Page 37 of The Overdue Kiss

Whoa. That’s a first for me.

I’ve had crushes or passing attractions, none worth my time to pursue. This time it feels completely different. Like the stars align every time our eyes meet. Like my pulse races when I catch a hint a vanilla in the air. Even now, I wish my sister would leave already so I could soak up this time with Maya without interruption.

Is that crazy?

Probably.

Or maybe I just need to get out more.

As I start to calm myself down, she leans her head back and lets loose an uncontrollable laugh at something Reese says. To keep her balance, Maya places a hand on my bicep and tilts close, her shoulders shaking with mirth. My muscles tense, and I lean in enough that our sides touch, shooting sizzling tingles across my skin from the contact.

But it’s not enough. I want more... Ineedmore. Not just a light grazing of arms, but I need to touch, to caress, to kiss...

Yes . . . YES.

My heart stutters at the last thought, then rapidly builds until it’s a roaring noise in my ears. If I thought I was consumed before, it’s nothing compared to now when I’m imagining pressing my lips to hers. My eyes follow my train of thought, locking on her pink lips.

The room seems to heat up as I silently plan my route of kisses across her jaw and down her neck, taking extra care not to neglect the soft curve where her neck and shoulder meet.

When I catch my hand lifting to reach for her, I give myself a mental head shake, hoping to remove myself from this Maya-induced fog. As intoxicating as it is, the intensity of it is slightly alarming. What has come over me?

I blow out a shaky breath and tuck my hands in my pockets. Maya isn’t ready for these intense emotions brewing inside me. Heck, I’m probably not ready either. Friendship is the only thing on the table. If I suggest anything else, I’ll only scare her away. I’ll have to wait and hope that she changes her mind.

Even if I die in the process.

“Does that work for you, Des?” Reese asks.

“Uh, sure.” I tear my eyes from the elusive patch of skin behind Maya’s dangling earring. “Wait, what?”

“He does that a lot, doesn’t he?” Maya laughs.

“Pretty much. He’ll snap back eventually.”

I roll my eyes. “I’m literally right here listening to you.”

“See?” Reese points a finger at me, and I swat it away. “I said I’d stop by the library after work this week to help with inventory. I assume you’ll be here too. It’s interesting how you two keep... bumping into each other.”

My face warms. “What can I say? I guess I’m always in the right place at the right time.”

“I can attest to that,” Maya says with a grin.

“Now on to the bad news. Your part is delayed and won’t be coming until next week. In the meantime, I’ll call in a favor for you and have your bookmobile towed to the school parking lot so you can still do your book stuff. Might as well park it at the school while we wait for the piece so you don’t get any more behind schedule. You can’t start the engine, but at least the doors are manual.”

“Could you? That would mean so much to me. This project is the capstone of my master’s degree and something I’ve spent years bringing to fruition. I really want this to be successful.”

“I’ll pull a few strings so it’s delivered in the morning. Plus, Lewis wants his parking space back. Win–win.”

“The only thing I ask is that you don’t call Marco this time. It’s like the bat signal for my family to call me in a panic.”

“Oh, sure. I get those calls too, only with a bunch of motorcyclists and a certain bartender.” Reese starts to backpedal toward the stairs. “Speaking of which, I’m off to find Tristen. I’ll see you both tomorrow.”

“Sounds good. I appreciate your help.”

She heads out as silently as she enters, leaving me alone with Maya again.

“So... what can we start on today?” I ask, eyeing the box of books.

“I’m moving their catalog into a digital format. We need to scan ISBNs with my phone and pull duplicates for donation, sale, or a giveaway event. It might be faster if we work together.” She pulls out her phone, holding it up so I can see the program she’s using. I take the opportunity to lean in closer for a better view of the screen and am rewarded with her sweet vanilla scent.

---