Ahh. “So not things you’re really interested in.” James is very easy to read. He is not happy about this.
“Charities have been dropped in my lap since I was old enough to be a patron. But I want to find something I’m passionate about. I don’t want to just go through the motions.”
“And what are you passionate about?” I push my empty plate out of the way, resting my chin in my hand.
“What areyoupassionate about?” He gives me that smile that is known to drop panties of women everywhere. I hate that I feel it all over. That liquid fire spreads through my body at the sight of it.
“I’m not the one that needs to get my life together, James. I believe that’s you.”
“Why can’t I just use your passion? You love music?” I give him a small nod. “I’ll go with music then.”
“You can’t just take my passion, James,” I say on a laugh.
“Damn. And here I thought it was going to be that easy.”
I stand, grabbing our plates and taking them to the sink. “Maybe I can help you narrow down the list.”
“You don’t have to do that.” James is behind me, refilling his drink.
“If we’re going to be married, I might as well be a sounding board for you.”
“What a good fiancée you are.” I can’t quell the butterflies that start fluttering in my stomach again. I hate how he affects me like this.
“You have to keep me around for a reason. Now, start talking.”
James finishes refilling his drink before hopping onto the counter. “So bossy.” He takes a hearty sip of his drink before he does what he’s told. “Maybe I could just make Sean’s art school my charity.”
“Would your sister like that?” I give him a stern eye.
“No, probably not.” He’s staring into his drink, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders. “Do we really have to do this?”
I walk over to where he is, resisting the urge to put my hands on his strong thighs. “James. I’m not trying to make this into a big thing. Maybe just start thinking about it. You might find that if you do, some inspiration might strike you. Remember what I said? Start small. You’re not becoming King tomorrow.”
James pulls me between his legs, his fingers dancing up and down my arm. Goose pimples break out in their path. “You’ll make a very good Queen, you know that?”
A shy smile breaks out across my face. “What makes you say that?”
“You see past my bullshit and put me in my place. Not to mention, you had Olivia wrapped around your finger. She loved you.”
Laughter escapes my lips. “I passed my Queen lessons then?”
“With flying colours.” James’s eyes keep drifting to my lips. Heat is radiating off him, pulling me into his orbit. His gaze is soft as he leans forward, ever so slowly, and captures my lips with his.
My mind goes blank. My body leans into his, wanting to bottle the electricity shooting through me.
All thought leaves my mind as James’s lips meet mine. They’re warm and soft and taste like scotch. Butterflies are swarming in my stomach as I lean into the kiss and James pulls me closer into him. Big, warm hands are a hot brand on my body. Everywhere they touch, I’m singed with a deep desire for more contact.
I’ve never had such a visceral reaction to a kiss. Fire is sweeping through my body. A moan escapes, causing James to sweep his tongue into my mouth. My hands fist in his shirt, tugging him closer to me, deepening the kiss.
Keeping him close to me with one hand, I thread my fingers through the waves at the nape of his neck. The strands are like silk under my fingers, as I twist my hand through the curls. A deep groan reverberates through him.
James is off the counter and backing me into the wall. His lips blaze a hot trail down my neck as he grinds his erection into me. I’m shameless in my need to get closer to him as I rock my hips into him. Desire snakes down my spine to my core. An ache so deep settles within me. I want more. More of his touch. More of his lips on mine. More of James.
“Fuck, Z.” James pulls back, his breath hot on my cheek. Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to tamp down the need inside me. James’s fingers brush over my neck, up to my jaw before tracing my lips. Fireworks are exploding inside my body at the slightest touch.
I skate my hands around his waist, not wanting to lose his touch. His strong muscles flex under my fingertips. “As much as I would love to continue this tonight, I’ve got a packed schedule tomorrow, and you have school.”
“But you do plan on continuing this?” Hunger laces my husky voice. I want more.
