Page 31 of Huge Dynamite
Before I can finish my sentence, Seth steps up to me, and lifting one strong, powerful hand, he reaches out and slips it behind my neck, weaving his fingers into my hair. With the gentlest tug, he holds my head still and looks deep into my eyes.
My knees grow weak and my eyelids become heavy. Looking deep into his eyes, I realize what’s happened here tonight.
I have just been claimed by Seth Hardy.
Chapter Eight
Dynamite
It’s time.
Walking to Holly, I take her hand in mine. She’s wearing only a V-neck T-shirt that’s covered in Colt’s blood—she must be cold. The tiny hairs on her arms bristle, and goosebumps cover her exposed flesh. Sliding out of my jacket, I drape it around her shoulders. Although she’s tall, the jacket hangs down low in the back, coming almost halfway down the backs of her thighs.
“Seth, I don’t want to get blood on it.”
“No.” Shaking my head, I whisper, “Wear it. It’ll keep you warm.”
Nodding, she holds the jacket closed at her neck as I pick up her doctor bag and, slipping the strap over my shoulder, I walk her to her car. Glimpsing me out of the corner of her eye, I can tell she’s wondering what I’m doing, but the energy that’s passing between us is tangible.
She knows as well as I do. It’s time.
Tonight, all of the doubts and worries that normally hold me hostage in the darkest of times—the feelings of insignificance, my concerns about being impulsive and letting down those I love the most—just fade away. No, I’m not good enough for her, and no, there can’t be anything long term between this country club goddess and me—but we can have tonight. Turning to her, she gives me a tentative smile. Nodding, I walk her to the passenger’s side of the car.
Stalling by the door, I whisper, “Let me have your keys.”
Nodding, she digs into the pocket of her jeans and pulls out the fob, handing it to me. I unlock the car and open her door. Climbing in, she glances up at me as I close the door behind her. It feels so right to have her tucked inside a car… heading to my place.
Walking around the back of the car, I drop her bag into the trunk and then, coming to the driver’s door, I climb in. Without a word, I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot of Hoppa’s Taphouse. Yeah, tomorrow will be a busy day squaring away the build of the new clubhouse, but we’re ready. Okay, the recent alterations by Nick might throw a monkey wrench into everything, but I’ll worry about that then.
Tonight is only about Holly.
We drive for about fifteen minutes in complete silence, and the only sounds we hear are the humming of the car’s engine and our breathing. As we come up to the outskirts of Hoppa, she glances out of her window and leans forward, looking at the sign that points to Phoenix in the opposite direction. Turning to me, her eyes flash with hunger.
“If you’d rather go home, just tell me.”
Shaking her head, she bites the corner of her lip. “No. I don’t want to go home.” Settling back into the seat, she sighs, and I know she’s made her decision. “I don’t think I want to go home—ever.” Her words are just a mumble, but she’s said them.
Driving down the highway in silence, I can hear her breathing growing faster. Glancing at her, her chest rises and falls with her hurried breath. Letting my gaze drop just for a moment, I glimpse her hard nipples poking through her shirt. Damn.
Quickly, I force my eyes back on the road.
Not slowing until we near my building, I catch her looking around the neighborhood—will this be the thing that makes her see how different we really are? Will she decide that this is all too much—or too little—for her? She doesn’t say a word as we turn into the lot and glide into a spot.
Turning off the engine, I sit for a moment, staring out the window. Yeah, it may only be for one night, but I will do everything in my power to make it one night she won’t soon forget.
Hurrying to her door, I open it. Taking her by the hand, I lead her across the lot, down my path, and to the front door of my apartment building. Unlocking the door, I wait as she waltzes past me. Despite being drenched in my brother’s blood, she still smells like flowers.
Stepping inside after her, I take her hand and lead her up the stairway. By the time we reach my apartment door, our breathing is audible.
Sliding the key into my lock, she watches as I unlock the door and push it open. Stepping into the dim light of the apartment, she squeezes my hand.
Closing the door behind her, I turn and back her against the door, cocooning her in the space before me. Stepping even closer to her, I gaze into her beautiful eyes.
“Are you hungry?”
“No.” She shakes her head.
“How about a drink?”
