Denny, tapping his chin with his forefinger and middle finger, nodded. Then he sighed. “Such talent. Still, I hope you have a great time.”
I trotted behind Cormac, frowning as I tried to untangle the guys’ conversation. “What did that mean?”
Cormac opened the back of his SUV and slid his clubs into the car. It took me another moment to relinquish mine. Part of me wanted to take the putter into the front seat with me so I could snuggle it.
“What were you talking about?” I asked again.
Cormac opened the door. I slid into the seat. He leaned his body against the edge of the frame.
“You’re very good. With practice, you might be LPGA good.”
I laughed—until I realized Cormac wasn’t even smiling. He continued to study me as if I mystified him. “I don’t think you understand how rare you are, pretty girl.”
I tucked an errant strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m just me, Cormac. That’s all.”
He smiled, and his eyes filled with heat as he leaned closer and kissed me. His mouth, hot sin, made me shudder with need. I clenched my thighs, the barrage of latent passion slamming into me, rolling over me, putting me under Cormac’s spell.
He groaned as he ended the kiss, his features tightening with lust. “The more I get to know about you, Keelie Hayes, the more I want you.”
Cormac drovewhile I tried to regulate my heart rate…and my raging need. For him.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
“My house.”
“Do you think that’s a good idea?”
He shot me a side-eye. “I think it’s a great idea. But you have to know I won’t pressure you.”
The provocative look accompanying that statement made my thighs clench even tighter, and the pulsing between them grow stronger.
“Don’t worry, Keelie. I’m old enough to understand that us acting on that desire has consequences.”
At my flinch, he patted my hand.
“Consequences don’t have to be bad. It could mean we’re both post-orgasmic and relaxed.” He winked.
I licked my lips. “You were married, Cormac. That’s baggage.” I paused. “Especially the way yours ended.”
He pulled into his driveway, slowing so the gate could slide open. His jaw ticked, and his eyes were darker than normal. “Fair enough. But you won’t explain your baggage, and it’s pissing me off.”
I reached over and clasped his hand in both of mine. “Fair enough,” I said, tugging a reluctant smile from his lips. “It stems from my parents’ relationship.” I heaved a sigh. “I know I struggle with trust after I saw how devastated my mother was when my father…” I licked my lips. My heart pounded in my chest, and I chickened out, going instead with the only comment I’d ever made about my parents’ failed marriage. “When my father cheated.”
I stared down at my hands for a moment before I peeked over at Cormac from under my lashes. “And I don’t like feeling lesser than your ex.”
He shot me a horrified look. “Ah, Keelie. No. That’s not true.”
I shrugged. “It’s how I feel. She’s a lawyer. Smart, stylish, beautiful.”
“She didn’t understand that love means sacrifice. Plus, you’re all those things.”
He blew out a breath, focused on overcoming my inadequacies. They weren’t fun to discuss either, but at least he’d dropped my trust issues…for now.
“I wish you could know how much I want you.” He pulled through the gate and slanted a look in my direction. “On second thought, no I don’t. My thoughts might scare you.”
A thrill worked its way across my lower belly. “Because your thoughts are…”
He considered me for a long moment. “Us—hot, sweaty, naked.”
