Salvation (Surrender 3)

With only the gentle gesture, my crush on Robbie Hayes grows ten-fold.

Chapter 9

This is Real

Ember

“You know, we could go inside.” I break away from Robbie’s lips long enough to speak.

“I won’t go home. Trying to be a gentleman.” He crushes his mouth back to mine and grips my neck firmly.

Our tongues swirl together, and my body presses against his, feeling every hard angle. Dizziness washes over me from lack of oxygen, but I don’t dare pull away. Even though we’ve kissed a handful of times before, this is different. He’s controlling yet gentle, making my insides twist with desire.

“We’re making out on the front porch like a pair of horny teenagers. “Let’s go inside,” I say breathlessly.

He lays his forehead against mine, catching his breath as well. “Ember, you have absolutely no idea how much I want to walk through that door and drag you to your bedroom, so please don’t tempt me.”

“Okay.” Extreme disappointment washes through me.

“Hey, don’t do that. This is really hard on me.”

“What’s hard on you? You’re invited in and turn down the invitation. I can’t help but think it’s because of me.”

“Jesus Christ, that couldn’t be further from the truth. You’re amazing, and you’re also special.” He runs his fingertips across my cheek.

“What do you mean?”

“Ember, the more I’m around you, the more I realize this is real. We’ve only been hanging out a week. It feels like longer because we have this connection, a connection I’ve never felt before. As much as it kills me to walk away, I’m doing it for both of us. There will come a time I won’t walk away.” His eyes lock with mine, and the sincerity of his words hit deep.

I nod against him and breathe in deeply. “I had a great time tonight. Your friends are really nice.”

“Tripp is questionable, but he was on his best behavior. Finn’s just Finn.”

“I like them.”

“Glad to hear it. Now, give me another kiss and go inside.”

My lips cross his lightly, and I step back, missi

ng his warmth. I open the door and turn to watch him walk to his car. He honks as he pulls away, and I close the door, leaning against it for support.

“Fucking never seen anything as hot as that. I may even have a small crush on him now.” Cruz startles me, stepping away from the window.

“Were you spying on me?”

“Yep, no shame in it. I wanted to watch him walk you to the door, but when you started making out, it was impossible to stop. Never in my life did I think you had it in you. And just to let you know up front, it should be illegal for a man to look that good in jeans. His fucking ass is perfect.”

“Don’t you have your own boyfriend?” I try to sound exasperated, but it comes out in a chuckle.

“Oooh, he’s your boyfriend now?”

I slap my hand over my mouth as my eyes widen in shock. “I can’t believe I said that.”

“I want details. Tell me about your night with the guys.”

We go to the kitchen, and I grab a beer for us both. I start by telling him about James’s visit to the shop today, and finish with the details of playing pool all night with Robbie, Finn, and Tripp.

“Man, he moves fast.”