“Even though I make you nervous?”

“It’s a good nervous. Butterflies-in-my-belly nervous.” She held up the marshmallow for him to eat and said, “This one’s for you.”

His fingers gently circled her wrist as he lowered his mouth over the marshmallow, eating it in one bite and sucking the sugary treat from her fingers. Her eyes turned to pools of liquid heat, her chest rising with heavier breaths. He leaned closer and brushed his lips over hers, whispering, “How about this one?”

“Quincy” fell wistfully from her lips.

He slid his arm around her waist, drawing her even closer, and said, “I promise to keep my hands to myself, but my lips want yours.”

“Kiss me.”

He slid his tongue along her lower lip and kissed the edge of her mouth. “So sweet,” he whispered, and traced the bow of her upper lip. “I fucking love your lips.” She made a needy sound as his mouth descended upon hers, and he reveled in her softness, the feel of her tongue gliding over his, tentative and somehow also eager. He was aware of everything about her—the way she held her breath for seconds at a time, releasing it with a hungry whimper, the feel of her arms circling him, drawing him closer, allowing him to take the kiss deeper. Her mouth was a treasure trove of pleasure. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she opened wider for him, drawing a groan from some untouched place deep inside him. His hand skimmed down her hip, and damn, she felt incredible. He remembered his promise and forced his hand to remain there. He had the overwhelming desire to be closer, even if fully clothed. He leaned into her, taking her down on her back, but she broke the kiss, eyes wide.

“Quincy, I can’t.”

The worry in her voice tore at him. He gazed into her eyes and said, “I’m not trying to do anything more than kiss you. I just wanted to hold you while we kissed. We can stop.”

He started to sit up, and she grabbed his arm, a spark of surprise glimmering in her eyes. “Wait. You’re really okay just kissing?”

She was so sweet and innocent, he wanted to wrap her up and take care of her as badly as he wanted to kiss her. “Yes. I’ve waited a long time to kiss you, and I’m in no hurry to do more. I know you’re nervous. I am, too. I’ve never wanted to hold a woman when I was kissing her. Not like I do with you. This thing between us is…” More powerful than the lure of drugs ever was.

“Electric,” she said.

“Yeah.”

“And scary.”

“A little. Yes.”

She licked her lips, trust settling in her eyes again. “Most guys wouldn’t admit that.”

“Most guys haven’t lived the life I have. I value honesty, and I don’t break promises, Roni. I want to see you again. I want to do the scavenger hunt with you Friday night if you’re free, and see you next week, and the week after that. I’m not interested in a quick roll in the hay.”