Page 118 of Phishing for Love
Seeing my astonishment, Aaron explains that he’d asked his friend, the owner of the Thai food truck, to put together an Asian-themed picnic box of all my favorite foods. His friend had dropped it off this morning. I can’t believe Aaron organized all this for me. I feel...known.
Surrounded by his thoughtfulness, I fall just a little bit more.
I really, really like this man.
We eat, occasionally feeding each other some of the finger food. Aaron produces wine and pours us each a glass. And we talk and laugh, and I can’t remember when last I was this happy.
After we’ve eaten our full, Aaron lies on his side, head propped up on his elbow. I’m facing him, mirroring his position.
“You liked me from the start, admit it,” he says.
“What is this, high school?”
“Trust me,” he responds with a gleam in his eyes, “what I’m imagining doing to you is definitely not appropriate for high school.”
I feel my face flush, but I say boldly, “Now I’m interested in whatever it is you’re imagining.”
“It’ll scare you away.”
I look directly into his eyes. “You should know I don’t scare easily.”
His face tightens. Leaning over, he lowers his mouth to hover just above mine. I hold my breath, but he’s in no hurry, seeming to take great pleasure in drawing the moment out. It’s the most exquisite torture.
Desire pools, low and hot, in my belly. “Stop teasing me.”
“I love teasing you.”
There’s only one way to put an end to this.
I put my hand on his shoulder and push him so he’s lying flat. I crawl on top of him and coax his mouth open. I kiss him softly, playfully, pulling him in before I deepen the kiss in a way that lets him know teasing me is a mistake.
He can’t help himself. His hands close on either side of my waist, and he flips us, so he’s the one on top. I smile inwardly. I wondered how long it would take before he had to be in charge.
He strokes my hair back from my face. “I can watch you all day,” he murmurs, and I can hear the smile in his voice. “I love the way you talk, the way your lips move when you enunciate your words. I love how you tip your head back a little when you laugh, exposing your throat.”
My blood sizzles in my veins and I wind my arms around his neck. My fingers trail the hard muscles of his back, his lean waist, the width of his shoulders. We are so close it’s almost as though we share a heartbeat.
Aaron smiles down at me. His smile is wide and unguarded, his face relaxed and happy. My breath catches. I take a mentalsnapshot of him in this moment, so that whatever happens between us, I’ll always have this picture of him.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
[MESSAGES]
Aaron:Looking a little tired today, Miller.
Tess:It’s Monday morning, Sinclair.
Aaron:Is that the only reason?
Tess:A certain individual kept me awake for most of the weekend.
Aaron:Are you complaining?
Tess:Not at all.
Mondays are typically my least favorite day of the week. This Monday, however, after my weekend with Aaron, I’m exploding with so much happiness it’s like the whole world is coated in glitter. I woke up early this morning and helped Mr. Silva with the weeds in his front garden. I bring Bob a vanilla latte and encourage him to invite Dana around for dinner. I’m smiling at everyone, especially a very grumpy looking Dana, because, come on, no one can be grumpy when I’m this happy.
I barely have time to deposit my purse on my desk before Sofia and Kenzie drag me to an emergency meeting at the vending machine.
