Page 74 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“Probably. We’re discussing the schedule for next month.”

“I won’t keep you then.” He took a step back, but she reached out and clutched the material of his shirt in her tight fists. She pressed him against the metal wall of the toilet stall.

“Hold up. You did say something about a kiss.” She stood on her toes and kissed him. By the time she pulled away, they were both a little woozy and breathless. “Now I’ve been kissed in a public restroom.”

“Nice, but now I might have a small issue.”

She brazenly cupped his crotch and rubbed her palm over the bulge. “There’s nothing small about this.”

“You’re not helping the situation.”

“Okay, okay. We’ll save this for later. Give me a few minutes before you come out.” She checked herself in the mirror, smacked her lips together, then crossed to the door.

“Right. See you.”

“Bye, cowboy.”

After she slipped out, he washed his hands and then opened the door a crack to peek out. Coast was clear. Stepping out, he ran smack dab into Serena Claytor. He inwardly groaned. Of all people he had to see in the hallway. The pot stirrer of Dove Grey had ninja senses.

“Were you just coming out of the women’s restroom?” She looked up at him with an accusing eye.

“Don’t worry. I put the seat down.”

“Well, I’ve never,” she gasped and pressed her hand against her chest.

“And no one would ever accuse you of it either.”

“Channing Dawson!” she said to his back because he’d started walking away. “I’m going to have to speak to your mother about this behavior.”

“Good luck,” he muttered and continued into the dining room. Keef was oblivious to anything because he was talking to May about his new fishing gear.

“Was it good, hon?” she asked, tapping one of her earrings with a short nail.

Channing almost choked on his coffee that he was trying to finish. “Huh?”

“The meal. I hope it was enjoyable.” A wide smile curved her lips and she winked.

“It was delicious.” He set his empty cup down.

“You done here?”

“Yeah, I’m finished.” The temperature rose a few degrees. He looked over at Keef who was occupied by reading a text. “I better get going.” Channing pulled a couple of bills from his wallet and laid them down. “Keep the change, May.”

“Thanks, darlin’.”

He pulled on his jacket and hat then stepped out into the cold, swiping his gaze up and down the sidewalk. As he passed the window, Sadie, who was intent on her conversation with Damon, caught his attention.

He had a strong feeling that the good ol’ sexologist was working his way in and pushing Channing out. But that couldn’t happen…could it? He didn’t know a lot about women, but he did know when one was satisfied, and Sadie never complained.

Best not to worry too much over all the what ifs.

As he took off at a brisk walk toward his truck, he pretty much decided that maybe it was time he cooled things down with her. He wasn’t sure what happened back at the diner, with the streak of jealousy over Keef’s obvious attraction and then illogically following her into the restroom. He’d crossed too many lines for a friends-with-benefits situation.

Climbing into his truck, he warmed his hands by rubbing them together.

Tomorrow he’d break the news.

Chapter Three

---