“Can I go with you?” she asked. “I’d like to talk to the art teacher.”
He nodded. “Of course. I’ll swing by here around ten to pick you up. Or will you be at the condo?”
“I’ll be here. Thanks. I appreciate you hooking me up.”
As soon as she said it, his gaze darkened, then dropped to her lips. Damn…that was the look that always revved her engines. All her good parts instantly sparked to life, and a shiver of heat rippled down to her toes.
She didn’t remember their attraction being this strong.
His smile slowly faded about the same time her heart rocked hard in her chest. They stood there, barely a foot apart, staring at each other. She didn’t dare to breathe, or blink. But she knew she needed to move. Trouble was, she couldn’t remember if moving away, or stepping closer was the right thing to do.
His gaze was a stormy blue, no doubt reflecting his inner turmoil. She wanted to make him feel better, but the line between what she wanted and whatheneeded began to blur.
A second later they lunged for each other.
His hands were in her hair, holding her still while his mouth devoured hers in a kiss that was as demanding as it was giving. Deep, hungry, scintillatingly thorough, he proceeded to wipe every single thought from her mind, except one. More. She needed more.
Cupping the back of his head, she brushed her tongue against his, remembering the exact stroke that used to drive him mad. A low, sexy sound rumbled deep in his chest, and one of his wonderful hands ran down her back to cup her ass and crush her closer.
Another sexy sound emanated between them. This time it came from her. He had her vibrating with need, made her want things. Everything.
God, she’d missed this heady rush…this out-of-control feeling.
When he stiffened and suddenly released her, she blinked and grasped the table behind her for balance. “What’s wrong? Why’d you stop?”
Chapter Six
With a mirthless laugh, Ryder shook his head. “Because it should’ve never started. I’m sorry, Sophia. That was my fault.” He made to walk away, but she grabbed his arm.
“The hell it was.” Her chin rose and eyes flashed with indignation. “I was a fully participating…participantin that kiss, too, Ryder.”
Damn, she was beautiful, and that kiss just proved their explosive chemistry had nothing to do with wine or champagne all those years ago. Her gaze was locked on his mouth, and he could tell she wanted his on hers again.
Bad idea.
A piece of her long hair stuck to his stubbled jaw. He reached up to brush it away, but ended up wrapping the silky strand around his finger instead.
Christ, he had no fucking clue what he was doing.
That explained why he kissed her again. Another wild, off-the-hinges, tongues tangling, rock-his-world kiss that left him reeling when they broke apart for air. She leaned against the table, breathing ragged, gaze as dazed as he felt. Working to catch his breath, he stared at her lips, still wet from his kisses, and barely managed to refrain from pulling her in a third time.
What the hell was wrong with him?
He drew in a deeper breath, then another, waiting for the axis to tip back and right his stupid world.
Never fucking happened.
Not good.
It was time to go. “That can’t happen again.”
Her gaze narrowed. “Why not?”
Jesus, now was not the time for her old rebellious nature to kick in. He straightened his spine. “You need to steer clear of me, Sophia.”
“Kind of hard to do when we’re going to be working together.” Her tone was full of the same derision gleaming in her eyes.
Muffling a curse, he scrubbed a hand over his face and stared hard at her. “You know what I mean.”
