Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

Xav nods.

“I meant it then.” He leans forward. “And I mean it now.”

My heart swells in my chest, and I fill just enough of the space between us to tempt him. Our lips are inches apart, but I don’t want to be the one to make the first move. Xavier’s finger outlines the curve of my jaw before stopping at my mouth.

Breathe, damn it.

He looks like he’s devouring me with his eyes.

But I want—crave—the real thing.

Still, I wait.

Until he proves he wants it just as much as I do.

Until I can taste his promises for myself.

“I’m never fucking deserting you, Harper.” His voice is so low I can hear my own heart pounding. “Deal with it.”

Then he crashes his lips against mine.

But Xavier Emery doesn’t just kiss you.

Xavier Emery owns you.

I thought I’d feel more confident the second time around. I thought I’d be more prepared having been there once with him, but his lips still taste like little drops of heaven, and I’m still a flustered, inexperienced girl from the moment his tongue slips into my mouth.

He’s such a good kisser my knees fumble. His fingers fist my wet hair, taking all I have to offer, and I tug on his opened hoodie until the fabric skids down to the hardwood floor. He’s only in his Stallions jersey now, and those bulging, basketball player arms…

Good Lord.

He’s backing me up against my bedroom wall before I know it, grunting in my mouth when I suck his bottom lip between my teeth. Xavier slams his palm to the wall, right next to my head, and pries my legs apart with his knees, wedging his own leg between mine.

“I’ve been fantasizing—” Xav plants another rough, hungry kiss upon my lips. “—about this moment for days.”

Me.

Fucking.

Too.

His lips trail to my neck again, his toned body towering over mine, but he’s careful to avoid the already marked spot near my collarbone. I want to tell him not to give me another hickey, but the only sound that leaves my mouth when he starts nibbling on my sensitive skin is a surprised gasp.

My attention drifts to his knee lodged between my thighs. I didn’t bother throwing on underwear after stepping out of the shower, and right now? With the way Xavier’s knee feels against my shorts? I think it may be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Xavier’s lips graze my earlobe, his knee shifting right there, and I let out a loud, mortifying moan at the friction. I’m shocked by the noise that just spilled out of my mouth. Appalled by the streak of pleasure tearing through my body.

I didn’t even know it could react like that. Granted, I’ve never really been touched by a guy before. Logan couldn’t have given less of a damn about giving back.

Xav immediately parts from me, and I’m so embarrassed by my loud moan I could cry. Did I just turn him off? Xavier seems confused at first. Until he glances down at his knee trapped between my legs, and realization fills his gaze.

Wait…

That wasn’t even intentional?

Jesus, I don’t even want to think about what it would feel like if he was actually trying. Xavier doesn’t comment, the wicked smile on his lips informing me that he’s pretty damn happy about this turn of events. His mouth slants over mine again, his knee teasing my clit with ten times more precision and determination. The feeling is… indescribable. Feels like too much and not enough all at once.

The pressure sends me to uncharted territories, and I flush, thinking about how ridiculous I must look. That’s his knee, his fucking knee, and he’s got me panting like I just ran a marathon.