Page 22 of Lunar Diamonds
He’d barely touched his original vodka lemonade—which I’d been right about.
“Where’s home, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“Norwich.”
“Cool.” Should I pry further, ask him what he’s been doing to end up here? Coldharbour wasn’t exactly a close neighbor, being next door to Bournemouth on England’s southern coast. Miles away from Norwich.
I held fire.As hot as he might be, something bugged me about the lack of drinking. Not that anyone was required to neck drinks as if they were going out of fashion. But neither glass had touched his lips since we’d been talking.
Did it mean anything? Or was I overthinking it?
“And you?” Drake asked, showing me his flawless pearly whites.
“Oh. I…” Did the temperature just shoot up? Things were a little stifling.
“Riley?” He leaned in slightly, his scent planting kisses up my nostrils.
I cleared my throat, determined to keep it together. “I live here. Born and bred. I work in a library.”
His little finger slid up and down the glass. “I’ve always wanted to visit. Especially with all the House Aurora history here.”
He didn’t mention today’s incident. “Yeah. Have you seen the mansion?”
“Yes.” He didn’t elaborate.
Inner warnings stirred, telling me be careful. Something wasn’t right here. But my heart, well, it wanted more of Drake, to kick those warnings in the balls and give myself fully to the evening.
And maybe his arms.
Hmmm. Better not have too many rums tonight, then. My imagination already ran wild, fantasies swirling here, there, and everywhere, cementing Drake at the center of the bookshop dream.
Obsessive? Maybe. But try mustering resistance when caught in the crosshairs of a pair of dreamy eyes.
Impossible.
Drake looked to his right, observing the crowd. I studied his delicious profile, a sinking feeling in my belly. Was his sexy vibe nothing more than a veneer? I really hoped not.
Can we stop being so negative about this?
Drake caught me staring, his mouth spreading wide. “What is it?”
Kiss me.“Oh, I…”
He licked his lips, giving off mischievous energy. “You have the most amazing blue eyes.”
Wow. My cheeks were nuclear, the butterflies chaotic.
I liked it.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
He chuckled. “And those rosy cheeks are adorable.” His hand found mine, a finger tracing my knuckles, enticing vibrations skipped across my skin. The heat in my face moved lower, heady desire taking over.
What was happening here? Had I really found myself in a meet cute?
Drake craned his head in the direction of the door, his brow furrowing.
Don’t look that way!
