I nodded slowly. “I sure did. But you were right. We were in totally different places, and I had just applied for a ton of jobs on the West Coast. All the other girls I dated were for fun, nothing serious. If I kissed you, you would have expected more, and I couldn’t hurt you like that. I wasn’t capable of ‘more’ in those days. I didn’t have real superhero status just yet.”
I gave her a sad smile and strode to where she was leaning against the counter. I put down my beer and took her face in my hands, making her look at me.
“When I walked into the bar to meet you that night, you were so beautiful. Striking, in fact. I couldn’t take my eyes off you the entire night. You had such a sad and tired look in your eyes, and I wanted to take it away, to make you see what I saw.” I tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, and she closed her eyes.
“I made all kinds of excuses to see you again, texted you all the time, forced you to come to Shake Shack with me.” Sam laughed and ran her hand along my jaw.
“I was too stupid and selfish not to notice how incredible you were all those years ago. But, I meant what I said. I got a second chance with you, and I want ‘more’ with younow. I want itsomuch.” I grabbed her by the nape of the neck and covered her mouth with mine. I tried to say with a kiss what I wasn’t ready to say out loud yet.
Sam pulled back and gazed at me with a dizzy look in her eyes.
“Good answer.” She gave me another quick kiss on the lips. “I spent all day planning this dinner and don’t want to screw it up. I’ll call you when it’s ready, okay?”
I pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.
“I can’t wait. Be quick about it, though, I’m starving.” I smacked her on the ass and heard her laughing as I went back into the living room.
I wasn’t going anywhere this time.
Eighteen
Samantha
“Samantha Christensen.How can I help you?”
“Hi, Samantha! I’m looking for someone in your marketing department. She’s a sexy-as-hell brunette with legs that go on for days and a rack from heaven.”
I shook my head and smiled. Since work kicked my ass this week, Lucas and I didn’t have a chance to see or even speak to each other. Even our usual nightly phone conversations—that now lead to fantastic phone sex—before I went to sleep were limited this week. Julianna’s older brother showed Bella and JuliannaThe Nightmare Before Christmasover the weekend, and Bella was scared to sleep alone. I was cranky, overworked, and missed Lucas like crazy.
Sometimes, being an adult with responsibilities and obligations kinda sucked.
“You’re such an ass. It sounds like you may miss me.”
“Maybe. Any chance you could leave a little early today for a late lunch? My friend Mike opened his deli on 29th and 3rd, and I promised I’d stop by this week. And if I don’t see you soon, I’m going to lose my fucking mind.”
I laughed. Lucas was too damn adorable sometimes. “How could I refuse such a great invitation? As a matter of fact, I’ve been here before eight o’clock all week and was planning on leaving a little early since it’s Friday. Does three work?”
“Three is perfect! Can I have a selfie to tide me over until then? Maybe close the door of your office and take one of your—”
“Really, Lucas? Are youthathard up?”
“Sweetheart, you have no idea howhardI am … see you soon.”
Mike’s Deli was a small space that looked like a typical deli. There was a small seating area with wrought iron tables and chairs toward the back.
When I walked in, Lucas was at the counter talking to a man about his age who was concealing a pudgy belly behind a white apron. Mike, I assumed. Lucas usually dressed casually unless he had a meeting, but today he wore a black suit with a white shirt and black tie. It’s true what they say about how suits are to women what sexy lingerie is to men. I loved seeing him in a suit. He always looked good enough to eat.
Lucas greeted me at the door with a hungry kiss. I was a little embarrassed but so glad to see him that I didn’t stop him.
“Mike, this is Samantha. Sam, this ugly guy in the apron is Mike.”
“Nice, Luc. Samantha, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Mike kissed the top of my hand, and I giggled at him. He seemed like a nice, teddy bear of a guy.
“Get your own girl,” Lucas growled at Mike before he took our sandwiches and then pulled me by the hand to one of the tables.
It was way past lunchtime, so the deli was empty. I was unwrapping my sandwich when Lucas pulled my chair closer to him. I jumped and cringed at the harsh screech of chair legs scraping against the hard tile floor. He buried his face in my neck, running his lips and tongue over every sweet spot. I pulled my shoulder up to push him away, but he was determined and wouldn’t stop.
“Lucas, please stop it.” I tried to whisper so no one could hear us, even though it was only Mike in the deli. “You’re turning me on, and there is nothing we can do about it in a public pla—agh.” I swallowed a moan. Lucas’s mouth felt so damn good. I had to fight the urge to move my head so he could keep devouring my neck.
