“I bet you’ll do great.”
“Thanks. Well, break’s over. Back to it. Talk to you later.” I took the pile of cards from him and our fingertips brushed against the other. Like a chain reaction of electricity, my entire body reacted to that one simple movement. My breathing hitched and I couldn’t move.
I didn’t budge even though my break was over and I should’ve been working the floor.
How did he have so much power over me?
“Wait, before you go…” Gunner leaned closer. “Just one kiss.”
I looked around with a panicky feeling. “No, not here. Someone could see us.”
“No one’s around and it’s dark.”
“Fine.”
“I don’t need to pull your arm much.” I smiled mischievously.
I met him across the table and as our mouths moved towards the other, Grizz appeared at the table. I jumped back with a yelp, immediately pulling my hands back and shoving them into my lap under the table.
“Raemina? Gunner? What are you two doing back here? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Sorry, Grizz!” I scrambled to my feet, grabbing my notes and cards and shoving them in my bag. “I was just heading back.”
Grizz’s piercing eyes looked at me with skepticism. “Okay, good. We need you on the floor.”
Phew.
“Got it. Sorry.” I hurried away, but not without sneaking a glance back at them.
Grizz didn’t look so happy talking to Gunner, which only made me feel like shit. He didn’t deserve to get in trouble on my behalf.
Maybe I could talk to Grizz later and let him know he was helping me study. So what if we kissed a few times in the cooler?
We hadn’t gone out on a date or anything.
Yet why did it feel like I was already falling hopelessly in love with that man?
After my shift ended,I hung up my apron, grabbed my bag, and punched out. I headed to my car, not looking forward to the night of studying I had ahead of me. Hopefully, I’d manage some sleep before the eight am testing time.
As I walked closer to my car, I could make out the shape of a person leaning against it. Not just any person, otherwise I’d be running back towards the bar, but a familiar shape. One I’d often dreamed about one too many times lately.
Gunner.
“Hi.”
“Hey. What are you doing out here?” I looked around, checking to make sure Grizz wasn’t about to pop out on me.
“I’m sorry about earlier. Especially knowing Grizz was around.”
“It’s okay. I know it’s hard to resist.” I grinned.
He pushed off the car and moved closer, his frame mere inches from mine. We hadn’t dared yet put our hands on each other. Only quick kisses when we could get away with it. But right now, in this moment, all I wanted was for him to grab me by the waist, throw me against the car, and kiss the shit out of me. “Raemina…” Gunner said softly as he lifted his hand and ran it through my hair. “I…I can’t keep doing this.”
His words caused my heart to slam against my rib cage. “What do you mean?”
“This.” Gunner motioned between us. “Whatever this is. I need to be all in. And don’t tell me it’s not possible…please don’t.” He closed his eyes for a brief moment and when he opened them again, they blazed with fire. “I can’t breathe when you aren’t near me, Raemina. I am desperate for you. I want you.Needyou. Please. Come home with me.”
I panted like a damn dog in heat.
