Her mouth moves against mine like she’s been waiting all night to do it.
Hell, I know I have.
I nip at her bottom lip, asking for entrance, as all thoughts of walking away dissipate.
She moans as my tongue dips inside, and she tips her head back, granting me better access.
My hands fall to her ass. I hoist her up onto the railing, and her legs circle my waist instinctively.
She threads her fingers through my hair, and I groan as she pulls roughly on the strands.
My erection grows painful as her hips begin to move against me, seeking friction.
I want nothing more than to carry her to one of the dark alcoves and tug her into my lap, but instead, I wrench my mouth from hers.
She sits, stunned and breathless. I rest my forehead against hers briefly before releasing my hold on her.
Her chest rises and falls quickly.
“Well,” she whispers breathlessly, “that escalated quickly.”
I let out a quiet laugh. “You started it.”
“Mmm, that’s debatable.”
“You’re trouble,” I murmur.
She smirks. Her fingers are still twisted in my flannel. “So I’ve been told.”
“You’re also my employee,” I add quietly.
Her eyes flicker. “Not tonight, remember?” she says. “Tonight, we’re just Harleigh and Porter.”
My jaw tightens. “That doesn’t change the fact that I’ll be your boss come Monday morning.”
She frowns, and her fingers slowly loosen from my shirt, gently pressing against my chest. My heart pounds against them.
“No, it doesn’t,” she agrees.
And that’s the problem. Pretending won’t change a thing.
My fingers brush along her tattoo. The words ringing true tonight. She is a wildfire.
Her eyes close briefly at the touch.
Fuck, she’s beautiful.
The night air shifts slightly, and a strong breeze moves across the deck.
She shivers again.
My arms move before I can stop them. Pulling her against me.
Her cheek presses against my shoulder. Her body fits against mine like it was meant to be there, her breath warm against my throat. The darkness of the patio hides us from the world.
And I just hold her.
The stolen moment stretches.
