She laughs, and it’s the sweetest sound I’ve heard all night. I lean in and kiss her. Slowly. Deeply. She tastes like wine and something that’s entirely her. Sweet and sharp and addictive.
She fists my shirt, pulling my firm chest against her soft, inviting curves. Closer. Her breasts press into me, and she shudders at the contact, our shallow breaths mirrored, wanting. My hand sinks into her thick waves, gripping the nape of her neck. My other hand latches on to her trim hip, holding her in place.
Feasting on her mouth like a starving man, I’ve never felt more alive. Her eyelids close and her long lashes flutter, fanning her rosy cheeks. I greedily swallow her whispery moans.
With each sweep of my tongue, her hands roam my body, and my already thundering heart rate accelerates. I’m crazy with need, wanting nothing more than to have her, take her, here and now. She breaks our kiss, eliciting a feral growl from deep within me. The loss is so frustrating.
“Sam, stop.” She pulls back, adjusting her top and brushing her hair into place.
I lower my eyes, covering the thrum of disappointment with a calm I don’t feel. And when I glance up, her swollen lips and flushed cheeks tell a different story. She wanted that. Wants me.
I gently squeeze her hand and she pulls away, grabbing the glass to take a sip. It’s not lost on me that it’s a mediocre attempt at occupying her hand. Like that’s going to stop me.
Choosing not to push it right now, I change the subject. “Speaking of crushes, does Jonah realize Millie has googly eyes for him?”
She laughs. “He’s in denial. I’ve told him.”
“Maybe he’s not oblivious. Maybe he’s just not interested. Maybe he’s got someone else in mind.”
Her eyebrows draw together. “Who?”
“You.”
Her brows knit. “What?”
“Jonah’s in love with you. He lights up around you. Even a blind man could see he adores you. Has he ever made a move?” My voice is even, but inside, I’m a mess. I need to know. If there’s something there, I want it out in the open.
What if he has and she’s welcomed it? What if she has no clue but would want something with him, and now I’ve stupidly enlightened her to the potential of it?
My hesitation is so unlike me, yet it’s not surprising. Since Olivia walked into my life, I’ve experienced many firsts and surprises. My first dogged pursuit of a woman. My first blush. My first case of indecision.
“You’re out of your mind. Jonah’s like a brother to me.”
“Are you sure?” This isn’t jealousy. This is strategy.
I’m not wild about the long distance between us. It’s one of many things she uses as an obstacle. I need to understand the playing field, know where other barriers lie so I can annihilate them. Make no mistake, I intend to obliterate all her excuses, one by one.
“Yes, I’m sure. Besides, he’s tried to set me up on a date with one of his friends, so stop. That’s just…eww. He’s twelve years younger than me.” As soon as the last word leaves her mouth, her eyes widen with the realization of what she just said.
Jonah and I are the same age.
“There it is again. The age thing. Olivia, you need to stop thinking that way.” I pause to make sure I’ve got her attention. “You’re gorgeous. No man with functioning eyes gives a damn how old you are.”
She shakes her head, eyes avoiding mine.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” A change of subject is needed.
“Working. Meeting a supplier in the morning, then in the office the rest of the day. Why?”
“I’m scoping out spaces for a new restaurant. Thought maybe you’d come with me. We could grab lunch, then meet my agent. What do you say?”
“I…I suppose. Sure.” Her voice is tentative, but it’s a yes. I take her hand and kiss it.
She smiles, her cheeks lightly tinged. The joy of her agreeing to join me outweighs the trepidation coming off her in waves.
She’s once again avoiding my gaze, her eyes darting around the room at anything and everything but me. She’s not saying it, but I can feel it…
She’s building walls.
