Page 82 of Trick or Stalk

But I don't need Penny to show me where Presley's bedroom is.

I already know.

Penny trots toward the partially open door and disappears through it.

Anticipation fills me. My pulse pounds harder with every step. Not because I'm afraid she'll catch me.

Because she's on the other side.

I reach the doorway and stop.

Moonlight spills across the bed. Presley is asleep on her side, one hand tucked beneath her pillow. Her dark hair is spread across it, catching the moonlight.

Penny jumps onto the bed.

Presley makes a quiet whimper and shifts beneath the blankets.

My entire body stills.

Penny circles twice before curling against her.

Presley's arm moves automatically, settling around the little dog.

Something tightens inside my chest.

Fuck, she’s beautiful.

So peaceful with her face relaxed from sleep, long lashes resting on her cheekbones, lips parted slightly.

I can’t tear my eyes away from her.

I wonder what Presley would do if she opened her eyes right now.

Scream, probably. Maybe throw something.

Definitely never recommend another fucking romance novel to me.

I stand there, hands clenched into fists, memorizing the way the moonlight falls across her face.

I wait until I’m sure she’s still asleep, then soundlessly move closer.

My fingers flex at my side.

You shouldn’t touch her.

I already know I’m going to.

I reach toward her, then gently glide my fingertips across her face.

She’s soft. Warm. Real.

My breath catches.

I’ve imagined touching her since the bookstore.

Reality is worse.

Because now I know what she feels like.