“You get next time, how about that?” I handed some cash over and winked at her. “If we’re going to have multiple late night food runs, we’ll take turns. I think that’s fair.”
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re assuming we’ll do this again.”
“Uh, yes. The season can be long, and I’m enjoying my retirement by eating carbs.” I rolled my eyes. “Duh.”
Naomi let out a snort in an oddly adorable way, and I led her out of the diner. The air had chilled immensely, and I was glad I had a sweatshirt.
“Lead the way,” I said, shoving my hands into the hoodie pocket. A part of me wanted to keep my arm around her and hold her close to me, but that had to cross some line.
“I’m ten minutes west of here,” she said but then stopped and gave me an odd look. “Can I ask you something?”
Warning bells went off, and I quickly said, “Yes, I am charming all the time. Thank you for asking.”
She laughed. “No, I mean, yeah, you are. It’s annoying. But that wasn’t my question.”
My throat tightened just a bit because I knew what was coming. I could sense these things. But before she could even ask, I said, “I’ll tell you about it all someday, but not right now. I’m sure you want to ask about why I had counseling, and I just… not tonight.”
“Okay.”
She didn’t sound put-off or sad, but I could also be a dumbass. If a girl told me she was fine, I believed her. I mean, why wouldn’t you just sayI’m upset?It was the reason dating was a no-no for me when I’d played. Too much drama when hook-ups were so much easier.
I’m not playing anymore though.Did that mean I should try dating? My gaze slid to Naomi, and for a few seconds, I stared at her pursed lips. Her cute nose and soft eyes. Her birthmarks and sexy neck. She smelled so good and was easy to talk to. She was also the first person I’d felt comfortable with in years. But, but, but herdad. My internship. Even thinking about dating her made me deserve some time in the penalty box.
God, my mind was all over the place.
She shivered, and without thinking, I put my arm around her and tucked her tight against me. “You should wear more clothes.”
“Next time I’ll prepare for midnight food runs better.”
“Damn straight,” I said, enjoying her body pressed along mine. Her long sleeve shirt wasn’t enough, and she trembled. I ran my hand up and down her arm a few times and stopped. “Here.”
“Wait, what are you doing?”
“Giving you my sweatshirt. I’m chivalrous, obviously.” I took it off and placed it over her head, despite her protests. The chilled air sent goosebumps all over my body, but if I walked back fast, I’d be fine. Plus, I’d grown up back east. I could handle some cold temps.
“But what about you!”
“I’m meatier.”
She shoved her arms through the sleeves, and it was four times too big. She looked ridiculous, and I smiled at her.
“What?” she said, her tongue wetting her bottom lip as she stared at me. “It goes to my knees.”
“I know. It’s adorable.”
I’m not thinking about what you’d look like in just my clothes. Not even a little bit. Nope.
“That’s me. The adorable little nerd.” Her gaze warmed, and we continued back on our walk. She tried putting her arm around me this time, in the process stumbling over her feet and falling into me.
I was forced to put my hands on her hips to catch her. “Naomi, Jesus. You okay?”
“Uh, yeah. Just my dignity took a hit.” Her hips were full, and suddenly, I wasn’t cold anymore. Not when her chest pressed against mine and my hands were still on her.
Take them off. Stop touching her.
“Score is 2-0,” I said, looking down at her. Our mouths were inches apart. Maybe six inches. Her chocolatey breath hit my face, and she wet her lip, sending a bolt of lust through me. How easy would it be to lose myself with Naomi for a night? Hear what sounds she made when I kissed her and see how she reacted?
“Michael,” she said, her voice deep and throaty. My stomach tightened with need when her gaze moved to my mouth.
