Page 54 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
“Eyes up here,” she said, but he kept them on her boots.
“I’m good.”
“If you’re looking in the wrong place, you’ll miss it.”
This got his attention. “Wouldn’t want that to happen.”
She shook her head, then planted one on him so bold and big his hands immediately launched into action until she was plastered against his body.
He slipped a finger under her spaghetti strap and traced it from front to back, then trailed it down her arm. “Pretty.”
Right then, she felt pretty.
“Who is this person you wanted to introduce me to?” she asked conspiratorially. He leaned further into her,all the way into her,and she may have sucked in a breath. “Oh, we’ve been acquainted. Just the other night, on my front porch. It was brief but memorable.”
“He remembers.”
“He?” She laughed. “Does he have a name?”
His hands swept down her back and lower until his finger was toying with the bow at the back of her boot. As difficult as it was for her to lace up, one tug of the ribbon and they’d undo like a corset. “Depends on if these boots are going to stay on.”
“And that depends on”—she paused, unable to finish that thought. “It depends on a lot,” she whispered.
His expression went serious. “I’m good with a lot. I’m good with whatever makes you comfortable.”
She cupped his face. “You make me comfortable.” And this time when they kissed, it was a gentle exploration, a promise. She didn’t know what kind, but for once the idea of a promise didn’t scare her—all that much.
“I can do this all night,” he said against her lips, then proved it by languidly driving her right out of her mind. “I don’t want to hog you. I know Darcy has been asking all night if you were going to make it.”
Piper laughed. “She has it in her head that this is girls’ night.”
He took her hand and kissed her fingertips—every one—teasingly nipping as he went. “Then let’s not disappoint her.”
“You don’t mind?”
“I’m with you. Why would I mind?” he said, and she almost snorted. There wasn’t a guy on the planet who would be okay with his almost-sister-in-law cock blocking him. But when Josh said it, the way he said it, Piper believed him.
And that was how Piper found herself in a booth wedged between Darcy and Jillian. Both women were shooting question after question about Josh, who was standing at the bar a few feet away, talking with his brothers. Every few minutes, he’d glance over at her, gauging how she was doing, then send a secret smile where his dimples popped out. Which was incredibly thoughtful. And sexy.
Piper was engaged in one of those silent conversations from across the room fantasies, where the connection was stronger than the distance.
“I knew there was something going on between you two,” Jillian said. “I saw it at the party. The way he smiled at you.”
“He never smiles.” Darcy sounded amazed. “Like ever. He’s so buttoned up and serious.”
A month ago, Piper would have said the same thing. But she’d come to learn that there was a wonderful emotionally in tune man beneath the suit and tie. A man who liked to hold hands and go for walks in the park. A man who shared his opinion but respected hers. A man, if she weren’t careful, she could totally fall for.
“He’s like that Fifty Shades guy,” Jillian said.
He’s like my guy.
Piper froze, unsure where that came from. There was this insane chemistry between them, and they’d shared some personal conversations, but as for him being her guy? When did she start thinking like that? The moment he’d kissed her, that’s when.
“He’s his own guy,” Piper said, realizing that was the truth. Yes, he had a high-profile job, which defined his public persona. And yes, he belonged to a tight-knit family. But those were only parts to the multi-faceted man. When it came to the people in his life, he listened, and he loved. Not for the first time, Piper wondered what that must feel like.
“And tonight?” Jillian waggled a brow. “He practically dragged you through the bar.”
He hadn’t had to drag her anywhere. Piper had gone willingly. The moment he’d put his arms around her at, her brain misfired, and all she could think about was touching him.
