Kiss and Don't Tell(63)

Before I do something stupid like knock on his door and strip his trunks right off his legs to reveal that prominent bulge, I go to my room, shut the door, lock it, and then grab my phone, which is on my nightstand. Beaming with excitement, I text Max.

Winnie: I kissed him.

My face heats up just thinking about how assertive I was just now. I can’t believe I did that. I wanted to kiss him all day and I was waiting for the perfect moment. In the hallway before bed wasn’t picturesque, but it was everything I could’ve asked for.

My phone beeps with a text. Smiling, I read it.

Max: WHATOHMYGOD!!!!YOUKISSED!!!!

I laugh out loud. I knew Max would be the perfect person to tell because he’d cheer in excitement with me, whereas Katherine might ask if I used some sort of kissing guard to make sure we didn’t transfer diseases.

Max: Wait . . . we’re talking about Pacey, right?

Winnie: Yes, I kissed Pacey.

Max: Wait . . . wait . . . you kissed him? As in you initiated the kiss?

Winnie: Correct.

Max: Damn, Winnie. Look at you taking charge. How did it happen? Was it good? Of course it was good. He probably pressed you against a wall, didn’t he?

Winnie: He did. We were saying good night, and he was being a gentleman and took off toward his room. I called him back and reached up and kissed him. He then proceeded to push me against the wall and hold me in place.

Max: That’s so hot. Does he win the best kiss award?

Winnie: Easily. There’s no competition. I also took that moment to feel his chest a bit.

Max: Rightfully so, you have him in place, take advantage of it. Does he have a hairy chest?

Winnie: Clipped.

Max: Did he make out with tongue?

Winnie: Totally . . . I also might have felt his erection.

Max: Blinks Excuse me? If you felt his erection, why are you texting me?

Winnie: I felt it earlier before we got in the hot tub.

Max: You were in the hot tub? But I know you didn’t bring your swimsuit. Were you . . . naked?

Winnie: I knew you were going to throw that in my face. I wore my underwear and bra but those get flimsy in the water. Either way, I was self-conscious getting into the hot tub with him because he’s this Adonis, and you know I’ve had some self-esteem issues. But he was proving to me that I shouldn’t, because when he saw me in my underwear, he was completely turned on.

Max: To be a fly on the wall for that moment. Was he big?

Winnie: God, Max . . . huge.

Max: You’re one lucky bitch, but you deserve it. So, I’m guessing nothing happened other than a kiss?

Winnie: Yeah, just a kiss, but he told me he wants me. And it’s taking a lot of my energy to actually believe what he says. I didn’t realize the emotional job Josh did on me until another man showed interest in me.

Max: I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I wish chronic hemorrhoids on Josh. Teach him a goddamn lesson to mess with my girl. You’re beautiful, and you don’t need someone who doesn’t know how to give a woman an orgasm bringing you down.

Winnie: I know. I need to keep reminding myself of that.

I yawn again and stand to get ready for bed.

Winnie: I’m exhausted. I’m going to head to bed.

Max: Okay. I’m happy for you, Winnie. You deserve this, you need this. Have fun and make the most of this strange but perfect adventure.

Winnie: Love you, Max.

Max: Love you, Win.





Chapter Fifteen





PACEY





I’m fucking reeling.

After a long-ass workout that I started at four in the morning—I couldn’t seem to calm my racing mind because of that fucking delicious kiss last night—I grab a towel from the shelf in the gym and head upstairs to the main level, where Posey and Hornsby are talking to Stephan in the kitchen as he makes egg sandwiches.

“Smells good, man,” I call out.

“Thanks. I have a yogurt parfait in the fridge for your girl.”

I don’t even bother correcting him—because that’s what Winnie feels like at this point, my girl—and I give him a nod as I head down our hallway. I consider going straight to Winnie’s room, but think better of it, and instead, I jog to my room and take the quickest shower of my life. I dry off, throw on some deodorant, cologne, a pair of athletic shorts, and an Agitators shirt. I already brushed my teeth, because I hate working out with morning breath.

I head for Winnie’s room and knock on her door.

“Come in,” she says in a husky voice.

When I pop the door open, I spot Winnie still in bed, the comforter pulled up over her shoulder. The braids in her hair have come partly undone.

She looks adorable.

“Good morning, Pacey,” she says in a sleepy voice.

I shut the door behind me and walk toward the bed. “Good morning.”

Her eyes scan me. “I can smell you from here.”

I chuckle. “I hope that’s a good smell.”

“A very good smell.” She yawns and then says, “Let me guess—you’ve already worked out this morning, taken a shower, and had breakfast.”

“Waited on breakfast, but the rest is correct.”

She looks so damn comfortable; I need to lose myself in that comfort. I round her bed, draw back the covers, and slip into bed with her. I scoot in behind her and spoon her against my chest, letting my arm fall over her stomach as I hold her close. From what I can feel, she’s wearing shorts and a tank top, and from the way her breasts skim the top of my forearm, I’m guessing no bra.