Page 13 of The Pursuit

“Okay, count down backwards from ten.” At her continued heaving, I said, “Okay, close your eyes. Now picture yourself on a beach. Imagine the sounds around you: the crashing ocean waves, the sound of the seagulls, the laughter of people around you.”

“Isn’t working.”

Fuck me. I couldn’t imagine what I was going to do if she passed out. Like, would she need oxygen? We were both screwed if she did. No, I couldn’t let it come to that. Somehow, I had to get her mind off the panic attack.

Then an idea popped in my head, and I didn’t stop to question it, which considering our history probably wasn’t the best idea. Dipping my head, I crushed my lips to hers. In that instant, Gaby froze. Thankfully, she stopped wheezing. Seconds ticked by and then she began to breathe normally. Once I recognized she was doing better, another realization hit me.

Gaby was kissing me back.

Well, hello there. As my hands shifted from her shoulders to cup her cheeks. I brushed my thumbs against her jaw. As fiery as she was, it shouldn’t have surprised me that Gaby was a good kisser. We continued staying lip-locked, and I couldn’t help wanting more.

Just as my tongue slid into her mouth, Gaby jerked back. The next thing I knew a stinging slap reverberated against my cheek. “Fuck,” I grunted.

After Gaby shoved me away, fury burned in her dark eyes. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

Rubbing my cheek, I replied, “Normally I would call it kissing, but it usually doesn’t end up so violent.”

“Jesus, you’re such an egotistical bastard to think you could just maul me like that.”

“First of all, I wasn’t mauling you. My hands and fingers weren’t near any inappropriate parts.” When she opened her mouth to protest, I shook my head. “Yes, I kissed you, but I did it to help you.”

With an indignant huff, Gaby replied, “Give me a break. You were only thinking of yourself.”

“It stopped your panic attack, didn’t it?”

Gaby rose up on her heels to get in my face and really let me have it, but then she froze. I could see the wheels turning in her head. As much as she hated to admit it, she knew I was right. Shrinking back from me, she said, “Don’t expect me to say thanks.”

“If you won’t, I will.”

Her brows scrunched together. “What for?”

“That was one hell of a kiss.”

She glared at me. “I don’t know how I ever could’ve had a crush on you. Seriously, you are the most obnoxious jackass I’ve ever met.”

“As gorgeous as you are, I find that hard to believe.” And fuck me, was she gorgeous. I loved how her soulful, yet sinful brown eyes were staring daggers into me now. I desperately wanted to bury my fingers in her wavy chestnut hair that fell over her shoulders, cascading down her back. It went without saying what I wanted those same fingers to do with her Double D tits, not to mention what was between her long as hell legs.

Sweeping her hands to her hips, she countered, “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Just that I’m sure you’re constantly having guys come on to you, so I can’t possibly be the biggest jackass.” With a cocky smirk, I added, “Well, I am the biggest in the most important area.”

“You don’t stop, do you?”

Damn, she was making this too easy. “Nope. My stamina is pretty legendary.”

Gaby blinked at me. Not once but several times. Just as I prepared for her to truly rip me a new one, she busted out laughing. Once she started, she didn’t stop. Doubling over at the waist, her shoulders rose and fell.

“I’m so glad I could amuse you.”

After righting herself, she swiped the tears from her eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s just.” She shook her head. “Jesus, you really are a piece of work, aren’t you?”

“I can be.”

“It’s mind-blowing that your line of epic bullshit actually works with women.”

“Most find it charming.”

Tilting her head, Gaby replied, “I suppose some bimbos would be enthralled by it.”

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