TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 19

Becca

By the time he knocks on the door, I'm certain I've worn a groove into the floor from all my nervous pacing. My mind is a whirlwind—with Joss's harsh words replaying in my head, plus the burning curiosity about what happened between him and Amanda last night. And then there's the nerves.

So. Damn. Nervous.

I can't stop thinking about the last time we kissed, and the truth is, I'm scared of where this hopeless infatuation is leading me. I don't regret my decision to keep our new relationship a secret, but the one downside to that is we haven't had a moment alone since yesterday morning. No chance to touch. To kiss. To truly talk. Sure, we spoke briefly last night and again this morning, but with the nerves coursing through me, I didn't have the courage to push for the answers I desperately need.

"Hi," I utter breathlessly, my heart stumbling over itself at the sight of his smile and those lips I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

"Hey, pretty girl." He wastes no time entering my apartment and literally sweeping me off my feet. His lips are instantly fused to mine, and he must kick the door shut behind him, for I think I hear it slam closed somewhere off in the distance.

A soft moan escapes my lips, and before I know it, my legs are wrapped tightly around his body, clinging to him like he's the only thing keeping me from floating away.

"Fuck," he exhales as he pulls back, his forehead resting against mine. His eyes are shut, and I can feel the tension in the air between us as he takes a shuddering breath. The pained expression on his face eases that part of me that spent all night wondering if I'm the only one struggling with the depth of my feelings for him.

"I want this," he admits, his voice thick with longing. "God, do I want this. But I promised you that Peer Advisory time is sacred." When he kisses my forehead, I feel the smile curving his lips. "I'm onto you, pretty girl, and I'm not about to let you distract me from doing my job."

When he sets me down, I can feel the heat flooding my cheeks. How does he do this? He unravels me with such ease, sending my mind spinning and leaving me completely off-kilter. His very presence, let alone his touch, disorients me in ways that should be concerning, especially for someone like me—someone who craves certainty and stability. And it will be. After he leaves, it's a foregone conclusion that's what will keep me awake, tossing and turning all night.

I'm relieved when he brushes off my awkwardness, instead taking my hand in his. "Come on. I have something fun planned for us tonight, but first, we work."

"I made dinner," I mutter, feeling shy as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ears.

"You did?" He stops abruptly, his voice soft and full of awe. Gently lifting my chin so I'm forced to look at him, he says, "Pretty girl, you didn't have to do that."

"I know. I wanted to." My voice is barely a whisper, and I close my eyes just as his lips press against mine in a kiss that's sweet but far too brief. It leaves me breathless, and a soft sigh escapes me before I even realize it. How does he do this to me? "How?"

"How what?" He's close enough that I feel his breath feathering over my lips. The sensation makes me shiver as my insides pulse with an unexplained need.

"What?" I ask, confused, and then it hits me—my mouth has once again betrayed me, spilling out yet another private thought I didn't mean to voice. "How... how hungry are you?"

His lips curl into a knowing grin, and my cheeks burn even hotter. As it always seems to be the case when I'm near him, I find myself wishing the ground would just open up and swallow me whole.