Fighting Our Way (Broken Tracks 2)

“Netflix,” I blurt out. “You have to commit to one epic binge per month.”

His face stays expressionless as he mulls it over. “Just one?”

“At least one. When I say epic binge, I mean watching two seasons of a show back to back. Showering optional and definitely not any normal clothes: only pajamas or sweats allowed.” I wait a beat. “Oh, and you have to cook for me on demand.” I smirk.

“So your terms for coming hiking and doing outdoorsy things with me are: one binge session a month, including two seasons of back-to-back viewing of a show. Sweatpants a must but showering optional?”

I point my finger at him. “Don’t forget the food you’ll be cooking and serving.”

“One binge session a month of back-to-back viewing of a show, sweatpants a must but showering optional and becoming your personal chef and butler. Have I got that right?”

Nodding emphatically, I say, “Yep.”

“Alright. And now I have a few terms of my own.” He grins cheekily. “You need to try and keep up with me when we’re hiking.” I roll my eyes. He has no idea I’ll not only be able to keep up, but will have him trailing after me. “And… showering is not optional. It’s a requirement. Except…”

“Except?”

“It’ll be a requirement to take a break from binging to shower with me.”

I purse my lips. “Ahhh… so it’s only a requirement when it’s with you?” I ask, flitting my gaze between his eyes before dipping to his lips.

“That’s right, gotta conserve water and all that jazz.”

“All for the good of the environment, I’m sure.” Tilting my head, I let him stew while I pretend to think about it, but inside I’m already imagining what those forearms would look like with water raining over them. Holding my hand out, I say, “You have yourself a deal.”

He places his large palm in mine giving it a firm shake, but as I go to pull away, he yanks me forward, catching me around the waist as I tumble toward him.

“Nate,” I squeak, pulling my top up as it falls a little lower than it should, giving him an eyeful of cleavage. After I’ve adjusted it, I look up, gulping at the intensity in his eyes and letting out a shuddering breath.

His one hand skims up my back, landing at the base of my neck, his fingers pushing through my hair. Centimeters apart, we gaze at each other, the air crackling around us.

I watch my hand lift of its own accord before the pads of my fingers run over the edge of his jaw and flutter over his lips. He leans forward, his eyes still focused on mine before he closes the rest of the distance.

A soft moan vibrates through me and I don’t hesitate as I climb onto his lap. He adjusts his hands, moving them around to my back and placing them on the bare skin. Goose bumps spread everywhere as he trails his fingers up my spine and I moan again at the sensations.

He grins against my lips before pulling away slightly to look into my eyes. “I need to know what you’re thinking; your face gives nothing away.”

My eyes shutter closed; I want nothing more than to slam my walls down like last time, but instead, I let him see what I’m feeling right at this moment when I open them back up.

“I’m thinking I’ve never been kissed like this before.” My gaze flits between his eyes. “I’m thinking when you touch me, everything else disappears and all that’s left is you and me.”

He lifts his hand, running his fingers across my cheek, cupping it as he studies the soft planes before looking back into my eyes. “I’m thinking that’s a damn go

od thought.”

As soon as the words leave his mouth, his lips touch mine again before my arms wrap around his neck, pulling us closer than we already were.

We both get lost in the kiss as we pour everything into it. I don’t want to stop, and I’m sure Nate doesn’t want to either until he pulls away.

“I’m going to have to be a spoil sport and stop this before we get ahead of ourselves, Amelia.”

I shake my head, pushing forward to reach him again. “I don’t want to stop.” A groan rips out of me when he leans away even more, my eyes snapping open at the firmness of his hands on my waist.

“We have to.” His eyes tell me he doesn’t want to, but he adds, “I don’t want us to run before we can walk. I want there to be a second date.” He’s silent a beat. “I want there to be many more dates.”

Hearing him talk about us in the long term has me both nervous and excited. I was wrong to think it wouldn’t change anything. Tonight has changed the way I see him, the way my body reacts to him.

“I…” I clear my throat. “You’re right.” I shift backward, needing to not touch him. Something ignites when we touch: a match forming a flame doused with gasoline, causing it to soar to impossible heights.