“Just looking at you.”
“You've been watching me all night.”
“I told you, I can’t help it.”
I set my glass down, turned to face her fully. “You’re beautiful, Halo. Like, distractingly beautiful. I’ve been trying to focus on conversation all night, but all I can think about is how good you look in that dress and how glad I am that you are here.”
She bit her lip; it was something she did when she was trying not to smile. I reached out and ran my thumb across her bottom lip.
“Don’t do that unless you want me to take over.”
Her breath caught. “What do you mean?”
“Bite it. I’ve been wanting to all night.”
I ran my fingers down her arm. “And you smell so damn good. This is the same shit you had on from the fire.”
“You like it?”
“I love it. It’s perfect for you,” I leaned in closer. “It’s been driving me crazy. What is it?”
“It’s Pink Velvet Body Butter and Miutine. it gives decadent, right?”
“Hell yeah, just like you.”
“I thought so too.”
“I know we’re taking it slow. I know you need time.” My hand found her waist, and even through the thick fabric of her dress, I could feel how warm she was. “But Halo, I need you to know something.”
“What?”
“I want you. Not just tonight. Not just physically, though God knows I want that shit too.” I tugged her into my lap. “I want everything. I don’t need to see where this goes. I already know.”
“You don’t know what the future holds.”
“I’m retiring after this season.”
She was staring at me, eyes wide, lips parted.
“DaVinci… why?”
“So I can actually show up when you need me. Not from a hotel room. Not halfway across the country.” I cupped her face in my hands. “I know that’s a lot. I know I’m moving fast. But I can’t help it. You make me want to pass go, fuck the two hundred dollars.”
I reached over and brushed a curl off her shoulder. “You know what’s crazy?”
“What?”
“I wasn’t even planning to say all the shit I said tonight. I was gonna give you dinner, get you home, and play it cool.”
She raised a brow. “You? Cool? When?”
“Never,” I admitted, laughing. “I’m lying. You do something to me, Halo. Don’t know if it’s the attitude or the way you walk, the sound of your sweet voice. But you got my attention. You really do.”
She held my eyes, then said softly, “Come here.”
I moved in slowly, giving her space to change her mind. She didn't even blink, just held my eyes like she'd been waiting for this as long as I had.
The first touch was soft. Assessing. Her lips parted against mine, and I was done for. I angled deeper, and she met me halfway, her hand sliding up the back of my neck while my thumb traced her jaw.
