But tonight, there is no crowd. It’s just this handsome stranger and me.
My gaze shifts.
And that damn ghost.
He’s still there, watching. His stare isn’t menacing anymore. It’s almost curious. I wonder if he knows I can see him, if he understands that thisgiftisn’t just about seeing but hearing and feeling them. Their regrets. Their pain.
When I dismiss the ghost and look back at the stranger, he seems to have noticed my hesitation and takes his beer back, his expression shifting from playful to something more earnest. He takes a slow sip, his eyes filled with curiosity and genuine concern.
Fuck it.
I’m usually not one to engage, but tonight, I feel a rare urge to connect and not be so isolated in my own gloomy world. It’s finally time for me to do something other than just exist. I’ll be gone soon anyway. He never has to figure out howweirdI am, and this can just be for tonight. A break from the year I just lived to keep a promise to my Nan. To bring her ashes to this littletown at the very tip of the country, to release them into the ocean here, where the waves meet the coast at the furthest point east.
His blue eyes are still on me, his head tilting slightly.
Just one little thing I do for me.
Sliding off my stool, I find myself standing directly in front of him. With a newfound boldness fueled by the tequila coursing through my veins, I gently push his knees apart and position myself between his legs. Cupping his face with my hands, I meet his eyes and whisper, “You’re right, I should try it.”
Leaning in, I close the distance and press my lips to his. And they’re so damn soft. He’s quick to react, setting his beer down on the bar, his hands find their way to my hips and pull me closer, making my breath hitch.
His hands are big, his fingertips press into the top of my ass, and my heart nearly leaps out of my chest.
He tastes like beer, surprisingly good beer, and bad decisions. But there’s also a hint of saltwater, and he smells like the ocean. He’s a great kisser, making the moment electric and intoxicating.
Making me want more.
Maybe it’s the alcohol or perhaps the raw intensity of the moment, but I get completely lost in the kiss. What was meant to be a light and fleeting escape from the overwhelming sadness that has plagued me all day and, truthfully, the past year, quickly turns into something more.
He deepens the kiss, his skillful touch melting away my reservations and weakening my knees and resolve. I let myself enjoy it just a little longer before mustering the strength to pull away. As I gaze into his eyes up close, I notice the white flecks in them, reminiscent of crashing waves.
Ocean eyes.
“You’re right,” I agree, my voice a bit husky, a playful smile dancing on my lips. “Not bad at all.”
He grins as I step back and grab my purse. Then, I make my way toward the exit, smirking at the ghost who has watched the whole encounter, looking surprised when he seems to understand that Ireallycan see him. And thankfully, he stays where he is.
The doors swing open again with force when I’m a few feet away, that deep voice calling out and stopping me in my tracks. “Hey, wait!”
I turn to look at him, a hint of worry flickering through my mind as I wonder if my impulsive behavior just attracted a potential stalker.
At least it’d be an attractive one.
Wait, did I really just think that?
My heart is still racing as he steps closer, pressing me against the wall with his body, causing my breath to catch. With a gentle touch, he tucks a loose strand of my hair behind my ear before cupping my cheek.
“I’m still undecided about that tequila,” he murmurs, his voice laced with a seductive edge. “Perhaps I need another sample.”
Before I can respond, he leans in, capturing my lips with his once again, sending a rush of desire through me.
Fuck, now that he’s in control, he kisses even better.
With a skillful touch, he gently tilts my chin with his thumb, altering the angle of our kiss to gain better access to my mouth. His kiss isn’t overly aggressive, though. It’s as if he’s really savoring the taste of me, and it goes straight to my pussy, making me clench.
As if he knows, he presses his knee between my legs, and I feel myself getting wet as he moves it to give me the most delicious friction. After just a few more moments, he leans down to grab my thighs, lifting me against the wall, and Iautomatically wrap my legs around his waist. The bulge in his jeans presses into me, making me moan into his mouth.
“Fuck, pretty girl, you’re so damn hot,” he groans out against my lips before biting my bottom one. His hand comes from my thigh up my side, slipping under my dark green sweater, finding my bra, and squeezing my tit over it. “God… dammit,” he breathes out. “So fucking perfect.”
