I frowned down at the text message until I heard a knock. It had to be Derrick. A quick pulse of anticipation lit up inside me, and I had to talk myself down from diving at the door. I stood and hiked up my sagging pants.

Abbey had left earlier with plans to be gone overnight, so I was wearing my usual pajamas—oversized sweats and a tank top with no bra. I shrugged. My wardrobe was the least of my worries if the guy occupying most of my thoughts came here when he should be celebrating with his team.

I opened the door and leaned against the jamb with my arms crossed. “Didn’t you just finish a game?”

Derrick grinned. His short hair was damp, and he’d thrown on sweats under a TU shirt. “I did. We won, by the way, and the funniest thing happened. I wanted to share the thrill of victory with you—right now, no waiting—so here I am. I brought dinner.” He lifted a brown paper bag that smelled suspiciously like tacos.

The wind whipped past him, and I moved aside, shivering at the cold touch. “I never turn down dinner.”

It was the perfect opening for him to mention lunch, but he didn’t. His eyes locked on mine, my own hunger mirrored back at me.

He stepped inside far enough to shut the door then slipped his arm around my waist and pulled me close. My body instantly relaxed. The irritation disappeared. All the parts of my world clicked back into place. This. This feeling—the rightness of being with him—was why I’d run. If he felt this right, how could I possibly let myself get any deeper knowing his loss would devastate me?

And how could I not.

I leaned into him, craving his warmth, and he trailed the tip of his nose across my cheek and neck until he could kiss the sensitive spot below my ear.

“You smell like watermelon,” he murmured, taking a deep breath.

Score one for my new body wash. “It was time for a change.”

“Change can be good. Is your roommate home?” His tongue swiped against my racing pulse, leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

“No. Gone for the night,” I panted.

He grinned against my neck, his mouth moving against my skin. “Are you hungry, Em?”

My brain went stupid with need. I’d have sold my soul for his hands on me. “Not for food.” He stilled, and I found my way under his shirt, spreading my fingers across the ridges of his abs.

The sack of tacos hit the floor by our feet, and I tilted my head to find Derrick’s mouth. My back thudded against the door as he pinned me against it. He kissed me long and deep, circling his fingers behind my neck.