“Good. That’s good, kitten.” He nods once. “I know you already get unwanted attention because you’re the coach’s daughter, and dating me will bring more of that. I have a past that isn’t always pretty, and it will likely be dredged up.”
“I know what the media is like,” I assure him.
“I will do everything I can to protect you, but my past has been pretty prolific,” he says gently. “You might read or hear things that make you uncomfortable, and if that happens, I need you to come to me.”
“Okay. I will.” I breathe through my nerves.
“No brave faces. If something bothers you, I want to know about it,” he insists. “I need you to promise me.”
“I promise.”
“Good girl.”
A thrill shoots down my spine at the praise.
“I’ll deal with your dad.” Flip kisses the inside of my wrist.
“Deal with him how?”
“Talk to him. Explain that I want to date you.”
“What if he says no?”
“He won’t.” He squeezes my hand, reading my nerves. “Do you need time to think this through, Tally?”
I shake my head. “I know the risks and challenges. Not just for me, but for you.” That he’s willing to put himself on the line like this is humbling and elating.
“That’s good.” Flip pushes out of his chair and pulls me to my feet. His dark eyes glitter with satisfaction as he strokes the edge of my jaw. “Soon you’ll be mine.”
My knees nearly buckle.
He bends to press a soft kiss to my lips. But he doesn’t deepen it. Instead, he straightens. “Have a good day, kitten.”
“Wait. What?” That’s it? I’m so confused.
“I have practice in an hour, and you have dance rehearsal.” He motions to the whiteboard fixed to the wall with my schedule.
“But, but…I thought...” What did I think? That we’d end up in my bedroom making out after establishing our mutual desire to date? Based on the pinging in all my sensitive spots, the answer to that is yes.
“I can’t afford to be late today of all days, and neither can you.”
“Wait!” I grab his arm.
He turns back to me, expression amused.
“Aren’t you going to kiss me?”
The corner of his mouth kicks up. “I did kiss you.”
“I mean a real kiss. Like the one from last night.”
He cups my chin in his palm, fingers curving around my jaw as he tips my head back and slants his mouth over mine. I gasp and part for him. He sweeps my mouth on a low groan, and our tongues brush and tangle. When I try to wrap myself around him, he breaks the kiss and pulls back. “Is that what you wanted, kitten?”
“Yes, Phillip.” I’m breathless and achy, and he looks completely in control.
“If I let you go, will you be good and not try to wind yourself around me like your cat?”
“Maybe.”
