Page 56 of Until You Say Stay
“So Maren called me earlier,” she says slowly.
I already know where this is heading, and it was bound to come out sooner or later.
“She was telling me that she felt terrible about accidentally mentioning something to you. About Brandon being at my performance. And she said after she told you, you suddenly had very urgent errands to run.”
“I did have errands,” I say, glancing over with a half smile.
“Jack.” She rolls her eyes. “What did you do?”
“I had a conversation with Brandon,” I admit, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel. “Explained that he should find other entertainment options on Friday nights. Ones that don’t involve watching you perform. Or visiting you at The Black Lantern. Basically nowhere near you.”
She’s quiet for a long moment. “Did you punch him?”
“Once,” I confirm. “But he started it. And I didn’t hit him hard enough to do any real damage. And I could have.”
“Not that I think he doesn’t deserve it, because he absolutely does. But why risk getting in trouble over someone like him? That could get out and mess up your reputation even more. It’s too risky with everything you’ve worked for.”
“I don’t really care about that,” I say. And it’s the truth, at least when it comes to Lark. “When Maren told me he showed up at your performance, I just couldn’t let that slide. And I know you don’t need me fighting your battles for you. You’re tough as hell. But you deserve to have someone in your corner who’ll tell him to fuck off when he crosses a line. And Brandon’s not particularly good at taking hints.”
Her hand finds my arm, warm even through my jacket, and squeezes gently.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “I think he gets off on trying to ruin things for me. And he had it coming. Though Istillthink you shouldn’t have done it. It’s risky for your career.”
“Come on, you don’t think I’d let some dickhead mess with you just to protect my image?” I look over at her with a grin. “I’ve got enough money and lawyers to handle whatever Brandon wants to throw at me.”
She swats at me, laughing. “Just don’t let it go to your head, action hero. I can take care of myself. This doesn’t make you my knight in shining armor or whatever.”
“I know,” I say. “I’ve seen you at Dom’s gym. You’re legitimately terrifying. Those boxing lessons have turned you into a weapon.”
She smiles at that, flexing her arm dramatically. “Damn right I am. Dom says my right hook could drop someone.”
“I believe it,” I say, glancing at her flexed bicep, which actually is really impressive. “Remind me never to piss you off.”
We drive in silence for a while, the miles disappearing beneath us. By the time we pull up to her apartment, I park in a visitor spot next to where I left my bike earlier. I walk her to her door, moving slower than necessary, not wanting the night to end quite yet.
“So… Miami tomorrow,” she says, unlocking her door but not opening it yet. She turns back, leaning against it and looking up at me.
“Yep. Eight AM pickup,” I confirm, shoving my hands in my pockets because if I don’t, I might reach for her and fuck up whatever this fragile thing between us is.
She looks up at me. “Thanks for tonight. For coming with me, for being there. For… everything.”
“Anytime,” I say, and I mean it more than she probably realizes.
She steps closer and rises up on her toes, pressing a kiss to my cheek. Her lips are warm and soft and it takes everything in me not to close the distance, to turn my head and capture her mouth with mine. She pulls back, only slightly, looking at me with those brown eyes that I’ve thought about every night for weeks.
Then her mouth is on mine.
My hands move to her waist before I can even fully process what’s happening and I’m kissing her back. She tastes like champagne and something sweeter, and every fantasy I’ve had about this moment disappears because nothing compares to thereality of her lips on mine. Her hand comes up to rest against my chest and I pull her closer, needing more of this, more of her, more of everything.
The kiss deepens and for a few perfect seconds there’s nothing else. Just her.
She breaks away suddenly, stepping back. Her cheeks are flushed and she’s breathing hard.
“Uh,” she says, her voice unsteady. “Thank you. I just wanted to say thank you. For the Brandon thing. I wanted to thank you… for that. I… goodnight!”
Before I can respond, she’s turning away, pushing open her door.
“Lark—”
