Pride swelled in my chest and other parts of my body were also following the same reaction, which wasn’t helping things. After our date, I’d spent most the night with my hand fisted around my cock. And pretty much every night thereafter. Being around her didn’t make it easier, but I couldn’t stay away from her. Not kissing her again was driving me mad.

Once it quieted a bit in the living room, I peeked my head out from underneath the pillow. I really hoped that whatever Ollie was doing out there with whoever was not on the couch.

I had to sit on that thing.

Rolling onto my side, I grabbed my phone. I told myself not to, because I would see her tomorrow when we left for my house, but I was a loser, so therefore I couldn’t stop myself and I texted her.

Hey.

The response was almost immediate. Hey you.

My lips curled up. What u doing?

Reading your text. There was a pause and another text came through. Also reading ahead in history.

I laughed. Nerd.

Jerk.

Easing onto my back, I sent her another text. Admit it.

Admit what?

U r excited abt tmrow.

About a minute passed, and I sat up, frowning. Finally a response came through. I am.

Took u that long? I sent back. Fo shame.

LOL. Sorry. Figured I’d make you sweat.

Shaking my head, I swung my legs off the bed and went to the bedroom door, peeking outside. The living room was dark, but not empty. Two forms were entangled on a makeshift bed made out of pillows and blankets. Grimacing, I crept around them.

I sent her one more text. Knock. Knock.

Goosebumps spread across my bare chest as I slipped out into the hallway. My phone dinged and I glanced down. Sigh. Who’s there?

Grinning like an idiot, I hurried to her door, rapping my knuckles.

About ten seconds later, the door swung open. Avery stood there, her iPhone clutched in her right hand. Her mouth opened, then she snapped it shut and pursed her lips.

I leaned through her doorway, smiling shamelessly as her gaze drifted over my abs and then my chest, getting hung up on the sun tattoo. “Hey, girl, hey . . .”

She burst into laughter as she took a step back. “You are . . . oh my God.”

“I’m a sexy beast, I know. Anyway, there’s something else I want you to admit.”

Pulling her cardigan around her, she stared at me as she pressed her sock-covered feet together. “Aren’t you cold?”

“I’m too hot to be cold.”

She rolled her eyes. “What do you want me to admit?”

I flashed a quick grin and then shot forward, moving quickly. Her chest rose sharply and her lips parted, as if she anticipated a kiss. As I neared, I saw her lashes flutter closed, and hunger surged through me.