His gaze lingers on my lips as he takes the fork away. He drags his fork through the first layer, lifting a bite to his mouth. I can’t stop thinking about his hands all over me last night and now his sensual mouth and what it can do to my body.
But I’m too chicken to say anything so I eat the cake and keep my dirty thoughts to myself. After a few more bites, my stomach’s organizing a protest.
“I’ll explode if I eat another bite.” I push the heavy slice of chocolate cake toward Declan.
He drags his fork through the thick frosting and lifts it to his lips. “As good as it is…” He pauses to slick his tongue along his lower lip, gaze locked on mine. “I’d rather lickyou. All over. Until you scream my name. Several times.”
Without breaking eye contact, he licks the frosting off the tines.
Heat rolls through me, dizzying in its intensity. I rest my elbows on the table and lean forward, lowering my voice. “Are you trying to demonstrate your skills by tonguing that fork?”
His lips curve into a slow, wicked smile. “Is it working?”
“Yes.”
“Good.” He sets the fork down with a solidclinkand raises a finger to signal Harper for the check.
Under the table, I press my knees together, trying to quiet the pulse between my thighs. He leans in just enough for his next words to caress my skin.
“Come back to my apartment with me.” His voice lands somewhere between a command and a question.
My breath stutters. I open my mouth to immediately screamyes, then hesitate. “Is this about protecting me from the Rider?” I flick my gaze to the half-eaten cake. “Or finishing what you’ve started?”
“Can it be both?” His expression stays serious, but his eyes burn with intent. “With an emphasis on getting my mouth all over you.”
I stand so fast, I almost knock over my chair. “That works for me.”
A low rumble shakes the window, followed by the soft hiss of rain against glass. The downpour builds fast—sheets of water slithering down the panes, thunder distant but moving closer.
Both of us glance out at the storm.
“We’re going to get soaked.” I frown into the dark night, the glass so covered with water, I can’t see anything beyond.
He stands and pulls out his wallet. “Rain or not, you’re going to be soaked in the next fifteen minutes anyway.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Declan
Harper hurriesover with a white cardboard box and the check. I’m one breath away from tossing every bill in my wallet on the table, grabbing Emery, and sprinting for the door.
Emery watches Harper fold the lid over the cake, her eyes wide and pleading, like she’s silently begging the woman to move faster. Her fingers twist around her napkin, the same way mine itch for her skin.
“Here you go,” Harper chirps, sliding the box toward me.
“Thanks.” I glance at the check, drop enough bills on the table to cover the tab and a hefty tip, and shove my wallet back into my pocket.
Rain hammers against the windows, blurring the street into nothing more than streaks of light.
I stand and take Emery’s hand. “Hey, Harper?” I call out before she disappears behind the bar. “It’s pouring out. Think your dad would mind if we cut through the back?”
Harper sweeps her gaze over us, her eyes lingering on our interlocked hands. Her brows pinch together for a brief second, then she forces a bright smile. “Of course not. Go ahead.”
I grab the cake, Emery grabs her bag, and we bolt.
The scent of coffee and cinnamon permeates the back hallway, and by the time I push the door open, rain has turned the parking lot into a silver haze.
“Ready?” I ask.
