Page 12 of The Art of Deception

I let out a chuckle while shaking my head. “You’re so weird.”

He raises his brow. “Says the girl downing margaritas atmidday, throwing tomatoes, and kicking people for fun.”

I exhale. “Point taken. So, Just Xander, am I going to see you again soon, or will you vanish for months on end?”

“How about I text you?”

I place my hand on my hip, tilting my head. “You don’t have my number.”

He tilts his head. “That was me asking for it.”

I roll my eyes, letting out a huff. “Then ask for it, Just Xander. I’m not the type of girl who goes for a guy who plays games.”

He’s unfazed. “I’m not playing any games here, Tomi.” He gazes into my eyes. “I like you. Have since the first time I came into your shop, but… my life’s complicated—”

“Do you have a girlfriend?” I ask point-blank.

His eyes widen. “What? No.”

“Wife?”

He smiles now. “No.”

“Boy lover?” I tease.

His smile falls as he stares at me incredulously. “Now you’re just mocking me.”

“Animal fetish?”

He bursts out laughing as he reaches out to grab me around my waist, pulling me in. I stumble forward, my arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as I stare at him. This could’ve been awkward, with him sitting on his bike and me standing. Somehow, it works as he holds me.

And it’s just like we’re right back at the lighthouse, staring into each other’s eyes. The whole world slows down around us, and it’s only Xander and me in our own safe little bubble. I’ve never felt any connection like this before, where every part of my body comes alive by merely glancing at him. His fingers slide under my shirt at the lower part of my back, sending a wave of tingles bursting all over my flesh. His thumbs gently caress my skin as my arms loop around his neck, my fingers playing withhis short, brown hair at the nape of his neck.

My breathing hitches as his lips part, his tongue darting out, licking his bottom lip slightly. The sight makes the anticipation that much more. I need to taste him, and I can’t wait as I tilt forward while he leans up. One of his hands is moving onto the back of my head, and the other is holding tight on the small of my back as we inch closer.

He smells so good.

He looks so good.

This can only be…good.

Fuck it!I lean in, pressing my lips to his, and the instant I do, my lips crackle and burst like popping candy. Fireworks explode above my head while my heart races so fast it might detonate if I’m not careful.

His hand on my back moves a little lower to my ass as he pulls me closer to him while his tongue enters my mouth. My thighs clench at the dull ache instantly hitting my core. I moan with the move, feeling like I could easily get lost in him. He kisses me deeply, passionately—it’s intoxicating. His tongue dances with mine in a fevered tango, our teeth colliding in a frenzy. My fingers tangle in his hair, holding his face to mine, needing him, wanting him as he grasps onto me tight enough to show dominance but care at the same time. This is by far the best kiss I’ve ever had.

Suddenly, a loud roar of cheering erupts from behind us.

I know it’s the guys in the shop, and hearing that they’re all there watching me make out with sexy-as-sin Xander is kind of killing my buzz. A small chuckle erupts from me as he slows the kiss, his hands moving toward my back again. I gradually pull away, standing upright a little more as I take a breath while gazing into his hooded eyes, completely breathless.

There’s something about him, something I can’t quite put my finger on.

I’m totally into him, but this mystery thing might just drive me nuts.

He licks his lips, clears his throat, and glances past me to the shop. “We have an audience.”

I grimace. “Yeah… those fuckers need to go watch some porn or something.”

He puts on a more serious face. “Tomi, can I have your phone?”

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