“I’ll take whatever I can get.” I’m in front of her before she can bat an eye. One hand hits her hip, feeling the heat of her skin through the layers and liking the curve just as much as I did the last time. My other hand cups the nape of her neck, digging my fingers into her tresses while backing her up until she’s in my favorite position: trapped between the door and me. This time, my hold on her will prevent her doing her favorite thing: running from me.
“And what if I don’t want your lips on mine?” Little troublemaker licks her lips, keeping the tip of her tongue hovering on the edge. I’m tempted to chase her in any way possible. The one thing holding me back is if she really doesn’t want this, want what’s brewing like a storm at sea. The last thing I’m going to do is take something she’s not willing to give, even with her body showing all the signs that she wants me, including the shirt she’s wearing beneath her robe.
“Then tell me no, Coralynn. I dare you.” I move closer, sweep my thumb along the curve of her hip, tighten my hold in her hair, and watch as her eyes close. Her breathing quickens, a shiver rolls through her soft body, and I’m more than sure I can smell her scent lingering in the morning air.
“I never could pass up a dare. Kiss me.” Her voice goes breathless. I’m already moving in closer when she says, “Please, Tony.”
The warmth of her fingertips traces up my forearms, slow at first, then they curled in to tug me closer. Her touch makes my muscles tighten and wake up every nerve ending all at once. When my mouth meets hers, the soft give of her lips, the slight catch of her breath, and the faint tremble that’s matching my pulsing thud beat by fucking beat, it’s so goddamn good.
I let my fingers roam over the curve of her waist, feeling the warm fabric and the way she leans her body into mine. A quick tug of the tie, and her robe opens, right as a soft sigh leaves her mouth. I gain the entrance I’ve been after all along, the taste I’ve been obsessing over explodes on my tongue, and I relish every fucking moment. Our kiss grows heavier, more consuming, unraveling one another in small ways: the grip on my skin, her soft purrs mixed with my own groan, and her undulating along my body. It only makes my dick harder, that much hungrier for my troublemaker. It’s also why I pull back instead of keeping this going.
“Like you in my shirt, troublemaker. Next time you steal my clothes, it’ll end up on the pile on the ground, and it won’t happen out here where we’ll be charged with indecent exposure.” Bee-stung lips, eyes blazing with lust, and goose bumps coating her flesh greet me.
“We’ll see about that.” She keeps lying to herself. That’s okay, because our time is coming.
“Enjoyed the taste, Coralynn. See you around.” I let her get one last look, noticing her gaze is locked on my cock. I shoot her a wink and then head toward my car and to work, well aware of the fact that the taste she just gave me isn’t going to last for long, and I’ll need another before the day is over.
THREE
Coralynn
“Good one, Coralynn Paker, good one.” I stay where I am, back against the wood door, hand cupping the doorknob, ready to make my great escape. Except this time around, Tony left before I could.And you are a stupid, stupid girl, letting the name Tony slip out because you were so fucked up on the high that’s his kiss, his presence, and his cock, you didn’t realize what you said.Now, he knows what I call him, he knows that I stole his shirt, and he knows how he makes me feel.
I watch as his taillights slowly fade into the distance before I move, and the first thing I do is close my robe while grumbling under my breath about Anthony “Tony” Gallo. The hottest doctor who gets under my skin, soaks my panties with one small smirk, and when his mouth is on mine, well, let’s just say I’m ready to abandon all logical sense. I grab my peppermint candy, feeling the nip in the air and realizing I’m going to freeze my tits off if I don’t get inside since the source of my heat has officially left my home.
My mouth waters when I look at the massive container, thinking about the many ways I can use them besides the usual. There’s baking, specifically cookies, and there’s one of myfavorite holiday drinks: a peppermint delight. The possibilities are endless, and with the supply Tony gave me, I’m going to be well-stocked for at least a month.
I walk back into the house, frazzled from the kiss and the cold weather, only for my phone to start ringing. I ignore it for a moment, annoyed with myself for turning the ringer on in the first place, especially for the reason, too.
It’s official. I’m a lovelorn fool, exactly like my sister, except admitting that to myself is one thing, but saying it out loud is a different story entirely. My phone dances around the counter, the noise about to start up again when I glance down at the screen.
“Well, shit. Of course, my sister would call. What does she have, ESP or something?” I blow out a puff of air, hit the accept button, and then place her on speaker phone.
“About time you answered. It’s a good thing I’m not dying over here or busting the seams of my wedding dress.” There’s a slight panic to Shae’s tone, making me worry that the ultimate catastrophe has happened to my pregnant sister, with the wedding days away.
“Sorry, Tony stopped by to bring me peppermints,” I say without thought, too busy worrying about what we can do this last minute in the game. Or maybe I let it slip out in order to get her mind off the subject. It’s going to bring me more turmoil, but if it keeps her attention off the dress, I’d say my job as maid of honor is done. I rip the lid off the container, plastic screeching, and instantly inhale the cool and invigorating scent. The sharp, icy freshness similar to a breath of cold air is followed by a gentle herbal flavor before bursting into a slight menthol that tingles your senses.
“Excuse me, what the fuck did you just say?” Shae pauses. I unwrap a mint, the crinkling of plastic is the only noise heardfrom either side of the phone. “Luke, come here right now.” I roll my eyes. Leave it to my sister to bring on the dramatics.
“You heard what I said. He texted yesterday and mentioned he had found the biggest container of the soft peppermints that I love so much. And he brought it over this morning.” I make a non-committal noise, attempting to play it off as if it’s not a big deal.
“And did you pay him back with currency or something else?” I ignore her question, mostly because Luke clears his throat in the background.
“Whatever she gave him, hopefully, it’ll put him in a good mood. He’s doing rounds during the day this week before he has to rotate to nights.” I hear Luke hum, which means he’s probably kissing my sister or she’s kissing him.
“That sucks.” I suck on the mint, closing my eyes and replaying the last two moments I’ve had with Tony where we’re alone. You know, when he can flirt, touch, and kiss me, and I can do the exact same to him. The holding back is becoming impossible, plus, there are only so many places to run where he can’t find me.
“Apparently, so do you,” Shae says. My eyes bulge. I nearly choke on my candy, and Luke laughs, loud and deep. “Oh shit, I mean, well, yeah. Whatever you did, I don’t want to know about,” she adds quickly.
“And I’m getting off the phone. Clearly, you’re okay, unless you need me to help you with some last-minute issues?” I hate like hell to bring the topic back up, except that’s the whole reason she called.
“She’s good. I talked her through it. The zipper was stuck, and she wouldn’t let me help her,” Luke says.
“Good luck on our wedding night. That zipper is a bitch, but it could be worse.” Shae is now calm.
“It could be buttons,” we say in unison, both of us remembering a dress she tried on that was neck to tailbone covered in the tiniest and daintiest fabric-covered buttons. It was a fiasco, and while I’d do anything for my sister on her big day, dealing with those would be pushing it.
“I know my way around a scalpel. I’m not worried.” Ever the doctor.
