Another nod, because I’d longed to feel his lips against mine again since the first time on my couch.
“This time I’m gonna need your words, sweetheart.”
I licked my lips in anticipation, stirring another groan from my date in such a short time. It baffled me that I affected him the way I did.
“Yes, I’d like you to kiss me,” I managed to get out.
Without another word, Huntley leaned into the car, softly put his hand on the side of my neck and closed the distance between us before placing a tender kiss against my lips.
Something ignited inside me and I responded in a way that not only shocked me, but my date too.
My mouth opened and my tongue tentatively darted out seeking something more. Huntley stilled at first but then a deep groan rumbled from his chest and he slanted his head, diving into the kiss I was longing for.
Our tongues dueled, our breath mingled, and I found my hands rising to grip his upper arms for support as my world went topsy-turvy.
When he pulled back, we were both panting. Huntley stared at me for a beat, piercing-green eyes bright with lust that I felt down to my bones.
“That was a nice surprise,” he said in a gravelly voice.
I raised my hand to touch my mouth that vibrated from where his lips had just been.
“Are you okay?” he asked me.
His hand still on the side of my neck, he gazed into my eyes waiting for a response.
I’m not sure what had come over me, but I didn’t regret my impulsiveness. “More than okay,” I told him.
Huntley’s smile was blinding. He stroked his thumb across the spot where my pulse beat frantically before dropping his arm. “Best start of a date ever,” he said before shutting my door.
I was being honest. Kissing Huntley felt natural and the intensity of the kiss hadn’t frightened me. He made me feel safe. I wasn’t sure that would be the case with everything when it came to being with a man and that still scared me, but I could get on board with repeating that kiss.
Over and over.
I’d been correct.
Looking around at the table as we waited for our food to come, I couldn’t help but smile at the beauty and testosterone sitting in every seat. I could only imagine what the other onlookers thought as they took in the group.
“What are you thinking?” Huntley asked from beside me. “You have a big grin on your face.”
Of course he would notice. The man was attentive and aware of everything not only I did, but also of everything around us.
He wouldn’t let me get out of his vehicle until he came around to retrieve me. When we’d gotten out, he made sure I was tucked into his side—after asking for permission to put his hands on me of course—and maneuvered around any cars. I’d also watched him scan the room, his intense gaze taking it all in before we were seated.
All the other men had done the same I noticed as well. Not once did his protectiveness bother me and it was obvious the other woman didn’t mind either.
“I was just thinking the others in this place tonight must be jealous of the gorgeous men and beautiful women we are with.”
Huntley growled. “Did you just call my friends hot?”
When I wiggled in my seat unsure what to say, Huntley chuckled. He was teasing me and seemed to like to do that. Fun wasn’t part of my vocabulary before meeting the man next to me and I was still figuring it all out.
“You’re hotter,” I told him, placing my hand on top of his resting on his thigh, which jumped at my touch.
Looking into my eyes, he threw my words back at me from earlier. “Are you flirting with me?”
A giggle burst out loud and clear, causing everyone to turn to stare at me, their own conversations coming to a halt. I wanted to cover my face with my hands or run for the bathroom to hide.
When I didn’t offer up anything on Huntley’s and my conversation, they all gave us an amused look and went back to their own business.
