“As I was saying before you rudely shut the door—”
I cut her off again by lowering my head and pressing my lips against hers. Taylor’s sweet and smoky scent was right in my face again. I cradled the back of her head in my hand while my lips moved against hers; she was completely caught off guard. At first she stood still, and her mouth was stiff, but she quickly relaxed. Taylor snaked her arms under my jacket and pulled me closer to her, pressing her warm hands on my back. I slowly pulled my mouth off hers and looked down into her eyes. The snow was lightly falling around us and starting to stick in her hair.
“Can’t you let me end our date in a storybook way?” I asked.
“Was this a date?”
“I’m pretty sure it was,” I said as she smiled.
I wrapped my arm around her shoulder and walked to the door with her. While she looked for her keys in her bag, I glanced through the window beside the door. I was glad to see she had some lights on inside. Once she got the door unlocked and opened, she stepped inside. She obviously didn’t expect me to follow her inside because she stopped short and I bumped into her. I stepped around her and glanced down her hallway and around her living room.
“Well, I was going to say that I’d invite you in, but I know you must go clean something up. Yet, here you are.”
“Here I am.”
“Is there something you’re looking for?” she asked with a hint of annoyance to her tone. “Perhaps I can help you find it since I live here.”
“I just wanted to walk you inside and make sure you were safe.”
“Let me remind you that I’ve been taking care of myself just fine. I’m more than capable, and I think you know that.”
“I do. But it doesn’t mean you always should have to, sweetheart.” I leaned in and kissed her again. “I’ll let you in on a relationship tip and then I need to go.”
“What’s your relationship tip?”
“It’s okay to feel something for a man without worrying that he’s going to turn out like your foster father.”
“That man being you?”
“I’m not going to brag, but I’m an excellent choice.”
Taylor playfully pushed me toward the door.
“I don’t even like you,” she teased. I laughed and stepped onto her porch. “I did have a wonderful night, Mr. Lombardi,” she said in all seriousness. “Thank you.”
“I had a great time too.” I leaned in for one more kiss. “Lock the door, Taylor,” I told her and then turned to walk down the steps toward my SUV. “Too bad I don’t like you,” I called over my shoulder.
“Feeling is mutual,” she called out.
I got into my SUV and looked toward her door to make sure it was closed.Good, Taylor.I’d just put my seat belt on when my cell phone screen lit up from the charging tray. I picked it up, expecting to see something new from Michael, but it was Taylor.
Whatever you’re doing tonight for Michael, stay safe and be careful.
You say that as if you like me.
I don’t.
But just in case.
I smirked at her text and set the phone down.
I’m going to make you let go with me, Taylor. I’m going to be the first and last man to make you cry out in pleasure until your throat is sore and lungs are tired.
CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO
Michael
Iled Taylor down the hallway to my den. She came over this afternoon so I could discuss an upcoming charity event I was holding at my Aspen resort for Sawyer’s parents’ foundation. I poured both of us a cup of coffee and then sat across from her.
