Page 29 of The Art of Deception

My ponytail whips back with the wind as I bask in the morning April sun. My eyes close just enjoying this moment with him. “I can’t believe how happy Levi was just now. You’re so good with him…” I open my eyes, turning my head to face him. “Good to us.”

Xander creases his brow like he doesn’t believe what I’m telling him. He’s so humble. “I just want to make you both happy. I love being around the two of you, and if I can give you a fraction of the way you make me feel, Tomi, then that’s an achievement in my eyes.”

I melt completely on the inside. “Hashtag swoon.”

He glances at me with a giant smirk on his face. “Did you just say hashtag swoon?”

My eyes open wide as my muscles stiffen. “No?” I pause. “Did I say that out loud?”

He bursts out laughing as he takes the corner heading to the shop. “Goddamn, you’re something special.”

“Or psychotic… could go either way.”

He chuckles, his hand coming down and resting on my thigh. I move my hand on top of his, lacing my fingers with his as we approach Hope & Faith Ink. It’s great that he’s dropping me offat work today. Greta’s picking Levi up from school as always, so when she drops him off, she can drive us both home. I know she won’t mind, she’s done it before.

Xander pulls up out the front, and I glance at my beloved shop. Soon it will be a pile of dust and rubble. I don’t want Xander to get caught up in my hatred for Alex Scott, so I turn around and smile. “Thanks so much for this morning… and last night.”

The cheeky grin plastered on his face tells me everything. “It was my pleasure.”

I glance at my cell to see the time and furrow my brows. “You’re going to be late for work, aren’t you?”

He hesitantly smiles. “Yes, very. My phone’s been buzzing nonstop in my pocket since eight this morning. But it’s worth the wrath of my father to spend the time with you both.”

Grimacing, I tighten my grip on his hand. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be. I’d much rather be here with you.” He dips his head. “But… I do have to go.”

My eyes widen. “No, of course.” I lean in, quickly kissing him, then turn to get out, but he grabs me, pulling me back to face him.

“You’re not leaving with a kiss like that, beautiful. Kiss me like you mean it,” he demands, his fingers looping through my ponytail and yanking my face to his. My lips crash into his, making a soft whimper escape my mouth.

My hand slides up onto the side of his face, caressing him as his tongue dances with mine passionately in his car for the entire street to see. My thighs clench together as the world spins in slow motion. Everything becomes a blur as it’s just us alone in the world, and no one and nothing can stop us from enjoying this moment together.

Electricity pops and crackles all around us, setting the car on fire as my lips tingle, igniting with his caress. He sends me toanother place when he kisses me. It’s like I don’t know where he starts and I end. Like we’re one entity, and everything around us is a flurry of excited adrenaline.

It’s pure magic.

Just like in the movies.

I’m breathless as we finally part, needing to take this down a notch before we end up stripping off in broad daylight. While that would be fun for us, not so much for the street we’re currently stationed on.

His hand gently caresses my cheek as his eyes stare directly into mine. “I’ll talk to you soon.” I simply nod as all my air’s been taken away. “Have a good day.”

Taking in a deep breath, I find the feeling returning to my body and turn to get out of his car. I slide out, close the door, and simply smile at him. “Talk soon.”

He gestures for me to walk inside, so I giggle and turn with a pep in my step toward the entrance to Hope & Faith Ink. I pull out my keys, turning them in the lock.

He wolf-whistles. “Anyone ever tell you your ass is sexy in those tight jeans?” he calls from the car.

I turn around laughing as I flip him the bird. “Catcalling from a car, nice one, tough guy. Now go on, fuck off. Some of us have work to do.” He pulls out his cell, showing me the flashing screen of it ringing, and I wince. “Well then, go on, shoo, you crazy stalker.”

He puts the cell on the passenger seat and winks at me. “Later,” he calls. Then he pulls out onto the street.

I walk inside Hope & Faith Ink, the smell of cleanliness mixed with cinnamon hits me as always.

It smells like home.

A home I’m going to have to let go of, but not for a little longer.

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