Page 30 of Mr. Red

Where I want this to go is permanence. I’m thinking about her moving with me to Texas. I know running into her isn’t a coincidence, and I’m confident my feelings are strong towards her for a reason. The kiss we shared was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before; I’ll never forget it. I can focus on her and still expand the business. Staying away from her isn’t helping me stay focused. If anything, seeing her more often will help keep my mind at bay—I hope.

She’s quiet, so I supply, “Wedidrun into each other three times in one day.”

“I didn’t take you for the kind of guy that looks forsigns.” She smirks.

“You’d be surprised. Sometimes, things lead you to them.”

I’ve had several times in my life, where the direction I needed to go was laid out. When I was debating on what college to go to, for instance. It was between San Diego State or Baylor. I knew I’d have fun in California, but maybe Texas was the better decision. At that moment, a kid with a Baylor sweatshirt walked past me, leading me to stay in Texas.

It's a good thing I did. I would have never met Grant, my business partner, in California. Life would be a lot different. I know if I’m seeing signs, then I need to make this relationship happen.

She points at me. “You need to cancel your appointments tomorrow.”

“No problem.”

“Okay, I’m hungry. Do you want to come in? I can make macaroni and cheese.” She’s smiling like the meal is enticing. “We can watch a movie, too.”

“Sure, I’ll come in.”

Chapter 19

Scarlett

I’m happy he agreed to cancel his training sessions; I’m not breaking any rules with the gym now. He’ll be leaving Texas in a few months, but he bought a house here. He said he could always come back. If things are good between us, maybe I can convince him to stay here. I don’t want to move, especially when we’re just about to open the gym.

There’s no denying I’m drawn to him and want him to choose to stay with me. I’ve always been attracted to him, but after the kiss between us, I know there’s a connection. We didn’t start out on the best of terms, but he’s shown me another side to him. Paige said to let go, maybe I should try with him. There are plenty of signs pointing to him. He has a way of making mewantto let go—which is weird, but I like the feeling and I want to hold onto it as long as possible.

We walk towards my place with his hand on my lower back. I find my keys to unlock the door. He stares at me through hooded eyes, watching my every move.

“Thanks again. I’ve never been in a fully-booked theater before,” I tell him while trying to unlock the door.

“I do hope I made up for how we met.”

“You did.” I nod as the door unlocks. I push it open, holding out my arm to enter, “Welcome in, make yourself comfortable.”

He grabs my face between both his hands. “I need tokiss you again.” He looks into my eyes—desire and need makes him look like he’s in pain.

I give a slight smile. “Okay,” I pant.

His lips collide with mine, his tongue sneaking inside my mouth. He’s holding me like I’m going to disappear at any moment.

I collapse against the back of the half-open door as one of his hands cups my breast. He moves his other hand to grip the back of my neck. I want him closer. I want him, but Ineverdo this on the first date.

His erection stands at attention against my stomach as I stay pressed to him.

“Come in, come in!” My breath shakes as I drag him inside.

He pushes the door closed with his foot, then pins me against it with his hands on either side of my waist. His forearms are squeezing me while he grinds against me.

He’s kissing me everywhere—my neck, my chest, my lips. It’s like he has been waiting years to get a hold of my body. I’m not used to this. I usually take control in the bedroom, and I always have to make the first move.

“You okay?” he breathes into my ear, then continues his kissing down my neck.

I’m thankful to have a moment where he’s checking in. I nod my head, my chest heaving with each shallow breath.

He pulls away and looks into my eyes with his hands on the wall behind my head. “You sure you’re okay?”

“It’s just—” I try to steady my breathing. “I’m not a casual kind of girl...” I bite my lower lip, hoping he gets what I’m trying to tell him.

---