“I thought you were in trouble.”
“Well, you were wrong.”
“Not entirely.” I nod toward the microwave. “I did put out a fire.”
“Hardly a fire.”
“Your dinner was good tonight.” My abrupt change of subject throws her for a second. “The guys really enjoyed it.”
“Like I said, they’ve been working hard, and The End should be opening soon. It’s the least I could do.”
“Looks like we’re all gonna get something out of this deal.” My eyes linger on her lips, but she doesn’t react.
“I just want to work and make a profit, or at least a living.”
“I just want a place the Kings can call their own, and you don’t have to worry about the other guys moving in here. They’ve got their own places, and fixing the second floor isn’t a priority.”
“And you?”
“And me what?” I know exactly what she’s asking, but shit, I’m gonna make her work for it.
“Are you staying or going?”
“Not sure.” Another total lie. The demons of hell couldn’t get me outta here. “You got an opinion on it?”
“No,” she snaps out way too fast. “I mean, you should do what you want.”
“Do what I want?” I’m sure she doesn’t mean it ‘cause I’d have her flat on her back with those booty shorts around her ankle monitor.
“No one’s stopping you.” Her dark eyes sear into mine.
Is she saying what I think she’s saying?
“That hasn’t been an option for me in a long-ass time.” I should leave now.
I don’t.
Sammie stays stone-still. Daring me?
“Maybe it’s time for a change.”
We’re still close enough for me to feel the heat of her body. My fingers itch to wrap the soft curls of her hair around them, now loose and twisting around her shoulders. I slowly reach out and gently wind the end of her hair around my forefinger, gauging her reaction. Testing her. Asking without words. She doesn’t pull away. A second later, she steps closer. Consent.
I tug on the random strand. “Beautiful and wild.” Then I brush away the curls and lean in close to her ear. “Just like you.”
Her head tips back slightly, exposing her throat. The move is instinctive. Unconscious. Dangerous.
I freeze.
Because I know that posture. I know that look on her face. I also know this is a bad fuckin’ idea.
She twists her head slightly. “I know you want to kiss me.”
“If I kiss you,” I say, low and controlled, “everything changes.” I brace my hand against the sink, caging her in on one side.
She follows my hand, then her eyes lift to mine. “How?”
“You become mine, and what happened in the kitchen today with Speed never happens again.”
