“No, because I never want to miss an opportunity to steal a kiss or two.”
I claim her lips, my tongue delving inside her mouth. I can taste the fruity concoction she’s been drinking all night, and even though I’m not a huge fan of coconut, it’s driving me wild. Of course, that could just be her too. When we break apart, I grin and whisper, “Just a simple hello.”
“I rather love your hellos.”
And there it is. The one word that sends my mind spinning and my heart racing.
No, she didn’t declare her undying love the way I’d prefer, but just the use of the L-word has me picturing a future that doesn’t match hers.
“What’s wrong?” she asks, concern flooding her face.
“Nothing. Why?”
“You just suddenly looked…sad.”
“Me?” I reply with a little chuckle and a grin, doing everything I can to mask the hurt I suddenly feel. Realizing we’re on two entirely different pages is a hard pill to swallow.
She watches me, trying to get a read on me, but I make sure to shut down any emotion or feeling other than the normal carefree, laid-back vibe I usually carry. “You’d tell me if something was bothering you, wouldn’t you?”
“Of course,” I insist quickly. “Now, come on, let’s get back out there. I don’t want them sending a search party for you and finding me in the women’s restroom.”
I take her hand, release the lock, and pull open the door. Only to come face-to-face with Lizzie. She has her arms crossed over her chest and gives me a look that lets me know she’s not impressed. “A customer just came to tell me a man may have cornered a woman in the restroom. How did I know this is exactly what I’d find.”
I lift my shoulders and bring Oaklee’s hand to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on the soft skin. “I can’t help she finds me irresistible.”
Oaklee whacks me on the arm. “All is well, Lizzie. This one followed me into the restroom for a quick kiss.”
Lizzie shakes her head and points at me. “Steal your kisses in a public place, not designated for restroom use, buster.”
“Yes, ma’am,” I give her a wide, charming grin.
She sighs and steps back, allowing us to exit the restroom.
We walk back into the main bar, and I can feel everyone’s eyes on us. I don’t care though. I just press a kiss to her cheek and watch as she returns to her table with Lizzie to finish painting her masterpiece.
And me?
I return to my stool to watch.
Like the lovesick sap I am.
“Come on, beautiful. Let’s get you home,” I say as I help a buzzed-up Oaklee into the passenger seat of my truck before slipping her painting over the headrest and into the back.
“You’re pretty,” she says, running her palm across my cheek as she stares up at me from the seat.
I can’t help but smile. “Thank you, sweetheart. I think you’re pretty too.”
She grins as I shut the door and run around to the driver’s side and climb in. As soon as I have the truck started, she leans over and lays her head against my arm. Since she’s buckled in, she can’t get any closer, but I sure do like the feel of her lying against me regardless.
I drive toward her house, a Faith Hill song playing on the radio. I don’t know when I start humming along to the tune, but I only notice when I sense her eyes on me. Glancing to my right, I give her a grin. “What?”
“Even when you hum, you have a nice voice. I think you should come over every night and sing me to sleep,” she says, yawning.
“Yeah?” I ask, returning my eyes to the road while my heart pounds like a snare drum in my chest.
“Oh yeah. You sing me to sleep, and you’d get lucky every night,” she vows.
I’d be lucky.
