Page 53 of Sinful Bargains

She lifted a shoulder in a small shrug. “Artie’s a good man.”

I scoffed, shaking my head. “Yeah? That what you’re looking for? A good man like Artie?”

“Seems like a smart idea.” I let out a dry laugh, stepping even closer until there was barely any space left between us. She held her ground, tilting her chin up at me. “And why does it matter to you, Joey?”

“You know why,” I said.

She crossed her arms, her eyes searching mine, challenging me. “No, Joey. I don’t know why. So why don’t you say it?”

I could feel the words clawing their way up my throat.

I reached up, brushing a knuckle along her jaw, slow and deliberate. “Because the second I say it, I can’t take it back.”

“I think you should go,” she whispered.

I leaned in, my lips just a breath away from hers. I could feel her breath against my lips. Her eyes never leaving mine. “Tell me to leave like you mean it,” I murmured.

Silence.

Crickets.

I smirked, closing the small gap between us, my lips capturing hers in a slow kiss. My hands found her waist, pulling her against me, her body molding to mine like she belonged there.

ADRIANA

The smoky, amber interior ofThe Wise Guyhad an intimate charm, its soft lighting and smooth jazz blending with the low hum of conversation. I sat on a barstool, the cool leather pressing against the backs of my thighs as Lucy adjusted her leopard print scarf beside me. Angela worked the bar, moving with a natural ease that suited her perfectly. I took a small sip of my martini, savoring the tartness that danced on my tongue while my thoughts drifted.

Joey.

It had been days since he’d kissed me, but I could still feel his soft lips pressed against mine.

Angela leaned against the counter, her cigarette dangling between her fingers as her sharp gaze cut through my daydream. “Alright, spill it, Adriana. What’s the story with you and Joey? I see the way he’s been eyeing you since he walked in here.”

I felt heat rise to my cheeks, embarrassment pooling as I tried to find the right words.

Lucy smirked, fiddling with the straw in her glass. “Theman’s been undressing you with his eyes. It’s practically a strip show in here.”

I tried to laugh it off, swirling the rim of my martini glass with a practiced detachment, but my heart betrayed me with its quickened pace. “There’s nothing to tell,” I said, though I didn’t sound convinced.

Angela’s expression sharpened into a knowing smirk. “When a woman says‘nothing,’ it’s alwayssomething. And judging by that guilty face of yours, it’s abigsomething.”

Lucy nudged my arm, teasing. “Unless you want me to start guessing—’cause I will.”

My heart leaped at the memory, and despite my best efforts, the warmth in my cheeks deepened. I sighed, giving in as I recalled Joey’s lips brushing against mine days ago. “He kissed me,” I admitted.

Angela flung her arms up with triumphant exuberance. “I KNEW IT! Didn’t I say this was gonna happen, Lucy? Didn’t I? I told ya she’d go on that date and then they’d kiss!”

Lucy’s grin widened. “You did! So,” she said, turning back to me, “how was it? I’ve heard he’s a great kisser with that bad boy charm all wrapped up in a three-piece suit. Don’t hold back on us. We needallthe details!”

I laughed, covering my face with one hand. “He’s a good kisser.” Lucy squealed so loudly you could hear her over all the talking and music.

Angela’s knowing smirk returned, sharp enough to cut glass. “Is thatallthat happened?”

“Of course!” I said. “He’s still with Renee. I shouldn’t have even let him kiss me in the first place.”

Angela’s mischievous grin returned, lighting up her face. “Are you two just gonna play coy forever?”

“It was just a little peck. It’s not that serious, and it won’t be happening again.”

---