Page 65 of Billionaire's Coastal Haven

Chapter 18

Zoe

Landon’s green eyes bore into me like he’s trying to measure the dimensions of my heart. I’m squirmy and itchy under his appraisal.

I cover his eyes with my hand. “Stop looking at me like that.”

He catches my waist and tugs me against his chest. “How about a consolation prize for second place?” His gaze drops to my mouth, and his eyes fill with a heady desire.

Being able to bring this powerful man to the point of begging is intoxicating. Why me? What is it about me that makes him plead for a single kiss?

Earlier, I would have gladly jumped into his arms if he’d made a move, but that would have been a bad idea. Pure lust driving me to ignore what I know is right.

Landon and I don’t have a future.

We haven’t spent enough time together to truly know one another, so I don’t understand his desire. What I see in his eyes when he looks at me goes beyond attraction.

It isn’t lust.

He shows me his depth, practically baring his soul.

And it ignites a similar sensation.

Watching him watch me, I understand my heart.

Landon sees who I want to be. He doesn’t dismiss me. He respects my opinions and makes me feel like I can accomplish anything.

I want to give in to him. To kiss him and see what it feels like to truly be desired by a man I have nothing to offer except my attention.

Just me.

That’s all he wants.

But then what?

Do I care?

My stomach tightens. Idocare. I need to know there is more to us than secret make-out sessions. I don’t need promises of forever, but I need to know he won’t regret this once he’s had his fill. I need to know he won’t dump me after he’s scratched whatever itch drives him to pursue me.

“Why me?”

“Why not you?”

“And tomorrow? If we start making out now, what happens tomorrow?”

“What do you want?”

“I don’t want to be tossed aside. This means something to me, and if you’re bored or feeding your ego, I can’t—”

He presses his thumb to my lips. “I want you. For as long as you’ll let me.”

“Not an itch to scratch and then walk away?”

“Zoe, you’re in my soul.”

“No more lines.”

“That’s the honest truth. I can’t walk away from you.”