Bring Me Back

by Kristen Granata

He nods and then swipes the excess sauce from the corner of my mouth with his thumb. Instead of wiping it on a napkin, he licks it off his finger. And I feel that one gentle lick all the way between my legs.

This shouldn’t be the single most erotic moment in my life, yet here I am, panting like a dog in heat.

she is so real

I sift through the books. “It looks like you knew what you were doing. Colleen Hoover is the best.”

almost dnf'd after this comment

“Why don’t you give me your favorite John Grisham book to read, and I’ll give you my favorite romance book. Then when we finish, we can discuss them. Kind of like a book club for two.” “You want me to read a romance novel?” “Are you secure in your manhood?” He barks out a laugh. “Yes, I’d like to think I am.” “Then it’s settled.” “Deal.”

ICONIC AAHHHHHH

I plant my hand on my hip. “Can I help you, sir?” He hikes a nonchalant shoulder. “Figured it’s only fair since you have a picture of my ass in your phone.”

AHHHHHHH

He steps closer to me. “Tell me, Phoenix, who did you send that picture to? Or is it for your own personal use?” I scoff. “Wouldn’t you like to know.” He lowers his voice and dips his head as he whispers in my ear. “Only if it’s the latter.”

IM SQUEALING I CANT TAKE IT

“Kandi Steiner’s writing is so beautiful. It’s such an emotional story. I cry every time I read it.”

I now forgive her for the colleen hoover comment

“You know, most guys think women who read romance have unrealistic expectations of men because of these books.” “That’s because most guys don’t have enough sense to find out what it is that women actually want.” I lift a shoulder. “I think romance can be very real if you find the right person. If you can listen to what your partner wants and do what you can to make him or her happy, then you can have any romance scene in these books. It might not be a millionaire with a yacht, but I think anything is possible if you set those standards and make it clear what you’re looking for.”

A slow smile spreads across her face. “Officer Russo, are you a hopeless romantic?” “Keep reading, and you’ll find out.”

im sobbing

“Eat.” He hands me a paper plate. “You can make yourself a plate, or I can make one for you and feed you in front of all these nice people. Take your pick.”

I am feeling so many things rn

Denise tries to hide her mortified expression behind her hand. “Madison, remember what I said about cursing?” Madison nods. “Not in front of other people because they’re going to think you’re a bad mommy.” Denise grins. “Good girl.”

shes so me

The same can be said about books. People love those soul-crushing, gut-wrenching, oh-my-god-this-is-the-most-painful-thing-I’ve-ever-read-and-I-might-fling-my-Kindle-out-a-window-if-they-don’t-end-up-happy books as we’re sobbing into a package of Oreos at two o’clock in the morning on a twelve-hour reading bender.

the girls that get it, get it

“I yearn for you. My fingers itch to reach out and touch you. My tongue craves your taste. I want you on me, your hair surrounding me, your scent filling my lungs.” He pulls me close, and his lips speak against mine as he says, “I ache for you everywhere. It takes all of my willpower not to devour you whenever we’re together.”

i feel like i am goin to combust

And I can find it within myself to love my brokenness. It’s now that I realize I’m the one person I needed to have my back all along. I’ve got my own damn six.

“You’re writing about me?” I nod. “Do you want this? What you wrote about? Is this what you like?” I chew my bottom lip and give him another nod. God, do I want this. His eyes darken, no longer the light-honey color I’ve become accustomed to. “Will you read it to me?”

i literally cannot breathe

“I want to know what you like.” He walks me backward. “I want to know what turns you on.” My calves hit the bed, and he stops, skimming his thumb over my lips. “I want to hear it from this sweet mouth of yours.”

adding james to my manifestation list