That’s all the invitation I need. My arms band around her automatically, and I yank her against my body, clasping her cold cheeks in my cold palms and kissing her passionately. Something settles inside me the instant our lips collide, and I take my sweet time exploring her mouth.
We’re both panting when we break apart.
“Wow.” A happy smile spreads across her swollen lips. “Can’t say I mind your history with women when you kiss me like that.” She loops her arm in mine. “I’m happy to reap the benefits of your experience.”
“I haven’t enjoyed kissing any other woman as much as I enjoy kissing you,” I truthfully reply, snaking my arm around her shoulders.
“Spoken like a true player.” She rolls her eyes playfully.
“It’s the truth.” I gently squeeze her hip. “You’re one of a kind, Hollywood.”
She beams up at me, and warmth floods my body. We stare at one another, and that potent chemistry kicks into gear, charging the small gap between us. My eyes land hungrily on her mouth, and I want to spend the evening kissing her.
“I guess I’ll see you tomorrow, Viv,” Cat says in a pissy tone, folding her arms and wearing a grumpy look.How is she still here?Any normal person would have slunk off the second we started kissing. I’ve always thought there’s something not quite right about Ash’s friend. Cat was actually in my year in school, and Ash only got friendly with her during sixth year. She’s come on to me a few times, but I’ve always turned her down. She’s pretty enough, but she does nothing for me, and I’m wary of her intentions. Ash says I’m being paranoid, and she seems to like her, so I guess that’s all that matters.
Still, this right here is not normal behavior.
Cat’s intervention breaks the spell, and Vivien drags her gaze from mine. I’m getting sick of other women coming between us.
“Yes, of course.” Viv leans over and hugs Cat. “Have a nice night.”
“Bye, Dillon.”
“See ya, Cat.”Good riddance.
“So, where are we off to?” Viv asks, securing the flowers in the crook of her arm after I take her bag and sling it over my shoulder. “A nice Italian place I know. The food is good, and it’s only a ten-minute walk.”
“Sounds good. I’m starving.”
Her face is fucking glowing as she looks up at me, and I can’t resist kissing her again. She tastes like heaven on my tongue, and I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of her. I meant what I said. I’ve never experienced kissing like this before. It’s as if her lips were made to slot perfectly against mine. It takes all my willpower to pull back after a couple of minutes, but if we keep going, it’ll escalate, and we’re likely to be arrested for public indecency.
“If you keep this up, I’m going to melt into a puddle on the sidewalk.”
I chuckle as I tuck her in close and steer her forward. “You’re in Ireland now. It’s apath, Hollywood.”
“Okay. I’m going to melt into a puddle on the path if you keep that up,” she says in the worst Irish accent.
I snort out a laugh. “I see your mother’s talent wasn’t passed down,” I tease as we maneuver around people, making our way towards Dame Street.
She slaps my chest. “That was mean, but I concede. I’ll leave the foreign accents to my mom.” A shroud of sadness ghosts over her.
“You miss her.” I hold her closer, the need to comfort her instinctual.
“I do. I miss Mom and Dad. Audrey too.”
“You’re very brave, Viv.” I brush my knuckles across one cheek as we stand at the pedestrian crossing, waiting for the lights to turn green. I pull her flush against my front. “It took guts to fly halfway round the world on your own. To start over in a new place, a new college. They must be so proud of you.”
“They’re always proud of me.” She links her fingers through mine as the lights change, and we break our embrace. I keep a firm hold of her hand as we cross the road. “I’m so lucky they’re my parents. They always have my back, and they support me one hundred percent. I talk to them several times a week, but it’s not the same.”
“They must miss you too.”
“They do, but they’re coming over in July, and we’re going to travel around a bit.” She bites on the corner of her lip, looking sheepishly at me.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“Hollywood.” I drill her with a stern look as we turn the corner and head towards the restaurant. “Out with it.”
