This is exactly the kind of situation I try to avoid.
Being alone with someone who makes my brain stop working.
Autumn is looking at me like she's waiting for something.
And the truth is—
So am I.
The car feels smaller now.
The air heavier.
Her lips part slightly like she's about to say something.
Instead I lean over the center console.
And kissed her.
This one starts slow.
Careful.
But it doesn't stay that way for long.
Autumn shifts closer in her seat, her hand sliding up the front of my shirt.
That small movement sends heat straight through me. Straight below.
I pull her gently toward me, one hand resting against her waist.
I deepen the kiss.
More intense.
More desperate than the other ones before.
When we finally break apart we're both breathing harder.
She's still very close.
Too close.
My forehead rests lightly against hers.
"You're dangerous," she whispers.
I laugh softly.
"You keep saying that."
"Because you keep proving it. And I don't know what will happen if we keep doing this."
My thumb brushes lightly against her cheek.
"Then maybe you should stay away from me."
She looks up at me.
Her eyes steady.
"Maybe I don't want to."
That answer hits harder than I expect.
Because the truth is—
I'm not sure I want her to either.
In fact, I know I don't.