And I don’t think I can deny him, no matter how I try.

“A kiss?”

His bottom lip pokes out like he’s thinking, his eyes pensive as he shrugs. “To start.”

“Kingston,” I scold, but he only laughs. He’s also leaning in. I stare at his naturally dark-red lips that are full and masculine.

My heart has kicked up in speed, trying to beat right out of my chest, and my breathing is ridiculous as his mouth approaches mine. I breathe him in, taking in his woodsy and masculine, clean scent.

“This is a bad idea.”

His lips brush over mine but don’t connect as he breathes words against my mouth. “No. I only have good ideas.”

“Definitely not true.”

His hand moves to the back of my neck, holding onto me. “I’m going to kiss you. Tell me if I’m doing it right.”

“I haven’t kissed anyone, Kingston. I don’t know.”

“You will.” He waits for a moment, as if to give me time to stop him, but I don’t. His lips connect with mine, and all the years I’ve dreamed of this moment—all the nights I’d stay awake and think about his lips touching mine before scolding myself—come to the front of my mind and quickly disappear.

Because he’s strong and demanding but also sweet and soft at the same time. His tongue teases the seam of my lips open, and when I do, it sweeps inside, setting my goddamn soul on fire. His lips are firm as he kisses me with fervor. His hand grips my neck, holding me in place, and I kiss him back.

I can’t hold out anymore. My hands move up his back, and I hold on to him, our bodies crushed together as our tongues tangle and we fight for dominance. Both winning. Both losing. Both holding onto one another as our mouths collide.

His bigger body presses against mine, moving to pull me down under him. I wince at the pain in my hip, and that’s when we part. His look of concern humbles me because I may care for everyone else in my life—and maybe him too—but it’s mutual with him.

He cares about me just as much as I care about him.

“Your hip?”

“I’m fine.” I want to pull him back down onto me, but I think what we’ve already done is dangerous enough, and I return to my senses. “But we should stop.”

He grins, his big body looming over me but not touching. “Or we should keep going. That was fucking hot.”

“No.” I place a hand on his chest and gently push him until he’s sitting up, then I join him. “We can’t. You’re a good kisser, really good. I have no doubt you’re a great lay.”