Page 35 of Tiger's Quest
He touched my face. “More than I want to breathe.”
I couldn’t help it; I swayed into him.
He caught me and shook me gently, “I’m not going to kiss you, Kelsey. I don’t want you to be confused about who you want. Of course if you chose to kissme, I wouldn’t put up much of a fight.”
Pushing away from him, I groused, “Ha! Well, you’ll be waiting a long time for that, Mister.” I put my fists on my hips and smirked. “That news must be shocking for a man who always gets what he wants.”
He snuck his hands around my waist and pulled me up against his chest then ducked his lips to within inches of mine.“Not . . . what I want . . . the most.”
He hesitated for a minute, waiting for me to make a move, but I didn’t. I was determined to get him to kiss me first. Instead, I smiled and waited. We were locked in a silent struggle of wills.
Finally, he broke away. “You are entirely too tempting, Kelsey. Date’s over.”
Suddenly, nothing in the world was as important to me as winning this war of wills with Ren. Leaning in closer, I batted my eyes innocently, and, in the most seductive voice I could manage, asked coyly, “Are youabsolutelysure you have to leave?”
I felt his arm muscles tighten and his pulse quicken. He cupped my cheek with his hand. Hoping to push him over the edge, I placed my hand on top of his and pressed a warm kiss on his palm. Teasing his palm with my lips, I heard him hitch a breath.I had no idea he reacted this way to me. This will be easier than I thought.
I squeezed his arm lightly and walked toward the stairs, feeling his eyes on me. Doing my best Scarlett O’Hara impersonation, I turned one last time and said, “Well . . .Tiger, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.” I trailed my fingers along the railing and continued up the stairs.
Unfortunately, he didn’t follow me. I’d envisioned Ren playing the role of Rhett Butler and, not being able to help himself, he’d sweep me into his arms and carry me up the stairs in a dramatic show of passion. But Ren shot me an amused look and left, closing the door quietly behind him.
Drat! He has more self-control than I thought.
It didn’t matter. It was just a minor setback. I spent the rest of that day brainstorming.How do you catch a very old, very alert tiger by surprise? Use his weaknesses: food, feminine wiles, poetry, and overprotectiveness. The poor guy didn’t stand a chance.
The next morning, I opened the once-forbidden side of the closet, picked out a navy cable cardigan and a printed skirt, a thin belt, and tall brown boots. I straightened my hair and paid special attention to my makeup, especially the peach lip gloss.
Next, I made Ren a giant Dagwood sandwich—and slipped a love note on top.Two can play the poetry game, I thought smugly.
The soul that can speak through the eyes can also kiss with a gaze.
—Gustavo Adolfo Becquer
When he came over to pick me up for class, he looked me up and down, and said, “You look beautiful, Kells, but it’s not going to work. I’m on to you.”
He helped me into my coat, and I replied innocently, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What’s not going to work?”
“You’re trying to get me to kiss you.”
I smiled up at him and said demurely, “A girl shouldn’t give awayallher secrets now, should she?”
He leaned in close, pressed his lips to my ear, and whispered in a velvety voice, “Fine, Kells. Keep your secrets. But, I’m watching you. Whatever it is you think you’re trying to do isn’t going to work. I still have a fewtricksupmysleeve too.”
Ren left me alone all afternoon. I tucked another note in his gym bag as he was getting out of the car before wushu.
Soul meets soul on lovers’ lips.
—Percy Bysshe Shelley
I was sitting on the floor stretching when I saw him pull the note out of his bag. He read it through a couple of times and then looked up and caught my look. I met his hot gaze with an innocent grin and waved happily to Jennifer as she crossed the room.
Back at home inside our garage, Ren opened the door for me. Instead of helping me out, he leaned over and growled softly. His lips brushed against the sensitive skin under my ear. His voice was seductive, dangerous.
“I’m warning you, Kelsey. I’m anextremelypatient man. I’ve had extensive practice in waiting out the enemy. My life as a tiger has taught me that persistence and diligencealwayspay off. Consider yourself forewarned,priyatama. I’m on the hunt. I’ve caught your scent, and Iwon’tbe thwarted in my course.”
He stepped away and extended a hand to help me out. I ignored it and walked to my door with a stiff back and wobbly legs. I heard his soft laugh on the breeze as he disappeared into his own part of the house.
He was driving me crazy. I was tempted to break down the door and throw myself at him, but I refused to give in.Iwas going to enticehimthis time. He would be the one begging for mercy, not me.
