She laughs, swatting me in the chest. “And what message is that?” She says it in a flirty tone I haven’t heard in years.
“That you’re mine.”
Her eyes widen and I smile back at her, refusing to back down. No—tonight is the night I make it clear to Mackenzie.
She is mine, and I’ve always been hers. It’s time she knows it.
“Come on,let’s go grab a table before it gets too busy.” Mackenzie pulls me with her and I don’t care where she takes us as long as she keeps holding my hand. We walk into Scoff & Banter, Canary Wharf and I’m hit with a delicious aroma. The place is inviting and it doesn’t take long to walk to a cozy table for two. When we sit, there’s space between us—and I want it gone.
“It smells amazing in here.” I pull out Mack’s chair, help her settle, then take the seat beside her instead of across and I can tell it surprises her.
“As much as I’d like to see your face across the table, I need to be close to you.” Her cheeks heat at that admission and I internally high five myself for making her blush.
The waiter approaches and we both place a drink order as well as stuffed peppers to nibble on while waiting on our main course.
“Thank you for coming out with me tonight, Mack.” I can’t stop staring at her in my jersey which I made sure she didn’t change out of. She’s effortlessly beautiful and I’ve noticed a few wandering eyes taking her in as we walked to our seats.
“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.” That answer makes me want to puff out my chest and go all caveman, claiming her right here in front of everyone.
“I loved visiting your class today. I can tell that those kids adore you, especially that Colin kid.” She laughs at my observation, stirring her water with a straw.
“They were mesmerized by you, Jordan. I love teaching, even more than I thought I would. It’s been the right move for me to start my career in London. Thank you for coming and reading to them.”
“You know I’d do anything for you.” Her eyes widen a little as I confess the first of many things I need to get off my chest.
Nodding, she gives me a beautiful smile. “I know. You’ve always been so good to me, J. Better than I deserve.”
“That’s not true. You deserve the world.” I put my hand on hers and instead of shying away from me, she flips hers over and interlaces her fingers with mine and squeezes. As I try to say more, we’re interrupted by the arrival of our food and the conversation slows down as we enjoy a delicious meal.
As the night wears on, the distance between us shrinks. Our chairs scoot closer and the inches disappear until our thighs touch and we’re sitting as close to one another as we can without her climbing into my lap. The ambience only adds to my growing desire to show her how I feel.
“Mackenzie.” I finally get the nerve to ask what I’ve always wanted.
She looks at me, eyes blazing. “Yeah?”
“Can I kiss you?”
She barely starts to nod and I press my lips to hers. It’s the kiss we should’ve had at fourteen—before I let her go too easily. Her soft lips fit perfectly against mine. It’s sweet and when we pull back, I see a smile on her face that matches mine.
“Jordan.” She looks at me and I’m done. Gone forever. I’m hers and I’m going to make her mine. She crashes her mouth to mine and this time there is nothing sweet about it. It’s full of passion, desire, and pent-up longing. I pour everything into that kiss, telling her without words that she’s everything I’ve ever wanted.
CHAPTER
SEVENTEEN
MACKENZIE
I’m kissing Jordan Mills.
I’m kissing Jordan Mills.
The first touch of his lips on mine sends fire racing through my veins, and I’ve never felt anything like it. When it ends, I know I want more, so I pull his face back to mine and kiss him with an intensity that leaves me breathless, our lips swollen.
It’s like the noise and crowd disappear, leaving us in a bubble of our own making. But we aren’t alone, and when we realize it, we pull apart.
He stares at me, dark eyes full of adoration. It’s overwhelming—and I love it. A girl could get addicted to the look Jordan is giving me.
Silence follows, and it’s perfect—because words would ruin it.
