There’s that familiar spark flickering in her eyes that I’ve grown to love. It catches the morning sun, gold and mischievous.
My stomach twists.
“You don’t have to leave yet.” Her voice is hopeful. “You’ve still got time before your lesson.”
Her fingers run down my torso. Goosebumps rise, and heat pools.
I kiss her. Because this is it, this is all I’m allowed to demand from her.
She kisses me back just as fiercely. Her teeth scrape mine. Her hands are firm against my skin. Heat radiates off her, and I catch each quick inhale against my lips. Every piece of us is electric—every nerve, every inch.
Because we both know.
We have right now.
Chapter Twenty-Two
SHAY
THE GRAVEL CRUNCHES under Cash’s boots as he steps away from the porch.
For a second, I pretend he’s just going to his Impala to grab something he forgot.
An apron.
His phone.
Anything that would bring him back up the steps.
But then he stops and hugs the women from his class. Quick, grateful hugs. Nettie gets some extra time. It’s sweet.
“We will be at your grand opening.” The older woman fingers clutch his shirt.
He’s finally wearing a shirt. A real T-shirt that stretches over his big biceps.
My chest still aches anyway. Heavy. Unmoved.
“All of us.” Jaclyn hugs him next.
Then the hostess’s. Polite hugs. Thank-yous and promises to come back.
I stay still.
My hands knot together in front of me, nails biting into my palm.
