Page 40 of Exposed Ink

“I’ve already seen the first two, but I would totally be down for watching them all again. We should watch them tonight,” Taylor suggests. “Casey won’t watch them either, which is fine since she’s never read the books and she won’t appreciate the movies properly.”

“I think Kinsley has given you enough of her time,” Shane cuts in, using a tone I haven’t heard him use with Taylor before. It’s deep and serious, and, holy shit, it’s kind of hot.

“Okay, sorry,” she says without argument, looking completely deflated.

“Actually, I’d love to watch the movies tonight,” I say to Taylor, then glance at Shane, who’s looking at me in shock. “If it’s okay with you.”

“You don’t have to do that,” he murmurs. “I love my daughter, but I know how difficult it can be to say no to her.”

“I know, but I want to. But if you’re not up for company, I could have her come to my place.”

“Of course you’re welcome to come over,” he scoffs. “I just don’t want you to feel obligated.”

“Well, I don’t. I happen to like hanging out with Taylor.”

The waitress drops off the receipt and Shane quickly fills it out, then pockets his card.

“Just Taylor?” he asks, as we stand to leave.

“Your dog is cool.”

Shane shakes his head, and his eyes light up with mirth.

“Plus, now, you’re going to be stuck watching them with us.” I playfully stick my tongue out at him and take off toward the restaurant’s exit.

I’ve barely made it out the door when Shane grabs my hand and tugs me toward him, so my back is flush against his front. In this position, I can smell his masculine scent and feel his hard body against mine, both of which do crazy things to my lady parts.

“Watching a movie with you, on my couch, in my home, is the opposite ofstuck,” Shane murmurs into my ear, sending a shiver through my body.

It doesn’t matter how much I try to resist the feelings I’m developing for Shane. They’re there and increasing with every look and touch and minute we spend together. The chemistry between us is sizzling, and if I’m not careful, that heat is going to become a fire and burn him. And the last thing I want is for another person to be hurt from caring about me.

The thought of Shane getting hurt—or worse, dying—because of me has me opening my mouth to tell them I can’t go over to their house to watch the movies after all.

But before I can think of a believable lie to use, Taylor says, “Dad, can we go by the store and get snacks? We can’t have a movie night without all the goods.”

And the words evaporate on my tongue because there’s no way I’m witnessing her disappointment by bailing on her.

“The goods?” I ask, stepping away from Shane so our bodies are no longer touching.

“Yeah,” Taylor says. “Popcorn, soda, Sour Patch Kids, which are Dad’s favorite …”

I can’t help the blush that creeps up when she says Sour Patch, and even though she doesn’t notice, too busy naming all the junk food she plans to get, Shane notices and grins that sexy, boyish grin that’s going to be the death of me.

“Stop it,” I mutter.

“What?” He shrugs.

“What?” Taylor asks, confused.

“Kinsley doesn’t understand orappreciatemy fixation with Sour Patch Kids,” Shane explains, his eyes never leaving mine.

He might not be touching me anymore, but with the way he looks at me, it feels like he’s reaching inside of me and caressing my soul.

“But like I told her,” he says to Taylor, his eyes still locked on mine, “there’s just something about getting through the sour to get to the sweet that makes it worth it.”

“I would rather just buy something sweet instead of dealing with the sour,” I volley, even though I already know nothing I say will sway Shane from the way he feels.

The man is nothing if not determined.

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