Page 31 of Save Me
She falters. “That wasn’t my goal.”
Yup. Stupid. “You’re perfect.” She’s more than perfect. She’s a vision.
Her eyes drift over my midnight-blue shirt and gray pants—tailored to my body as everything in my closet is quickly becoming—but she doesn’t say anything.
“If I step away from my car, will he shit on it?” He’s halfway through his treats.
“Fifty-fifty chance.”
“I guess I’ll risk it.” I close the distance to the porch as Sloane slides her purse strap over her shoulder and takes the steep set of stairs down in delicate gold sandals that show off dainty feet. Even her feet are sexy. Her back is bare save for two thin dress straps that crisscross down. There’s so much exposed skin, and my fingers itch to touch every square inch of it. “Where is everyone?”
“Frank’s out for a swim. No one else is home yet.”
I’m two feet away when I catch the first waft of her perfume. I inhale deeply. “God, you smell good.” I step in closer and inhale again. “What is that?” It’s like salty ocean air mixed with a spicy floral. It’s intoxicating, but everything about Sloane makes my blood roil.
“Just a perfume from Gigi.” She lifts her chin in defiance. “So we’re clear, we’re not having sex tonight.”
I school my expression. “Okay.”
“I mean it, Ronan.”
“So do I. And honestly, it’s probably the best thing I’ve heard all day.” Between Abbi and her pastries and Belinda ambushing me, eliminating sex from the equation is smart. If I have to deal with my frustrations in the shower later, so be it.
Sloane’s curious frown has me chuckling.
“Long story, and you don’t want to hear the details. I’m just happy you showed up. I expected to find you in a bikini again.”
“I was considering it.”
“And I was getting ready to beg.”
“Wait. You said ‘convince’ yesterday. But if watching you beg is an option, I’ll be back in a sec. I just need to change …” She takes a step back, up one stair, putting her at eye level with me.
I slide my hand around her nape, keeping her in place. Silky strands of hair tickle my fingers. “We don’t have time for games now, but I’ll be happy to play later.” Though I’ll be the one helping her get this dress off.
Soulful jade eyes peer into mine. A heavy, worried look clung to them yesterday. Now … I’m not sure what I’m seeing there.
“Better day today?” I whisper.
“I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you know.” Her gaze drops downward, to my mouth.
I can’t hold back any longer. I lean in and kiss her, first tentatively, my lips grazing hers, the tip of my tongue tracing the seam of her mouth, tasting a hint of cherry from her lip gloss. But the second she responds, I deepen it, sliding my tongue against hers in a slow-moving, intimate dance. Screw Henry’s dinner party and my obligations; I could stand here all night, doingthis.
A dull thud sounds, breaking us apart.
Her throat bobs with a hard swallow. “That was my purse.”
“I’ll get it.” I stoop down to collect the woven boxbefore she can flinch a muscle, stalling on a sublime view of the sexy slit in her dress. It’s high—higher than I realized, reaching almost to her hip. It would take no effort to lean in and bury my face between her thighs right here.
Fuck me. I’ve changed, but not that much. This is going to be too tempting to ignore.
Her breathing is a touch ragged when I get to my feet and slide the purse strap over her shoulder.
“I really like this dress.”
“Good.” She clears her throat. “It’s staying on me tonight.”
“As it should.” I can easily work my way under it.
