Page 113 of Mud, Love, and Chemistry

God, I love that look of his. “I don’t know that I ever dissected it like you, but there’s something about that movie I’ve always loved.”

Without taking his eyes off me, Sam tilts his glass to mine, making the tiniest clinking sound. “Well, then cheers.”

“To what, this time?”

“To me not needing my snark, anymore.”

Heat rushes to my cheeks, and this time, I know it’s not from the wine.

We finish our dinner, and the second bottle of wine with Sam asking for the check shortly thereafter. Our gift card more than covers our bill, so we both chip in a good amount for a tip. On our way to the door, Sam hands me the gift card.

“What’s this for?” I ask.

He shrugs. “There’s, like, twelve bucks left on it. That’s enough to pay for you and Lisa to come have a girls’ dessert night, or something. Just don’t order the coffee cake.”

“Why not?”

“Because it was labeled as cinnamon coffee cake.”

A lightness rises in my chest that he made sure to check the ingredients. “Thanks. That’s sweet of you.” I give him a sideways glance.

He shakes his head. “Do you always speak in puns when you’re drunk?”

“Who said I’m drunk?” I ask, but as I turn to face him, I trip over my heels.

Sam catches me by the elbow, righting me and throwing his other hand around my waist to steady me. “Whoa, easy killer.”

When I get my bearings, I look into those deep brown eyes that have captivated me from day one. The twinkling lights reflect in his irises, making them sparkle. Behind the sparkle though, is an intensity. It’s one I’ve seen before, and one I quite enjoy. It’s passionate, and hot, and makes me squeeze my thighs together.

To Hell with just being friends.

I lick my lips. “Take me home, Sam.”

He lets out a shaky breath. “Sure thing. I can have the Uber drop you off first, and?”

“No, Sam,” I say confidently, running my hand over his shoulder. “Take me to your home.”

Chapter 35

Sam opens the car door for me, and I slide across the backseat to make room for him. As soon as he’s at my side, I lay my hand on his thigh and squeeze. I watch his Adam’s apple bob.

“Buckle up,” the driver says, but it falls on deaf ears.

The second I turn my chin toward Sam, his mouth collides with mine in a kiss that leaves me breathless. It takes every ounce of self-restraint I have not to tear off his clothes, or to let him tear off mine. I want so badly to throw my leg over his lap. I want to ride him all the way home.

We make out for the duration of the Uber ride. When the car lurches to a stop, our driver looks less than enthused as he glares at us from the rearview mirror. We collect ourselves, thank him, and exit the car. He takes off as soon as the door closes.

“I don’t think he was very happy with us,” I say, biting my lip.

“He was probably jealous.” Sam taps away at his phone, but tilts his head to give me a wink. “Besides, he’s getting a good tip.”

“That’s nice of you.”

Sam tucks his phone into his pocket, takes my hand, and yanks me to him. “Well, I’ve got to make up for what I’m about to do with you.” He claims my mouth once again before tugging me up the stairs to his apartment.

As we ascend, the world spins. I have no idea how I make it up the steps without tripping, but as I wait for Sam to unlock the door, I have to brace myself on the wall. When Sam opens the door, I’m thankful he offers me his hand. Pulling me inside, he kicks the door shut.

Before I can think, his hands are on me, tearing off my coat. He nudges me backward until my ass hits the back of the couch, and he pins me against it with his hips, his growing erection pressing into my thigh. Our lips reconnect and the passion reignites. I throw my hands around his neck, keeping him close and losing a hand in his hair.

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