Crossing the Line(33)

Tenderness eased the slight frown between his brows. "I think it's kinda cute."

"Cute when I was six and he bought me a toy unicorn. Or when I was eight and he surprised me at Christmas with a pony. But when I'm in my early twenties and my dad is still the number one guy in my life? Not so much."

I huffed out a breath, hoping he couldn't hear the wistfulness in my voice. "The thing is, I didn't see my dad all that much growing up and while I know he loves me, I feel like … like I can't rely on anyone."

There, I'd said it, voiced my number one fear when it came to relationships, even familial ones: that I couldn't depend on anyone but myself.

"Know what you mean," he said, eyeing me with newfound respect. "The only person I've ever counted on is me. Easier that way."

I nodded, stunned that we'd found more common ground, when I'd expected him to look at me like I was a freak for feeling alone despite having my dad raise me. "I've made a few good friends at DU, but no one like Dani, who I've grown up with. So apart from her and Dad, I'm a pretty closed off person."

"I don't agree." He snagged one of my hands and lifted it to his lips, brushing soft kisses across my knuckles. "You're cautious, there's a difference." His teeth nipped the base of my thumb and I bit back a groan. "And I'd say you carefully weigh decisions and generally make good choices, but you're hanging out with me, so there goes that theory."

I smiled and reached up to cup his cheek. "What we're doing now? Talking like this? Means a lot to me."

Which was better than what I really wanted to say: means more to me than you could possibly know.

Because that was way too close to the truth. A truth that would ensure he'd keep his distance for the remainder of my vacation if he ever found out. And he wouldn't. Not from me. There was soul-baring and there was soul-baring. I'd shared enough with Kye. I'd take my secret—and my broken heart—back to Denver when the time came.

"Means a lot to me too, babe." He hauled me into his arms and squeezed so hard I could hardly breathe. "Being with you is the smartest thing I've done in a long time."

As he held me tight, I wasn't feeling so smart. In fact, with my feelings for Kye in turmoil, and already dreading our parting when I headed back to DU, I knew I was a dummy for falling in love with my vacation fling.



#



It was official. I was a love-struck schmuck, as I rolled over in bed and pressed my face into the pillow that still had a trace of Kye on it. Masculine and fresh and spicy, I inhaled deeply, my receptors already pining for him, despite the fact he'd only left ten minutes ago.

We'd been cutting it fine, waiting until dawn for him to head back to his villa, but he'd seemed reluctant to leave and I hadn't wanted him to. If it were up to me, we'd be strutting around the academy hand in hand, proud of our relationship.

But my dad would throw a hissy fit and no way would I put Kye's future on the line. Rolling onto my back and covering my face with Kye's pillow, I ignored the insistent inner voice that said I already had.

We were playing with fire, I knew that. But I was greedy. I wanted as much of Kye as I could get before we parted and if he was willing to take the risk dating me, no way in hell I'd say no.

Selfish? Absolutely. He could lose everything while I’d come out of this relationship unscathed. But I'd be damned if I stopped seeing the first guy I’d truly fallen for. Because this skin-tingling, belly-warming, heart-aching feeling? Was addictive. I wanted more—hell, I wanted it all—for as long as I could get it.

A discreet knock sounded at the door and I leaped out of bed, hoping it was Kye but knowing he'd never risk coming here in daylight.

I quickly pulled on a T-shirt and cotton boxers before opening the door, to find Dani glowering at me.

"Hey, sweetie, what's up?"

"You tell me." She pushed past me without waiting to be invited in and I sighed as I closed the door. I loved my BFF but after the incredible date night I'd had with Kye, I wanted to savor the high, not deal with whatever was Dani's drama of the day.

"Want some OJ—"

"You stood me up last night." Dani swung around so fast I almost slammed into her chest. "Not cool, babe."

"What are you talking about? We didn't have plans …" I trailed off, belatedly remembering she'd mentioned something about heading into LA when we'd been at the tournament. "Not concrete plans, that is."

Dani's eyes narrowed. "Don't you check your cell anymore? Because I texted you. Five times." She held up a hand, fingers spread. "I don't text my boyfriends that many times for the duration of our relationship, in case you were wondering."