Free Impassion (Mystic) by B. C. Burgess

door closed behind them, and its soft thud echoed deep in Layla’s head as she recalled the details of the reunion, making sure she had them memorized.
    Quin’s hands covered her shoulders, and she jolted before turning and hugging his waist. “Do you have to leave, too?”
    “Nope.”
    “So you’ll stay?”
    “I’d love to.”
    Comforted by his continued company, she leaned back and smiled. “What do you want to do?”
    His dark eyes glinted as his lips twitched, and his aura picked up speed, drawing Layla’s attention from his ignited gaze.
    “This is nice,” he answered, brushing her hair from her face. “But we can do something more productive if you’d like.”
    How did he effortlessly maintain eye contact when so aroused? Layla could barely meet his stare. Now that she knew what he wanted to do, she wanted to do it, too, and that mortified her. Partly because she wasn’t used to feeling that way, let alone sharing the news, and partly because she wasn’t ready to feel that way.
    She scooted back and averted her gaze, putting some space between them. The last thing she wanted to be was a tease.
    The haze rushing around him halted, like it had turned into a solid. Then it pulsed once before drawing closer to his body. “What’s up?” he asked.
    “Nothing,” she answered, offering what she hoped was a casual smile.
    He reached out, covering her lips with his thumb. “That’s a lie.”
    Busted. “I guess.”
    “Come here,” he insisted, pulling her closer. “These lips are too beautiful to lie, so out with it. Why did you back away?”
    She pouted as she watched him, ashamed of her bold faced lie, but she couldn’t help but feel a little justified. “Can’t a girl have her secrets?”
    “Yes, until they start pulling you away from me. If there’s a reason why you don’t want me to hold you, just say it. I’ll respect your wishes and do my best to understand. But don’t leave me wondering what went wrong.”
    “You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m just not used to sharing my feelings with people. It’s embarrassing.”
    “I can tell. But what do you think I’m going to do? Laugh at you?”
    “No.”
    “Then tuck that pretty pout in and tell me what’s wrong.”
    “I don’t want to lead you on,” she blurted, like a dam bursting. Her cheeks flamed, but she forced herself to continue. “I’m not ready to follow through with anything, so I gave you some space… to be fair.”
    “I see,” he replied, a smile tugging on his lips.
    “Are you trying not to laugh?” she scolded.
    “No,” he assured, “but I think it’s sweet you’re worried about me.”
    “It’s not all about you. I don’t want you to be frustrated with me .”
    Without any warning, he scooped her legs out from under her, softly catching her back in his other arm.
    “Wha…” she muttered, finding his face.
    But he ignored her scowl and carried her to the couch, making her comfortable on his lap as he urged her cheek to his chest. “I won’t lie and say I don’t want it, but that’s not why I’m here. I know you’re not ready, and that’s okay. I feel blessed to be on the receiving end of your kisses and wouldn’t dare push my luck by asking for more.”
    Layla furrowed her eyebrows as she searched his aura. “Really?”
    “Really,” he returned. “I’m not in a hurry, so I won’t get upset with you for making me wait. But if you make me stop touching you, I’ll be very sad.”
    “Oh,” she breathed. “Okay.”
    “What’s okay?” he pressed, sliding his palms down her sides. “This?”
    Layla closed her eyes, sighing her agreement as his hands slid under her shirt. He flexed his fingers, inciting goose bumps and a shiver. Then he took her by the ribs and squeezed.
    A laugh burst from her diaphragm as she jolted and twisted away, reaching for the safety of the floor, but he pulled her back in.
    “No you don’t,” he refused, somehow finding every ticklish spot on her