I nod, smiling as I look around once more. “There’s room for my bed and stuff, a couch and TV, even a small dining room table and chairs set.”
“Sounds to me like you’re already picturing yourself here.”
“I am,” I admit with a quiet giggle. “It’s a big step.”
“It is,” he agrees. “If you think it’s time, then it is.”
I nod, feeling excitement build inside. “It’s perfect. It’s within walking distance from the studio, close to the restaurants, and I’m only a mile or two from Kira.”
He places his hands on my hips, looping his fingers into my jeans to tug me against him. “And don’t forget, in close proximity to me.” He lowers his head, nipping my ear.
I shiver involuntarily.
A moment later his lips press softly to mine. For a moment fear clenches my body, but then I remind myself we’re here alone, no one is watching, and I can kiss him back if I want. I wrap my arms around his shoulders, standing on my tiptoes to get closer, and kiss him deeply. Kissing Hollis is different than kissing anyone else I ever have. With him, I feel safe, protected … cared for. In the past I’ve always felt used, or as if something wasn’t quite right. Even in my serious relationships. Even if we haven’t defined what this is, what we are, it doesn’t change the feeling of safety—of rightness.
He breaks the kiss, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. His touch is gentle, almost reverent, as his fingers linger against the curve of my cheek.
“Should we find the landlord?” he inquires, backing a step away.
My skin feels chilled from his absence.
I look around again then give him a smile. “Yeah.”
An hour later, I
have a signed contract and the place is mine. I’m free to move in any time next week.
Hollis and I step outside. The sun is already setting, painting the old buildings in a golden orange hue.
I squeak when Hollis grabs my hand and tugs me down into the alley between my new home and the building next door.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
A moment later I get my answer when he cages me against the brick exterior, one hand on each side of my head, and kisses me deeply.
“Mmm,” I moan, my hands flat on his firm chest.
His hands find my legs and he tugs them up around his waist to wrap around his hips.
His mouth moves over mine like we’re writing lyrics to our own song. One only we can sing.
His tongue brushes mine and I gasp, grasping his shirt in my hands and tugging him impossibly closer.
The wall is rough against my back but I don’t mind.
I’ve never been kissed like this before and I don’t plan on asking him to stop any time soon. I feel as if he’s devouring little bits of my soul, taking them and making them his before placing them back inside. Changing me irrevocably.
My hands glide up his chest to tug on the strands of his hair at the base of his neck. I don’t normally dig the shaggy unkempt look but on Hollis it works. He makes rumpled and bedraggled look runway worthy.
It’s entirely unfair someone can look so hot without even trying. I wake up and look like a demon worthy of slaying dragons.
He bites my bottom lip and I gasp, all thoughts of dragons disappearing. It’s like he knew where my thoughts had strayed and decided he needed my focus returned solely to him.
I don’t know how long we’re in the alley kissing, but finally he releases me. We’re both breathless. My lips feel swollen and bruised. I don’t mind one bit.
“Do you have to go home yet?” he asks, his voice low and husky. His eyes fall to my lips and he rubs his thumb against them. They’re tender, but I don’t mind his touch.
I shake my head.