“More than you want me?”
“If I felt like you would actually let me have you, the answer to that would be no, but seeing as I know how you feel aboutpeople in my industry, I doubt if you’d ever take something between us seriously.”
I couldn’t deny that. Quite frankly, I was surprised I even kissed her. I guess that was over a decade of desire that needed to come out. There was no doubt in my mind it would’ve led to more if she hadn’t pushed me away.
“You’re right. I said I’d never date a journalist again.”
Her jaw clenched as she looked away while nodding. “So . . . just professional. But that was the best kiss I’ve ever had, and it’s even more special because it came from you.”
Before I could prepare, Avery took my hand into hers and kissed my cheek. I stood there as she walked away, willing my heart to not try and go after her.
We couldn’t date.
Wewouldn’tdate.
So there was no point in even letting things get physical.
But damn if I didn’t want them to.
One Week Later
I couldn’t believe I was disappointed by the fact that Avery hadn’t shown up in a whole week. It was time to accept the fact that she’d given up and gone back home. While a part of me was glad she’d stopped trying to get an interview, the other part of me missed her.
Was it the kiss?
Did I come on too strong, too fast?
That couldn’t have been the case, because she said she wanted to keep things professional.
The more time passed, the curiouser I got about what was keeping her away.
As I tried to figure out what I wanted for dinner, the sound of tires on gravel made me smile. Even without me looking outside, I knew it was her. Like always, Gremlin started barking at the door. I made my way to it, and at the sight of her, my smile widened.
“Where have you been?” were the first words out of my mouth.
“I wanted to give you a break,” Avery admitted with a small smirk.
“I thought I’d run you away.”
She laughed. “Nah. I don’t scare too easily.”
“Good. You hungry?” I asked, surprisingly open to the idea of company.
“Starving.”
“You’re just in time then . . .”
6
Avery
It appeared Ali was happy to see me, and I was glad I’d waited a week to pull up on him again. To say I was caught off guard by the kiss would be an understatement. I didn’t think anything could top him remembering me, but him confirming I wasn’t alone with how I felt for him was like the icing on the cake. Icing that melted the moment his lips connected with mine. All week, that kiss haunted me in the best way possible. Every time I thought about it, my pussy leaked and nipples hardened.
“Did you miss me?” I couldn’t resist asking as he led me through his home.
He looked back at me with a playful expression before his eyes slowly scanned my frame. “I did actually. I thought you’d gone back to Memphis.”
“Nah. I told you I don’t scare easily, and Ialwaysget what I want.”
