Page 81 of Conflict
AFTER WEsend Branson and Ari off on their honeymoon, Shane takes my hand in his and leads me past Knox’s car and toward a sleek, black Jeep. I’m confused at the longing look he gives the Mustang. He must see the expression on my face, because once he’s placed me into the Jeep’s passenger’s seat, he leans in close. “I don’t even know how Knox fits in that car, let alone fucks in it.”
I giggle at the mental image it brings to mind. “Must be a Wellington thing. You’ll do anything you set your mind to.”
Shane’s lips find mine, his teeth nipping at me. “Don’t you forget it.”
We make small talk on the short drive back to the Wellington mansion, and the closer we get, the more nervous I become. Sure, we spent last night together, but I didn’t know at the time that, less than twenty-four hours later, we’d be a couple.
I don’t even know how to be a couple.
Just as I’m about to place my hand on the doorknob, Shane’s hands find my shoulders and he twists me around until my back’s pressed against the wall. His face hovers just above mine, his eyes searching.
“I want to kiss you,” he whispers.
I lick my lips. “Then what’s stopping you?”
“I want to date you, Alyssa.”
“Isn’t that what we agreed to at the reception?” I ask.
He sighs. “I’ve never done this. I’m not even sure I know how,” he admits, and it’s like he’s read my mind. “But I do know I want to do it right.”
“Shane, I’ve never done this, either. Not really. We’ll learn together.”
A slow smile spreads across his face. “I look forward to it, sunshine.”
He surprises me when he places a kiss right on my cheek and then pulls away.
“I’m heading to New York tomorrow and won’t be back until Friday. Say you’ll have dinner with me then?”
“Of course. I’d love to,” I tell him, even though the idea of a week without him already sucks majorly.
Shane strokes my cheek with the back of his fingers. “It’s a date.”
“Our first.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow from the hotel, if that’s fine.”
He really isn’t coming into the room with me. Well, hell.
Not wanting to beg, I smile up at him. “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t.”
“I look forward to hearing your voice. Sleep well, sunshine. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Night, Shane.”
He waits as I open the door, and I hesitate closing it behind me. It’s apparent he’s steadfast in his mission not to join me, so with one last smile, I shut the door and Shane disappears from view.
I want to cheer. I want to swoon. I want to melt into a puddle of gooey emotion. Because, while I don’t exactly knowwhatI’m feeling, I know I’ve never felt this way before.
My plan to steal a few kisses before breakfast are thwarted by the stampede that is the Banks family. Sure, there are only three of them, but when they’re around, they provide nonstop entertainment. I say that in the most lovingly way. I love them—I really do. But they’re kiss-blocking me and it’s driving me insane.
“Jeremy, stop telling everyone your ridiculous theories,” Sierra jokingly tells her husband.
“It’s true!” he exclaims, and Cohen, Jace, and Knox all grin.
“I mean, I never thought of it, but now that you bring it up, it makes so much sense,” Jace says, causing Sierra to roll her eyes.
“Don’t encourage him, McAllister!”
