In Good Company (Pembroke Hills #1)

by Kat Singleton

“You d...

The question comes out a little shaky. It takes everything in me not to pull her body into mine. We’ve never embraced, not really, but for some reason, all ...

“No. I couldn’t regret that fo...

She pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. I wish I could lean in and press my lips to the spot where her teeth dig in, but I don’t. She’s finally looking at me, talking to me. I d...

“It just feels like we shouldn’t have lost control like that. You’re my boss and Oliver’s brother. We don’t have to pretend like we didn’t kiss, ...

She’s close enough that she can probably hear the sound of my teeth grinding against each other. My jaw is so tense that it’s painful. If it was anyone else, I’d stand here and argue, but I’ve learned enough about Lucy to know that right now, her mind’s made up. I don’t want to push her too far. So I nod, even though I can’t imagine going the rest of the summer—seeing her almost every single day—and not kissing her again. Her eyes get wide. It’s obvious she wasn’t expect...

she breathes, her eyes focusing on my lips for a fraction of a second. Maybe the reminder of what happened between us is running through her mind like it is mine. My tongue peeks out slightly, wishing to taste her again. Her chest hitches as a small gasp leaves her lips. My lips twitch with the hint of a smirk. She can say we shouldn’t kiss again all she wants, but her body betrays her. I know she wants to; she’s just fighting it for some reason I don’t think she’s fully shared with me yet. I...

His laugh sends tingles down my spine. I don’t know how there can be an entire kitchen island between us and the man still manages to send shivers throughout my entire body. Despite agreeing this morning that we won’t kiss again, the tension is still there.

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the rest of the kitchen fades away. I see nothing but her as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth to fight a smile.

her cheeks getting pinker by the second. Fuck. I love the way she blushes so easily. I’d love to see what other parts of her body flush because of me. I squeeze my eyes shut for a moment, trying not to think of her like that right now. I need to keep my thoughts under control. If I don’t, I’ll do something stupid like lift her onto the counter and make out with her again. Except this time, there’s no one here to catch or stop us.

I swallow, my mouth suddenly feeling incredibly dry. Thoughts run through my mind like a damn freight train of all the things I’d love to teach her. None of them have anything to do with cooking, making them inappropriate at this moment.

“I’m here as long as you want. Use me however you need.”

My words come out more and more rough with each one that leaves my mouth. I turn away from her, having to adjust myself for a moment at the m...

I didn’t think it’d be too difficult to be a good student and pretend that the taste of her lips didn’t haunt my thoughts all weekend. But it’s harder than I thought it’d be. Maybe a few minutes away while I pick out a bottle of wine will help me get my thoughts straight.

I come to the terrifying realization that I don’t just want Lucy at this point. I need her. I’m desperate for more. More of the press of her lips against mine. More of seeing a blush creep across her cheeks. More of getting to know her. More of her soft giggles. Or more of her letting me inside that beautiful mind of hers. I’m intrigued by everything she does, dying to know whatever she’ll share with me. Now, all I can hope is that maybe she’ll realize she wants the same things as me. Maybe she’ll want more.

I’m nervous to look at him. My body is buzzing with electricity, and I already know meeting his deep blue gaze will further light my body on fire. I shake my head, staring down at my plate like it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

He lets out a deep, throaty laugh. I remember when I felt the exhale of his laughter against my lips. I want to feel it again.

I can’t fight the pull to look at him any longer. My eyes meet his, and just like I expected, a bolt of desire runs through me.

“I promise what you made is perfect.”

“You’re pe...

His eyes slip to my lips. He doesn’t hide the fact he’s staring at them. In fact, he keeps his gaze pinned on my lips for far too long. My heart pounds at his words—or maybe it’s the way he stares at my mo...

“...

I get out, my tongue darting out to...

“Do...

he rasps, his eyes mee...

“Don’t ...

My skin prickles with need. I want to feel more than the press of his thigh against mine, no matt...

“Don’t say my name li...

Apparently, he can’t fight the sizzling tension between us either. He turns in his chair so that he’s facing me directly. Our knees bump against each other with the new position, his legs suddenly encroaching on my personal space. I don’t fight it. I don’t move. I can’t. Not with the way he looks at me. All protests of why it’s a b...

“How did I say yo...

I whisper, unable to make my voice any louder than that. My cheeks feel hot, and desire courses through my veins at the proximity of our bodies. He tortures me by not answering my question. Or maybe the torture is the way he adjusts his body. He places his legs on either side of mine, c...

“Like you’re hungry for something that is...

My eyes widen, and my cheeks flush. I know I’m toeing a very dangerous line right now. I’m the one who didn’t want to talk about the kiss with him and pretend like it never happened. I’m the one who ran out in the first place. He hasn’t hidden the fact that he wants to kiss me again. The problem is, I can’t pretend anymore. Right now, all the reasons I felt we couldn’t kiss again feel insignificant. I straight...

“What am I hungry fo...

I dare to ask, my entire body tight as I wait for him to answer. He smiles, and I swear that cocky grin is like a caress against my skin. Heat runs from my head to my feet, making my toes curl inside my shoes. I wait with bated breath for him to speak, needing to know what his answer will be. Instead of answering, he grabs onto the seat of my barstool and pulls me closer to him. The legs make a loud scratching sound against the hardwood. At this point, I swear he’...

“I still need to figure out what exactly you’...

His fingertips dance along my knee as he traces ci...

“Is it my ...

he asks, his voice deep and hoarse. My entire body shivers underneath his touch. I didn’t know just the simple connection of skin somewhere so innocent could make heat pool low in my abdomen. I don’t know if I’m thankful for wearing a tennis skirt to work or if I regret it. Either wa...

“Tell me to stop if you don’t...

Cal says. His voice comes out strained. His eyes scan my face, search...

“I ca...

His eyes darken at my response. I stifle a moan when he applies even more pressure against my inner thigh, his fingertips getting dangerously close to th...

“Then tell me you want this. Tell me you’re hungry for anyth...

My eyes flutter shut at his words. They aren’t exactly dirty, but my body...

“...

I manage to get out, my voice thick with lust. I know it’s a bad idea to do this with Cal. I’m already more attached to him than I should be. He’s gotten underneath my skin and burrowed deep. The witty banter, prolonged looks, and unnecessary but wanted touches have broken me down. Nothing can change the reality that I have to go home at the end of this summer. We live two very different lives. Nothing can come of this attraction between us. But is it really that bad to give in to the tension just for the summer? Cal’s calloused fingers inch higher and higher on my inner thigh ...

“You are eager for m...

He touches me there again, but this time purposefully and ...

“Very eager for me with how wet you are. You’re soaked through ...