I shivered as his breath tickled my ear.
“Well,” I said playfully. “Maybe just one prank?”
He pulled back. “What?”
I licked a big-ass stripe right up the side of his face. The squawk of indignation that burst from him was worth any amount of retribution.
I laughed as he tackled me to the couch and tickled me mercilessly until we both collapsed in exhaustion.
“I gotta go soon,” he said quietly. “My dad is having hip surgery tomorrow, and I promised I’d help Mom with him as he recovers.”
My heart melted a little. “As far as excuses to leave, that’s a pretty good one.”
“I’d stay if I could.”
He sounded so damn sincere I didn’t doubt it. “I know. I was just teasing.”
“Hmm. You’re good at teasing me,” he said with a yawn. “You teased me right into your arms. Very sneaky.”
I smiled. “Oh, is that what happened?”
“It definitely is. I was just innocently going about my business dating women—without much luck, but determined tokeep trying—and then you came along. Bam! Knocked my straightness right out of me.”
I snorted. “Idiot.”
“But a sexy idiot.”
“No argument here.”
He fell quiet, sighing, as I combed my fingers through his hair. He still pinned me to the sofa, and any minute we’d have to move.
But for now, I just enjoyed the closeness, wondering how I’d ever survive this man.
I’d either made the best decision of my life—or the biggest mistake yet.
CHAPTER 18
Maverick
I metJamie and Silas at Glazed Holes to grab some sugary snacks and work on wedding plans the next day. Damon’s truck was already gone when I headed out, so at least I knew he hadn’t been lying about having an early morning.
Not that I really thought he had been, but well…my judgment had led me astray before. When it came to men—especially bi-curious, confused men—I didn’t trust myself.
Miles grinned at me from behind the cash register. “Morning, Maverick. Do you want me to glaze some holes for you?”
“Well, Jake might take issue with that,” I teased.
The kitchen door swung open and Jake peeked out, the broad planes of his face far more serious than Miles’ boyish smiles.
“Only if I’m not invited,” he deadpanned.
“Ohhh.” I laughed, caught by surprise. The guys wereolder than me by a good twenty years, but they’d both aged well. “You’re spicier than I thought.”
“How do you think I get Miles to stick around?”
“Good point.”
Jake pointed at Miles. “Get people to eat my holes. I’ve got a new batch coming up.”
