Page 22 of Meant to Be
Sydney had had ten long years to fantasize about kissing Mitch again. How many times had she summoned the memory of the taste and caress of his tongue? But either her memory failed her or Mitch was a better kisser than she remembered, because this kiss was like nothing she’d ever experienced. Whatever the reason didn’t matter. She focused on savoring the hot erotic sweep of his tongue against her lips. She tilted her head, opened for him, wanting more. He groaned and it vibrated through his chest, where her fingers fisted in his shirt to hold him close. He pressed against her, giving her proof that, despite his animosity, he still desired her. But she knew hormones alone wouldn’t change his mind. This was the last first kiss they’d have, and she intended to make it last as long as possible.
Mitch hadn’t wantedto kiss Sydney. Well, he had, but he knew he shouldn’t. He thought he was strong enough not to give in to the need and longing for her tugging at him. But her surprise at learning he tried to contact her had been genuine. In some ways, knowing she hadn’t purposefully ignored him softened his anger, which was probably why he was now kissing her senseless. But it didn’t erase the pain of knowing that she’d let her parents manipulate her. And while she hadn’t gotten his messages or letters ten years ago, she hadn’t tried to contact him either. So, the fact that he was drowning in the lusciousness of her lips didn’t alleviate the bitterness or make him forget his vow to never let himself be in a position to be betrayed again.
He moved closer and his hand slid down her back, pulling her against him, despite the pain and frustration touching and tasting her caused. He would kiss her, but just this once. He’d be thorough, squeezing every last bit of sweetness from her lips, and then he’d never touch her again. If he was fortunate, one kiss would be enough to satiate his desire, and he’d be able to go on with his life. As the kiss went on, however, it was clear he wouldn’t be so lucky. Each hot sweep of her tongue only inflamed his need. The sweet scent of her swirled around him until he was nearly drunk on it. Her soft breasts pressed against his chest, and his fingers ached to touch them; his mouth wanted to devour them.
He ground against her, wishing they were anywhere else so he could rip away their clothes and pound away the maddening need throbbing in his erection. His hand slid down her thigh, his fingers itching to feel her skin under her sexy summer dress, to discover if she was as hot and desperate as he was.
He heard yelling, but it wasn’t enough to pull him from this last, perfect kiss. Out of nowhere, he was knocked aside. He stumbled, but his instincts had him grabbing his assailant to restrain him. Except, it wasn’t a him, it was a her. Despite his strong hold on Julia, she thrashed around, throwing her head back. Mitch tilted his face to the side just fast enough to avoid having his teeth knocked out.
Determining it was better to let her go than get hurt in the shuffle, he released her, moving out of the way of her flailing arms. She turned and bore down on him again.
He lifted his hands in surrender. “I have no problem restraining or arresting you for assault, so you should stop where you are.”
Sydney stepped in front of him and tried to hold Julia back. “What are you doing?”
“Protecting you.” She lunged at Mitch again.
Patrick took her arm. “She’s fine, Jules.”
“You said it was all done. That he didn’t even like you anymore. What was I supposed to think when I found him pinning you to a tree?”
Sydney stammered an explanation as Patrick looked on. But to Mitch, Patrick’s concerned expression didn’t seem like worry for Sydney’s safety, but envy at what Mitch had just done. What Sydney had done back to him.
Despite the bruise Julia had given Mitch’s arm, he was glad for her interference. He knew that once the kissing was done, Sydney would want to talk about what it meant. As much as he’d enjoyed the kiss, and would have liked to take it to its next logical conclusion, he had no intention of it meaning anything.
“I’m going to leave you all to it.”
“So you’re a wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am kind of guy, huh?” Julia made another move, but Patrick had a firm hold on her arm.
There was no mistaking the hurt in Sydney’s eyes as he moved away from the trio. He hated that Julia was partly right. He really shouldn’t have kissed Sydney. But it was hard to regret it. The pull that had drawn him to her when they were freshman in college, that had convinced him they were soul mates, was still there. Only he knew better now. Attraction wasn’t love. It was just hormones. The answer was to stay away from her so he wouldn’t be tempted.
He left the star tree grove without a backward glance, moving quickly, making a beeline for his truck. He gazed straight ahead, avoiding any eye contact that would slow him down or stop him all together. He’d just about made it to his destination when he heard his sister’s voice.
“Is there a fire somewhere?” Lexie trotted up to him.
Mitch swore but stopped to talk to his sister. “Got some things to take care of.”
“If you’re going to do that southern-country-boy-driving-a-truck-with-a-forlorn-heart thing, you really should get a dog.”
“Ha ha. I have no trouble with my heart or my love life.” He waggled his brows for effect, hoping Lexie couldn’t see through his bravado.
“What you do ain’t love, big brother.”
Deciding he didn’t like where the conversation was heading, Mitch redirected. “Where’s the love of your life?”
“Drake’s getting me lemonade and then we’re going to the star grove.” There was a twinkle in her eye, telling him that Lexie knew he’d just been there.
“I guess I don’t need to tell you to be careful, since you’re already knocked up.”
She smirked. “Mom and dad are supposed to be by later. Why don’t you stay?”
“Got a date.” It was a lie, but maybe it would get Lexie off his back.
“I’m not even going to ask.”
“Probably better that you don’t.” He winked and got into his truck.
Mitch drove, not sure of his destination, until the Dixie Diner sign came into view. As much as he wanted a stiff drink, coffee and pie would have to do. As he walked through the doorway, he bumped into his sister’s friend, Chelsea Beemer. She held a folded apron and had the weary look of someone just getting off work.
