Torin stared down at her for a long moment, but she wasn’t sure why.
“Are you coming in for a nightcap?” she asked, walking into her apartment, and dropping her purse on the kitchen island. “I really like it when you do.”
“You do?” he asked as he came inside and shut the door behind him.
“Yes. I like learning more about you. And you’re a good listener.” She paused. “I guess I just really like your company, in general.”
“That’s good,” he said. “Especially for the grandkids.”
“What grandkids?” she asked.
He was smiling at her again, but she wasn’t sure why.
“I think I’d better skip that drink tonight,” he said. He walked over to her and pulled her into his arms. “I don’t think you’re in any state for conversation.”
“Of course, I am,” she argued. “What do you think we’re doing right now?”
His smile grew. “Fair enough, but we’ve had a long day and we both need our sleep.”
She rested her hands on his chest as she looked up at him. “You’re…not going to stay the night?” she asked.
“How about you ask me that tomorrow?” he replied.
Nova frowned at him. “Okay, but will you say yes tomorrow?”
He wasn’t smiling anymore but he was looking at her with a soft expression she’d never seen before.
“Yes, I will.”
“Okay, if the answer is yes tomorrow, why is it no tonight?” she pushed.
Torin dropped a kiss on her lips, light and quick. “Because you’ve had enough wine to make a sailor tipsy and I want you to be completely focused when we’re together that way.”
“What way?” she asked. “I just wanted someone to cuddle with.”
He chuckled. “Even then, I want you focused.”
Nova pouted. “You’re back to being no fun.”
Torin used his hold on her waist to lift her up on her toes and kiss her. This time it wasn’t short or light. It was deep, hot, and it made her heart pound and her toes curl.
When he lifted his head, she tried to follow his mouth with hers, but he was too tall.
They were both breathing heavily when her eyes opened. She stared up at him, her thinking muddled from the wine and that kiss.
“That was fun,” he said. “And today was amazing.”
“It was,” she sighed, letting her arms creep around his waist. Nova rested her cheek against his chest. “Can we do it again sometime?”
“Absolutely,” he said.
With her ear against his pectoral, the word was nearly a rumble. Nova snuggled closer and sighed.
“I should go,” he said.
“So go.” Nova didn’t move. If he wanted to leave, he was going to have to peel her off him. She was comfortable right here, right now.
He chuckled and she tightened her arms around him as he kissed her hair.
