Her words cling to me all the way to the car.
The drive back is made in silence. His thumb brushes slow circles over my hand resting on his thigh. Streetlights flash across his profile as we pass them, one by one.
Outside my apartment, we stop on the curb. He turns off the engine, still holding my hand.
“Thank you for a lovely evening, Amy,” he says. “What are your plans for tomorrow?”
“I’m going to spend the morning in bed with the dogs.”
He chuckles.
“Then I’ve been invited to my brother-in-law’s for dinner. What about you?”
“Christmas is like any other day,” he replies with a shrug. “I’ll do some work uninterrupted for a change. My mobile will be quiet for once.”
“You’re spending it alone?” I say, shocked.
“You maybe want to lift your lower jaw off the floor.” I try to laugh, but it sticks. All I feel is sadness. “It’s nothing new. I’ve spent plenty of Christmases in my own company. Anyway, thank you for tonight.”
Unsure of what to do next, I wait for him to make the next move. Time passes, but nothing happens. My chest aches with something unspoken.
“Okay, I’ll see you later then,” I murmur. He releases my hand, and I swing my legs out into the icy air. The cold hits hard. My shoulders slump in defeat. The buzz of the window lowering causes me to pause.
“Amy,” he calls, his voice rough. “I love your dress.”
I smirk, glancing over my shoulder. “Perhaps I was slightly overdressed for dinner.”
He leans on the wheel, eyes dark. “I would agree you’re overdressed, but I’m not talking about the dress code for dinner.”
My mouth dries; his words laden with sexual innuendo. The air hums, both sharp and electric.
“Would you like to come in?” I ask, figuring I’ve got nothing to lose.
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He’s out of the car in a heartbeat. His hands grip my hips, pulling me against him. I snake my arms around his neck. Our lips collide, mine parting willingly, hungry, desperate even. My world narrows to the sound of his breathing against my lips.
He pins me to the car, kissing harder, the taste of him flooding my senses.
“The window’s still open,” I whisper, breathless.
“Fuck the window.” Sharp teeth nip my bottom lip. “Let’s go inside.”
My logic, the little restraint I have, snaps. I want him.
He grabs my hand, dragging me toward the door.
“Ivan,” I gasp. “Your window. The seat will get…”
He spins back, eyes blazing “Amy, right now, the only thing I’m interested in is getting inside and having you naked underneath me. Don’t mention the window again.”
A thrill shoots through me with the rawness in his voice. I should be offended. But I’m not. I just let him kiss me again, rougher until I see stars.
At the door, I rummage in my bag for my keys. They slip through my fingers.
“Hurry up,” he whispers darkly, wrapping his arms around my waist. His lips drop to my neck, and I drop them again.
“I’ll never find my keys if you keep distracting me,” I murmur.
