He stops, and his shoulders bunch under his jacket.
When he turns, there's a wildness to his eyes, so at odds with his controlled demeanor. Like something in him unclenched an iron fist.
He reaches for me, cupping my neck in one strong palm, and pulls me closer.
My hands land on his chest. The hard thump of his heart vibrates against my palm. And beneath the black dress shirt, his muscles feel like steel. Thick and powerful.
Dallas’s thumb brushes my jaw and tilts my head up. He searches my face.
I don’t know what he’ll see there, because there are so many emotions spinning inside me. Hope, attraction, nervousness.
Fear that this moment will end.
He slowly lowers his head, and his lips brush mine, so light I barely feel it. His warm breath fans my lips, and the strength of his body surrounds me.
I lean closer. Needing more.
Dallas presses his lips to mine.
His other hand finds my hip, holding me steady as I go up on my toes because he’s so much taller.
He licks my lower lip, then presses another kiss to my mouth. This one harder, more demanding. The wildness I saw slipping free of its restraint.
My lips open automatically, and he sweeps his tongue against mine. Dallas claims my mouth with his kiss. Exploring. Commanding. Showing me a glimpse of the passion we could have.
He smells warm and a little spicy, like sandalwood and cinnamon, and his short beard rasps against my lips and chin, feeling deliciously soft.
Warmth spreads through me, making me aware of everywhere we touch. It’s hard to breathe.
A low moan escapes him. Then suddenly, hishand on my neck loosens, and he breaks the kiss.
But I don't want this to end. Not yet.
I grab fistfuls of his lapels and pull him closer, kissing him again.
What would it take to make himreallylose that tight grip on his feelings? What would it take to make him stay?
I don't get the chance to find out.
Dallas lifts his head and his thumb brushes my lower lip. Then he sets me back and puts space between us.
Air-conditioned air rushes in to cool my heated skin, making me shiver.
"Lock the door behind me," he orders.
I nod, barely able to form real words. "I will."
Dallas cups my cheek, staring into my eyes for a moment, then opens the door and steps through. He stops on the other side, waiting for me to lock up.
I fumble for the latch and turn it. Maybe it's dumb, but I give him a little wave.
He'll probably forget all about me and this brief ice cream encounter, but deep in my heart, I know I'll never forget it—or him.
Dallas.
The man who made me forget about my dad, and galas, and blackmail for a little while.
The man who kissed me like I was someone special.
