Page 40 of It Started With a Scarf

Dominic put a hand on the back of my head and kissed me so hard that our teeth hit. It was hot and greedy, possessive, and just what I needed. I felt a warm wave of something at my core and I moaned gently when he pulled away.

"We're going to get caught over here," he whispered.

"Yeah, I'm a lady, and you can't get me caught kissing you like that in the hallway."

"You started it."

"I know, but I didn’t know you were going to do it like that."

"Like what?"

"Where you do that and make me feel all funny inside."

He did it again. His mouth was open and I felt his tongue, warm and silky, slide into my mouth. I was achy and wanton and I held onto him, tightly gripping the fabric of his shirt in my fists.

It happened for several long pulsing seconds and then he pulled back, both of us trying to quietly catch our breath.

"I've wanted you from the second I saw you, Marley."

"I want you, too," I said, meaning it so much.

I touched the side of his cheek lightly with my fingertips.

"I want you to know that I'm going to want to try to continue seeing you."

I hesitated for a second, but then I said, "Good. I hope so. That would be great."

"Not to be pushy, but I was hoping you would not see anyone else."

"You mean see them on a date?"

"Yes, like on a date. You can physically look at people. And, really, you can do whatever you want. I would just prefer if you'd…" He stared at me. "If you'd never look at anyone else the way you're looking at me right now."

"Why would I want to?"

I touched the bottom of his mouth, gently brushing the edge of it with my thumb.

"What was it?" he asked.

"Nothing. I was just looking at your mouth, and I wanted to touch it."

He let out a long sigh like he was pained by the words. "You drive me crazy, Marley. I want you to say you're mine." He gazed at me, his dark eyes protective, possessive.

"If you want me, I'm yours, Dominic." I whispered the words and he grinned at me.

I blinked up at him. I wanted to live in this moment forever. I wanted to marry him and have his babies and be next to him like this forever. I was out of my mind with anticipation. I didn't care about the possible broken heart that was awaiting me. I didn't have any more time to think about it because we heard footsteps approaching.

Dominic casually stepped away from me just in time for his dad to come around the corner. "It's right there," Dominic said, pointing nonchalantly to the bathroom as if he had been about to tell me that all along.

"Thanks," I said smiling, going inside, and pretending that my heart wasn't about to beat out of my chest.

Chapter 14

We stayed at Eddie Decker's house for almost two hours, and he and Caroline were gracious, kind hosts. I was comfortable in their home, and we all talked while we ate dinner. It was a simple but delicious plate of food that had been prepared by a chef. Caroline was into painting as a hobby and didn't at all care for cooking. She did it sometimes, but they had a chef who came by several times a week, and she openly admitted that she preferred his food to her own.

Dominic and I didn't have any physical contact in front of them, but he was always around me, talking to me and glancing at me to make sure I was comfortable. I had a great time, so I always gave him a reassuring smile.

We headed out at the same time as EJ and Thad. Those two went out of the driveway first, and Dominic and I were left alone. It was cold out. He had started our cars moments before we walked outside, and he told me to get into his for a minute before we took off. I made a noise reflecting how chilled I was as I sat in the passenger's seat.

---