Page 17 of Soulmates

“Not usually. I’m mostly a good girl, you know.”

“I’m sure you are,” he said, his eyes dropping briefly to my cleavage. A tingle of excitement swirled around my belly button, and I swore I could feel my nipples rising, getting harder.

Miles looked back, making sure my dad wasn’t around, then faced me and whispered. “Are you okay now?”

“Yeah,” I said. “I’m fine. Did you…?”

“I didn’t tell your dad, but don’t you think he should know?”

“It’s nothing, really. I just, I don’t know. That has never happened to me.”

“Was it something I said?”

It was my turn to laugh, though it sounded strained even to me. “Why, do women normally faint around your words?”

He examined my face, then smiled. “Not usually.”

“That’s a relief,” I said, wanting to move closer to him, to bridge the physical gap between us, but I wasn’t sure how to do it, until I looked at my plate and an idea popped into my head.

“I need to get more mac salad,” I said, pivoting on the long bench and lifting my legs to stand up. My already short dress moved up a notch, exposing a bit more skin. I noticed his eyes dart down, not missing a thing.

It’s working,I thought as moved toward the kitchen. Holy shit, it’s working!

I pushed the galley door and entered, my heart pounding. My dad was busy washing the dishes.

“Getting more mac salad, dad.”

“Sure, Tay, scoop up whatever you want.”

“Thanks.” I put a decent scoop on my plate, and turned to go.

“Hey, Tay?”

“Yeah?”

“What do you think of Miles?”

“He seems nice.”

He watched me carefully for a second, then nodded, turning his attention back to his scrubbing. “Just watch yourself. Remember, he’s a lawyer.”

Was he warning me?

I thought of telling him that not all lawyers were bad, and that I was sure Miles was one of the good ones, but I bit my lip. I didn’t want to raise any suspicions.

“I know dad,” I said instead.

Miles was exactly where I left him, taking a swig of his third or fourth beer and looking out at the garden. I went back to my spot, but sat a foot closer this time.

“Want some?” I offered.

“Oh no,” Miles said, tapping his stomach. “I’m stuffed, but thanks.”

He turned and faced me, placing his hand in the space between us. I wanted to touch that hand, to feel that strong grip.

“Taylor…”

“Tay.”

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