.”