The Wayward Sister (The Wayward Sons 5)

I look at her, swallowing thickly. “I’m not sure what you need, Sierra. A friend? A hiking buddy?” I push a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. “Or something else?”

“What if I said all of the above?”

Her eyes hold mine. She means it. She’s an adult. I’m an adult, and there’s no reason we can’t do all of that at once. What do I want? I want her, in any way I can get her. I also get the sense that if I turn her away, I may not get another chance.

I slide my hand behind her neck and pull her toward me. Her tongue darts out, and I don’t waste another second, pressing my lips to hers. Energy triggers on contact, coursing through my veins, head to toe. Her lips part, opening her mouth for me to deepen the kiss.

We explore one another through the kiss. Fast, slow, hard, soft; until we’re breathing heavy. I slide my hand down her arms, feeling her damp skin, and it takes everything in me not to tug at the string holding up her top, revealing her body further.

I hold off, knowing I don’t want to push this too far. There’s something about Sierra that’s skittish—like a doe in a field. Regretfully, I ease us apart.

“Another relationship confirmed at Star Falls,” I say, kissing her forehead.

It may not be a marriage, and she may not even be my girlfriend, but it’s the start of something I can’t wait to pursue. Sierra Falco isn’t just some girl that came into my life. I know in my heart she’s the girl. I just have to get her to realize that, too.

18

Sierra

Tick, tick, tick…

The old clock on the bedside table counts off the seconds. I’ve been in bed for an hour, the house, and my guests, settled. I should be asleep. I’m physically tired from the hike—the first good exercise I’ve had in a week, but my mind and body won’t shut off.

I keep reliving that kiss.

Over and over and over.

So much that I spaced out while cooking dinner, staring out the window at the guys while they threw an old football they found of Dexter’s in the garage. Although they’ve mostly kept their tempers even, it’s clear that losing their home, their belongings, and the uncertainty of their jobs has been a strain. It’s nice to see them relaxing and just messing around in the yard.

Watching them throw the ball, their muscles bulging and their shirts growing sweaty…it has a way of doing things to a girl. Especially one left wanting more.

Which is why I’m lying here now, staring up at the ceiling, willing myself to go to sleep. I don’t know if it’s being around these guys for all these days, or the release of endorphins from exercising, or if I’m just horny as hell.

Whatever it is, it propels me out of the bed, and across the hall. It’s the second time I’ve come to Adrian’s room like this. The first time I got a kiss—the spark that ignited the feeling building in my lower belly. This time?

I want more.

This time there’s no sliver of light under the door and I don’t knock, thinking that if he’s asleep I’ll just go back to bed. I push down this building desire and, well, take care of things myself.

I turn the knob and slowly open the door.

Adrian’s body is stretched down the bed, feet hanging off the end. His elbows are propped behind his head, and his bare chest rises and falls evenly. I start to close the door, faced with the reality that he’s asleep but then I see him blink, and shift his gaze from the ceiling. He props himself on his elbows.

“Sierra?” he whispers, like maybe I’m not really there.

“Hey,” I say, stepping in and shutting the door.

“Is everything okay?”

Other than my body being on fire? Other than the fact I can’t stop thinking about your mouth? Yeah, sure, I’m peachy.

“Yes, I just…” Came for a booty call? “I couldn’t sleep.”

“Come here,” he says, not needing an answer. Of course, he doesn’t. I can’t be the first female to show up at his door like this.

I walk across the room and he shifts over, his large frame taking up most of the twin bed. There’s a queen across the hall, but I’m not ready to do this in my parents' bedroom. I sit on the side of the bed, hesitating for a beat before lifting my legs and sliding them under the blanket.

Adrian props himself on his side, head cradled by his hand, a small, pleased smile on his mouth. “I couldn’t sleep either,” he admits. “I kept thinking about our hike.”