Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
My free hand drifts to my lips, and I feel the heat of his gaze for a brief second before he rubs his thumb back and forth over the top of my hand. “We have time to sort that out,” he says, reading my mind.
“I know. But it’s like we let the genie out of the bottle, and I don’t know what happens next.” And I’m not good with things being up in the air.
“We have time,” he assures me.
It’s not an answer, nor does it tell me how he feels. But he’s right. With everything going on in my life, I have more important things to think about. Because whoever threw that brick is escalating from sending a harmless postcard. If anyone had been standing by the window, they could have been hurt.
He pulls the SUV up to Kaylee’s apartment and parks out front, then turns to me. “You have my number, so if you need anything, call me.”
I manage a smile. “I will.”
His gaze holds mine. “I mean it, Rainey. Any time.”
I nod, grateful for him. Between his gruff tone and the reassurance that he’ll be there for me, I feel warm and cared for in ways I’ve never experienced before from a man I’m interested in. It’s not like when my dad or my brothers want to protect me. This feels more… personal. And I like it.
“Thank you. I’m glad you were there when it happened.” I could have handled things myself, but having someone there when I felt so vulnerable helped. He helped.
“I’m glad too.” He lifts the hand he’s holding and brings it to his lips, pressing a kiss to my skin.
I lean toward him, across the center console, and before I realize my intent, his mouth touches mine and the kiss we’d begun earlier picks up where we left off. His tongue sweeps across my parted lips and delves inside. Sparks light up inside me and my body reacts, my nipples growing hard and my sex clenching with need. But I’m aware we’re inside an SUV and nothing more than this can happen.
Still, I’m disappointed when he pulls back. “I should walk you up,” he says, and I’ve already learned better than to argue.
“Okay.” I rub my damp lower lip with my finger, and he lets out a groan before turning away to open the door.
At least I’m not the only one left frustrated and wanting, I think, as he comes up to my side of the vehicle and helps me exit.
Together, we walk up the path to the main entrance of the building where Kaylee is waiting, her eyebrows raised. “I was so worried!” She pulls me into a hug and whispers in my ear. “You’d better believe we’re going to talk about that kiss.”
I’m not sure how she saw from here, but I’ll ask her later, I think, as I step out of her arms.
“Come on. I’ll walk you ladies to the apartment,” Lucas says, pointing to the elevator not far away.
Kaylee nods at her doorman and smiles.
Once we’re in front of her door, I turn to Lucas. “Thanks again for everything.”
He nods. “Don’t forget what I said. Any time.”
I know what he’s referring to and smile in return.
“Be safe, both of you. Now go inside and lock the door.” He gestures to the apartment with one hand.
We do as he instructs, and once in the apartment, Kaylee turns the lock, then the deadbolt. “So,” she says, as she turns and leans against the door. “Talk to me.”
“I told you everything that happened at the office already.” Am I playing dumb? Yes. But procrastinating seems best, though I know Kaylee will get right to the point anyway.
“But I don’t know about you and Lucas. Last I heard, you were mortified and going to act like offering yourself to him never happened.” She raises an eyebrow. “But tonight, I go downstairs to wait for you, I see the Mercedes pull up and recognize Lucas’s profile, so I start down the walkway to meet you. Except when I look in the window again, you two are making out like teenagers, so I went back inside to wait.”
I frown at her phrasing. “I never said I offered myself up to him,” I mutter.
“You offered your mouth. Potato, potahto.”
Unable to hold back, I let out a much-needed laugh. “Fine. We kissed. Twice. Now, can I please get something to eat, because I didn’t have dinner and I’m starving.”
“Luckily for you, I have leftovers from the restaurant tonight. Chicken parm and spaghetti. I am so relieved I have my appetite back and can eat whatever I want again.” Though her eyes had opened wide when I said I’d kissed Lucas twice, she’s obviously taking pity on my empty stomach.
I reheat the food in the microwave and sit down to eat, grateful for the delicious meal.