Page 67 of Hoax and Kisses
She bites her lip, her leg bouncing. “Do I need to think of a strategy? How much should I bid? Do you want me to—”
“It’s not a big deal, don’t worry,” I cut in gently. “Just top whatever the highest amount is, and it’ll be fine. You can strategize while I shower.” I get up, standing in front of her. “But Zoey?”
She glances up, her eyes bright.
“If you look at me the way you were five minutes ago, we won’t have too much trouble selling it.”
As a flush creeps up her cheeks, I sidestep her and head for the shower.
When I emerge from the steamed-up bathroom ten minutes later, Zoey is nestled into the armchair, her back to me and a book propped up on her knees. I narrow my eyes on the shirtless man on the cover and smirk. That has Lola written all over it.
She turns the page, so absorbed by what she’s reading that she hasn’t noticed me.
Slowly, I close in on her, only stopping when I’m at her side. I bring my mouth to her ear.
“What are you reading?”
She startles, jumping several inches off the chair. “Nothing.”
Before she can slam the book shut, I slide my finger in it, marking her place.
I pluck it from her hands and survey the cover. “The Charmer Next Door. Is it good?”
“Y-yeah, it’s okay. I mean, I don’t really know.” She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “I’ve never read romance. Can I have it back, please?”
I grin, relishing her flustered state. God, I love teasing her. Now she’s got me even more curious.
Moving away, I open the book to the page I marked.
He twisted a loose strand of her hair around his index finger, and Delia gasped. If that touch alone made her lose her mind, what would it be like once he had his hand between her legs?
“Jason, please,” she begged.
His lips grazed the thin skin below her ear, his warm breath causing ripples of need through her, heading straight for her already throbbing core. Softly, too softly, he brushed his mouth there.
Delia’s eyes rolled back in her head. She couldn’t help herself. She turned her face toward him, giving him no time to toy with her further. Her lips found his, eager and hot, her tongue sliding against his in flawless rhythm. She clutched at his shirt as he ran his fingers possessively down her chest, her hips, until he reached her ass and pressed her against his hard—
Zoey snatches the book out of my grasp. “Give me that.”
“Interesting read,” I say, my grin widening. “Very informative. Don’t you want to know what happens next? We can stay a bit if you want to finish.” I press my lips together, trying in vain to school my features. “Thescene, of course.”
She rolls her eyes and plants her hand on her hip, popping it for good measure. “And where will you be while I do that?”
“I-I… not… Obviously, I wouldn’t…”
She throws the book onto the bed with a satisfied smirk and drapes a jacket over her shoulders. “Let’s go. I don’t want to be late.”
As we step into the venue, the mood has completely shifted from this afternoon. The microbrewery hums with soft chatter, and even though the whole town is crammed into five hundred square feet, the dimmed tinsel lights lend the space a kind of atmospheric intimacy.
“Mission accomplished.” Zoey surveys the room for a long moment before fixing her attention on me. “You look very handsome.”
She settles a hand on one suspender, sliding a finger between it and the white shirt beneath it. Though she’s not touching my skin, my body sizzles in response. “I’ve never seen you in anything but jeans, boots, and plaid shirts. It’s a nice change.”
She’s right. I don’t often trade in my lumberjack clothes, as Oliver calls them, for clean pants and a white shirt. But I wanted to make an effort tonight. For her. Because I knew she’d bring her A game too.
I brush the hair off her shoulder, exposing her collarbone, and cup my hand around the back of her neck, my thumb stroking her skin there. “I appreciate the compliment, beautiful.” I lean in, my lips grazing her ear. “But you’re the one who’s stealing the show tonight.” When I pull away, I nod subtly at the crowd, noting how many people glance her way.
If there’s one thing we are not in this town, it’s discreet. And right now, all eyes are on her.
