Page 51 of Wild Card

In no time, we were back at my townhome. He handed me the leash and brushed his lips across my temple. It was a simple move, not an iota of romance, but my skin tingled where his lips crossed.

“Enjoy your studying.”

“You’re not coming in?”

He tipped my chin up, his eyes boring into mine. “No, because I made you a deal. If we go back into that house, I can’t promise to control myself. You need to study.”

I hated he was right.

I also hated I didn’t want him to be right.

Even though he irritated the shit out of me less than thirty minutes ago with his bossiness, I didn’t want this to end.

Which was B-A-D. He was wearing me down way too easily. I needed to remind myself why we weren’t going to happen.

He’s a risk-taking, thrill seeker.

A man who puts his life on the line for others without blinking.

Kind, funny, sweet, selfless, attentive, the hottest guy I’d ever met, and absolutely the best kisser in my life.

Talon Simms might be a unicorn among men.

The kind of man I could fall head over ass for.

Also, the kind of guy who could break me.

I nodded, stepping away. “Thank you for lunch. I owe you.”

Surprise crossed his gaze, his lips forming a hard line.

I kept backing up toward my door. “See ya on Tuesday. We’ll probably increase the weights, so be ready for discomfort. And ummm, maybe stock up on some muscle cream and ibuprofen. The topical pain relief works well.”

Jesus, Willow, stop yammering. My back hit the railing and Wolf looked at me like I was insane.

Talon’s mouth curved into a slow, lazy grin. “Topical pain relief?”

“Yes. That’s the best. I’m not going easy on you.”

“I have no doubt nothing is easy with you.”

“T-t-that’s my job.”

“You nervous, Willow?”

“No. I just want to give you a heads up.“

“You going inside to raise that wall of denial about what’s happening here?”

“Nothing is happening here. We’re friends.”

“Friends… for two more weeks.”

“You keep saying that, but I do hope you understand that nothing is happening.”

“Go inside, Willow, before I take you inside and remind you what it’s like when my tongue is?—”

“Bye!” I punched in my code and shoved in my door before he could finish the sentence. Of course, the only thing I can think of is his kiss.

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