Page 52 of The Kissing Part
My pulse thrums through my veins as I pull her into my arms. She fits perfectly.
She rests her hands lightly on my shoulders. “I thought you were mad at me for…I’m not sure what.”
“I’m not mad at you.” I hesitate before admitting, “I miss you.”
“Can we start over?” she asks with a smile that lights up her face. “I’m Shayla.”
“Too late. I’ve seen you naked. The memory is burned into my brain.”
She swats my arm. “Owen! Not so loud.”
“Fine. We just met, and we’re feeling each other out.”
“Checking the vibe.”
I laugh. “Sure.”
We dance in silence for a few moments, the heat growing between us. Our chemistry is undeniable. That has to count for something. All I know is I’m not done with her.
The song ends, and we break apart. I miss the feel of her sweet curves against me.
“Dinner tonight. My place,” I say.
She gives me a tentative smile. “Really?”
“Yes, really. Since we just met, I’m asking you out on our first date.”
She smiles winningly. “I didn’t catch your name.”
“Lover.”
She beams. “Nice to meet you, Lover. Should I bring Zander?”
I pull her close. “You don’t need him when you’ve got me. Give him the night off. Actually, tell him he gets nights and weekends off. I’ll pick up the slack. I’m sure he’d like to be with his partner.”
“Owen, I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. Mixing the personal and professional, I mean. Besides, Zander’s okay with getting paid overtime for nights and weekends temporarily. They’re saving for a house. I guess it makes sense to have a second guard in the future to give him breaks.”
“I just want you all to myself.” My voice sounds hoarse. I’m not used to admitting so much feeling stuff.
She loops her arms around my neck. “So you want to spend every night and weekend with me?”
“I want the option.”
“That sounds like a commitment. What happened to Mr. Casual?”
“He was always a front,” I admit. “I don’t know how to be casual with you.”
She kisses me all over my face. I laugh, pure joy rushing through me. She’s crazy about me. Always has been.
“I knew you were in there somewhere beneath all that grumpy defense!” she exclaims. “Let’s get out of here. I’ll go tell Zander the plan.”
I wait while she talks to him. She turns to me, smiling with love in her eyes. My heart creaks open for the first time in years.
We rush out the back door, eager to be alone together.
* * *
I carry her upstairs to my bedroom, raw lust coursing through me.
