I nodded pensively, biting my lip harder. “Thank you for the pancakes.”
“You’re very welcome.”
He motioned to the tray of food nervously.
Since the pancakes were pretty much cut in different sizes, I grabbed my fork, stabbed a piece, and put it in my mouth. I chewed slowly.
CRUNCH.
“Um,” I mumbled, trying to politely spit out the pieces of eggshell.
Caleb hung his head, handing me a napkin.
“I’m sorry, Red. I’ve never cooked pancakes before. Just wanted to make some for you.” There was a mix of mortification and sadness in his voice.
Ah, dammit all to hell and back.
Grabbing his face, I planted a kiss on his lips. We both froze.
One, one thousand. Two, one thousand. Three, one thousand…
I tried to pull away, but his big hands held my face, keeping me still. Then his lips began to move.
His kiss wasn’t as I remembered it.
It was better.
Soft lips, gentle bites, tease, tease, tease.
“You taste so good. Better,” he corrected. His voice was deep and husky. “Are you my girlfriend now, Red?”
His hands still held my face so that I was exposed and vulnerable to his gaze. I looked away.
“No,” I replied.
His hands fell away. “What, then?” he demanded.
Panic was climbing fast in my chest. I felt suffocated. Why couldn’t he leave it alone?
He wanted too much. Too fast.
“Nothing,” I told him, leaning away. “We’re friends.”
“I’m not your friend. Friends don’t want each other like I want you.” His tone was hard, confrontational.
I stood up, stepping out of reach. “I’m not ready to discuss this.”
“Fine,” he barked, rising. “If that’s the way you want it, but I don’t want you kissing anyone but me.”
His tone was commanding and possessive. I didn’t like it at all.
“Hey, buddy, listen up!” I snapped, drilling a finger into his chest. “Just because I kissed you last night doesn’t mean you can tell me what to do!” His chest was rock hard. “Do it again, I dare you, and I’m out.”
His teeth were clenched, his jaw hard.
“This!” I exploded, gesturing between us. “This is what happens with kissing. It complicates things!”
“No,” he said sadly, scrubbing his face with his hand. “It doesn’t. Exclusivity. Is it too much to ask? Are you with someone else? Is that why?”