A smile tugs at my lips as we walk. We reach the elevator and he presses the down button. He’s always been the perfect gentleman.
Except in the bedroom.
My mind betrays me, flashing to him spreading my legs, a wicked grin on his mouth as he lowers his head.
Good Lord. Stop.
“You picturing me naked?” Jensen asks with a smirk.
“No!” I reply way too quickly. “Why would you think that?”
He cocks a brow, like he knows I’m full of shit. “Because that’s the same smile you use in the bedroom, babe.”
“Psh.” I roll my eyes. “This is a normal smile.”Good lie, Alley.
He smothers a grin, pressing his lips tight. “Whatever you say.”
“Don’t do that.”
“Do what?” he asks, innocently.
“You know exactly what.” I glance at him, trying—and failing—to hold back a smile. “I was just thinking about how fun tonight was.”
“It was fun.”
The doors slide open and we step inside. Jensen presses the button for parking and sets the box down.
He folds his arms across his chest. “So, if this was a first date, would I get another? Would you go home and call Scarlett and tell her all about me?”
I scoff-laugh. “Yeah. I’d say,This guy I just went out with took me back to his place. Totally thought he was gonna get laid. But I put him in his place.” My smile shifts into a teasing grin.
He chuckles, low, dark and wicked, as he steps in close, backing me into the elevator wall. “Oh yeah?” he murmurs. “Is that what happened?” His hands press against the metal on either side of me, eyes locked on my mouth. “Seems to me like you wanted it.” A corner of his mouth twitches. “You were even picturing me naked. Don’t deny it.”
Holy shit.My breath catches in my throat as I stare up at him, heart pounding.
We jerk slightly as the elevator hits the ground floor.
“You’re lucky these doors are about to open, or I’d be the one putting you in your place.” A cocky half-grin tugs at one corner of his mouth as he backs away, picking up the box and stepping into the parking garage while my stomach does literal flips.
I take a steadying breath and follow, staying a few steps behind him to keep some distance. The broad muscles of hisback flex with every step. I’ve never pinned myself as a back girl, butJesus, his back.Everything about him tonight is turning me on.
He did just have me pinned against the elevator wall, though. I plead the fifth.
I pull the key fob from my purse as we approach the Lexus, and the lights flash as I unlock it. Jensen opens the back door and sets the package on the seat. Then he turns to me, cups the back of my head, and his mouth is on mine in an instant. And just as quickly, it’s gone, disappointment sinking low in my gut.
He opens my door. “Night, Alley. Can I call you?” He smothers a grin, still playing the first-date card.
I shrug, cool and casual. “You can call me.” I slide into the seat. “But I don’t know if I’ll answer.”
He laughs. “Text me when you get home, alright?”
“I will.”
He shuts the door, and I start the engine, taking deep breaths to let my heart settle. He stands there, waiting for me to leave. I know he won’t go back upstairs until I’m out of sight.
I shift into reverse and back down the narrow lane, cars stacked on both sides. As soon as I’m out of sight, I find the nearest spot, pull in, and shift into park.
Leaning back against the headrest, I inhale deeply through my nose and let out a shaky breath. My heart races as I replay the evening—every joke, every glance, every kiss. But more than anything, what stands out is the way I feel—alovelylittle cocktail of hope, love, lust and confusion.
