Fair Catch (Leighton U, #3)

by C.E. Ricci

Hayes and I are definitely not in a good enough place for me to be eyeing the way his Adam’s apple bobs when he swallows, or how nice his lips look wrapped around that bottle, but I can’t stop myself from watching anyway.

He’d be surprised to know that his slightly neurotic, himbo ass has started to grow on me. A miniscule amount, but it’s growth regardless, and that’s a lot coming from me.

“Because, despite our rocky start, you’re kinda growing on me.” Frowning, he adds, “Like a fungus or something.”

Yet, try as I might, there’s no explanation for his interruption, and definitely not for the way he just kissed me like a man starved of oxygen.

“You don’t get to crash my date, kiss the fucking daylights out of me in the bathroom while I’m still on said date, then run outta there like your ass was on fire and think a simple apology is enough of an explanation.”

I don’t know fucking anything right now other than Hayes kissed me back at that restaurant, and I really want him to do it again.

“I don’t think that’s really up to me here, considering I’m the one who mauled you without prompting.” Oh, you beautiful fucking fool. “Then let me return the favor,” I murmur before cupping the back of his neck and reeling his mouth to mine.

“There. We’re even.” “Not even fucking close,” he growls before dragging my mouth back to his.

The chemistry between us is as electric as it is sudden; a lightning strike I never expected to hit. Yet, now that it’s here, I can’t ignore it, and I most certainly can’t will it away.

He smirks, eyes full of sinful promises when our gazes collide. “Are you done with the snark, or do I need to fuck it out of you?”

I don’t want to lose this feeling.

“Tonight, when you took me out on the dance floor?” I murmur, my fingers skating over his jaw. “That’s when I knew I was completely gone. If I hadn’t realized I’d fallen in love with you before, I knew it then. Felt myself slipping past the point of no return every time you smiled at me.”