Her grin turns shy as she sets the box down, deciding not to eat. “I guess you’re kind of my client. And yes, I have no qualms admitting that I wasn’t going to keep quiet about my attraction, it would have been obvious anyway.”
“You were not subtle, nor was I.” Setting my food on the table, we both have empty hands, and we should probably efficiently use them for other activities. “Again, I feel obliged to point out that I’m the guy that plays games, and I just haven’t figured out which one I’m playing with you.”
With purpose, Lexi leans across me, ensuring her body presses against mine as she reaches for something. Her eyes sizzle with a sexy glint that is roping me in, only made worse because her mouth is within inches of mine. I take in our mingling breaths and debate if my hand should slide up the side of her body, but I don’t get a chance to decide because she begins to drag her body back to sitting next to me.
Lexi holds a fortune cookie up. “My favorite part of the meal.” Her voice is a hoarse whisper.
“Meal, sure, but once that goes into your mouth then the meal is over.”
Her brows rise to throw caution at me before she cracks open her cookie to read the paper. “Run while you can or accept your fortune.”
I lick my lips, completely enamored by her humor that is on par with my own. “Fitting,” I say before I nab my own cookie. Breaking it open, I read aloud, “You should touch the woman sitting in front of you.” I throw the paper over my shoulder and move in to glide my hand along her cheek, urging her to move closer.
“It didn’t say that.” She grins.
“You’re right. It only said, ‘you will have a good year.’ But my version is better and by far more likely to come true.”
She presses her lips together but doesn’t let go of her smile. I’ll cross the line because I’m completely tempted by her. From her fun personality to the way she tucks her hair behind her ear, I’d be angry if I never got the chance to touch her the way I want.
“I’ve walked into your life when I probably shouldn’t,” she chides.
“Don’t think, Lexi. We’re all allowed a little escape,” I whisper.
She breaks away and stands abruptly, with her palms smoothing over her clothes. She busies herself with cleaning up the table which disappoints me and confuses me, but I follow her lead.
Walking to the kitchen, she sets the boxes on the counter with her back to me and her hands planted on the edge of the quartz counter. She appears to be in deep thought.
It doesn’t feel like I should say anything, so I don’t. Which is good, because Lexi spins on her toes, and the speed of her eyes flicking to me transmits the message perfectly.
I’m not sure who makes the move first, but we both take the step to crash our mouths together, her hands quickly finding their way to hang onto my elbows as my hands discover the curve of her hips, because we’re in for a long kiss.
Maybe even more.
7
LEXI
Was he really anxious that I would just walk away and avoid a kiss?
Nah, I just wanted to keep Holden in suspense a little. Draw it out to ensure he doesn’t get cocky with the idea that I would be easy at the click of his fingers.
Our ability to play around one another is equal. We both have that skill and on the same level.
Holden’s lips are near bruising, and I love it, which is why I give back as good as I get. My arms slide up his then slow so my hands can trace the curve of his shoulders until I link them behind his neck. He is a little taller than me, so I rise on the balls of my feet. The ability for my body to find the right position of its own accord while I kiss Holden is a talent because it means I can sink into this heavenly kiss.
We both seem to murmur when our mouths tilt together to get more. His lips are firm but caress mine just right. The short afternoon stubble around his mouth is the perfect combination to remind me how much of a man he is.
Sparks fly through my body, and my heart quickens as we gently part to gather some air to breathe, right before our mouths find each other again, a little slower this time. The tips of our tongues greet one another with a little dance. Heat skims down over my obliques to settle on my waist, and gosh, his hands framing my body is what I was craving. It brings stability to the kiss that has me wanting more.
Holden almost growls when we pull away, with his eyes connecting with mine, only to dip down to my swollen mouth then strike up back to my eyes. It’s sexy and inviting. He has plans for me, and I’m willing.
“That was fun.” His voice is gruff but assured.
“Was?” I ask, with a smile covering my fear that this was it.
But he chuckles. “Not a damn chance.”
My smile widens right before he dives down to kiss me again. We begin to step together, circling around as we move toward the couch. During this travel of anticipation, he pulls on the edge of my t-shirt before peeling it up with vigor, only for me to take over when his arm wraps around my middle to keep me close. He only takes one moment to admire my pink lace bra, and it seems to fuel him, because the moment we are back at the couch, he lifts then twirls me until I’m on my back underneath him.
