Page 76 of Best Served Cold

“Shit,” I murmur. “Is that Dottie Hendrickson’s boyfriend?”

To my surprise, Sophie starts laughing softly, her hand gripping the lamppost. “Yes,” she says. “And we’re never going to hear the end of it.”

CHAPTER TWENTY

SOPHIE

I just got caught making out with Jonah’s brother against a streetlight. WhoamI?

Part of me is fearful that I’m not behaving the way I’m supposed to, and there will be consequences. There already have been. Bear saw us together, and he will certainly tell Dottie, but I’m surprised by how little I mind the thought. She obviously likes Rob. The worst she’ll do is buy me a box of condoms.

Besides, I did all the right things with Jonah, and I still had bad luck.

Maybe I should be panicked, but the truth is I feel powerful for once. I wanted to kiss Rob,reallykiss him, and I did. I made it happen.

And it was so good. So, so good, in a way that kissing never has been before. I feel giddy and wild, and even though part of me thinks I should send him home, I take his hand and lead him back to my aunt’s house. He gives me a sidelong glance as he walks with me, his gaze amused and appreciative.

Goodness, has he always been this hot?

His chest is warm and hard, like his thick arms, and his mouth is so talented. Like he was playing my body the way he plays his instrument.

“Soooo,” he says slowly as we walk, his hand swinging with mine as if holding hands is natural for us. Is he doing it for show, so Bear and Dottie will see and spread the word? Or because he wants to? “Scientifically speaking, what are your thoughts?”

“What are yours?”

“For the record, I asked first,” he says, his mouth quirking up. “Although I don’t think this one’s up for debate. That kiss was definitely better than the first one, and Jonah wasn’t watching.”

I beam at him, caught up in a giddy feeling, as we continue walking. “Would it have been better if I’d been wearing the blue dress?”

“There’s only one way to know. And I’m suddenly very committed to the scientific process. Who knew.”

I’m laughing as we reach my steps. He stops me there, his hand holding mine.

“I’m not coming in,” he says.

Disappointment tugs at me. “Why not? I could put on that dress…”

“You’d never get it on,” he says, his eyes seeming to darken and absorb the shadows around us. “I…” He reaches up with his free hand and rubs his jaw. “If we’re continuing with the whole straightforward thing between the two of us, I really want to fuck you, and I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

My mouth drops open, as much from the language as from his honesty. “Are you trying to shock me?”

“Maybe.”

“What ifIwant to…fuckyou?” It comes out awkward, and from the glint of amusement in his eyes, he knows I don’t use that word often and finds it funny. But I can tell he liked hearing it. I steel myself, then add, “People say it’s a good idea to have rebound sex after your wedding is called off. Hannah said so,and I looked it up on the internet. Everyone seems to be in agreement.”

I expect him to tease me for that, but instead he tightens his hand around mine. “And you’re saying you want to have rebound sex with me?”

“Yes.”

“Because of Jonah?” he asks, holding my gaze. His eyes are a deeper, earthier color in the dark.

“Because you make me feel good.”

“I could make you feel even better,” he says, leaning closer. He places a kiss on my neck that sends spiraling need to places I didn’t even think of as erogenous until this very moment.

“Big talker,” I tease, trying not to show him what he’s doing to me, how a kiss to the neck is already making me feel like I’m going to fall apart.

“That’s not the only part of me that’s big.”

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