Her chest lifted deeply before she let out a slow exhale. She searched my face, looking for any sign of bullshit, before she gave me a soft smile and returned my squeeze. "I'm glad we're on the same page, then."
After I paid the check, I insisted on walking her to her car. Our gait was lazy and slow, both in silent sync we didn't want this date to end. At least, I didn't.
Once we reached her vehicle, I jammed my hands in my pockets to keep from touching her. It was bright daylight, and families were strolling around town or sitting outside restaurants. I didn't think they would appreciate what I wanted to do to Maria.
"Listen, I want to see you again."
She peered up at me, her eyes touching my lips briefly before meeting my stare. "I want to see you again, too," she softly replied.
"Good," I nodded. "I have a few busy weeks coming up, so I'm not sure when I'll be free."
I watched Maria's face fall before she turned away from me, clicking her key to engage the locks. "Uh, sure, that's all right, then," she murmured.
I cursed inwardly as I gently placed my hand on her shoulder. "No, no, wait."
Taking a chance, I cupped her smooth cheeks. Adrenaline sang in my blood as my eyes bored into hers, ensnared in her magnetic gaze. "I want to see you, Maria. And I will be calling you until I see you again. I promise."
Her shoulders slowly sank down again. I spied her hand lift in my peripheral view as if she made to cup my hand before it fell again. I bit back the sting of disappointment.
"Okay." A smile touched her red lips. "I'd like that."
"Good."
I tried to remove my hands from her face, but it felt like glue kept me attached. I was addicted to her skin. Her delicately beautiful features felt smooth and soft beneath my rough palms. My eyes flared as I breathed in her delectable scent. I was hypnotized as I stared into her deep blue eyes, my thumb so close to her pillowy lips. Thank god they provided mints after our meals because the temptation to taste her was too great.
Families be damned.
I gripped her chin higher before bending down, giving her ample time to pull away. I prayed she wouldn't.
Instead, her head tilted to meet mine, and a second later, my mouth covered hers. I gave a silent groan as her soft lips moved hesitantly. She felt heavenly. Her small hands gripped my waist, and it took everything in me not to pin her against her car door. My hands moved lower against her neck, and I swore I could feel her pulse racing. Our mouths opened a little wider, and I grew hard at the soft stroke of her tongue against mine.
Fuck it. I didn't care if it was 3 PM and kids were around; I moved forward and crowded Maria against her car door anyway. My mouth moved frantically against hers, nipping at her bottom lip before sucking her tongue into my mouth. I swallowed her moan as her sweet taste exploded in my mouth.
I couldn't help but lean into her fully, but as soon as my jean-clad groin met her pliant body, Maria tore her mouth away, panting heavily. Our breaths mingled before I felt her body shift, and a gentle pressure laid into my chest. I stepped back immediately, giving her the space she silently requested.
"I better go," she breathed, refusing to meet my heavy stare.
"Sorry." I stepped back from her but kept my body turned inward, willing my arousal to die down. "I got carried away. You're just so sexy, Maria."
Her eyes dulled as she gave me a tight smile, before turning to fiddle with the handle of her car. I didn't know why she closed down on me so abruptly, but I knew when to call it quits.
"It's okay," she said. "It was a nice kiss."
Nice?Nice?A kiss with my childhood crush when I was thirteen was nice. Holding hands for the first time at the movies was nice. For a kiss in broad daylight in front of families having lunch, it was practically pornographic.
"Maria –"
"I have to go." She opened her car door before turning to peer at me. Her cheeks were still flushed, her mouth swollen. "Text me tonight?"
Relief flushed through me. She still wanted me. I didn't scare her off. Maybe she wasn't used to such a public sensual display; perhaps she was more conservative with her affection.
"I'll call you," I promised.
"Okay. Well, bye then."
Before I could reply, she climbed into her hatchback before slamming her door shut. I watched as she drove off without a backward glance.
My lips still sizzled from our kiss.
