I expect him to be irritated or angry. There’s only one way I could end up with pink on my vest and he knows it. Instead, he pulls me in for a hug and congratulates me.

Not that I feel like I deserve it. Jace could have taken me out at any time. He was just waiting for me to shoot him. Bastard. He took away that winning feeling. Sort of. I’ll still claim the victory.

Ed takes twenty minutes to show up and then has a conference with Claudia for another ten before he announces the winners. To my surprise, Gage doesn’t throw a fit today, even though they took fourth place. He has to realize he’s not winning immunity at this point, which means he’s probably going home. I can only hope at least. If I was forced to make the decision this week, he would get my vote.

The ride back to the ranch is filled with chatter. The guys are making plans for the nightly pool party. It could go without being said at this point. We all end up there anyway, but demands are being made for food and drinks. Jace volunteers to play bartender again, which makes everyone happy. Kyra volunteers to bring sweets. Teegan and Courtney offer to raid the kitchen and find us snacks.

Me? I’m quietly sulking until Lennon puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in close.

“How was the competition?” he whispers in my hair, his lips brushing against my neck.

“What do you mean?” I reply, trying not to sound affected by his proximity or the feelings stirring deep inside me.

“There’s only one way you ended up with pink on your gear, Presley. Tell me I’m a better kisser. Lie to me if you have to.” He’s pleading with me to tell him he’s the better man, the better kisser.

The thing is, there is no comparison. The kisses were different.

“I don’t have enough information to make a proper assessment yet. I guess we’ll find out in time, won’t we?”

It was meant to be a joke. Flirtatious. Nothing more.

The growl that erupts from Lennon’s throat against my neck causes a shiver to run up my spine.

“That sounds like a challenge, Presley. I never back down from a challenge. Especially one I know I can win. I will be the next man to kiss you. Prepare yourself.” It’s clearly a warning.

“Now?” I squeak out. We’re in the very front row of the van, and if he’s going to kiss me, the last thing I want is for everyone to be watching.

“Soon, very soon,” he whispers, his breath fanning across my ear as he says it.

I swallow the lump in my throat as the van jerks to a stop in front of the main house. Taking my hand, Lennon helps me out but doesn’t let go. He holds on to me as he walks me to my villa and pushes through the door, slamming it closed behind him.

I expect him to pin me to the wall. To claim my lips and my body. To be aggressive after the look he shot Jace when we walked past him.

Nope.

Instead, he cradles my face in his hands and very gently presses his lips to mine. Sparks fly the second his lips meet mine. Then I’m walking backward into my bedroom. When my knees hit the edge of the bed, I fumble my way onto my knees, our lips never disconnecting.

Carefully laying me down, Lennon covers my body with his. The feel of his hard body against mine sends me into overdrive, and I start tugging at his shirt. I need more. Of him. Of everything.

Tags: Rachael Brownell Erotic
Source: readsnovelonline.net