Walter walks out of his apartment. “Oh, I could have helped you.”
Lindsey shows us where to put things down, and instead of following her in, I step to Walter. I move one of the bags to my other hand and reach out. “Hey, Walter, it’s nice to meet you. Lindsey and I are dating, so I figured I’d better introduce myself since I’m going to be around a bit.”
His jaw tightens, confirming what I already guessed. The neighbor is into my girl.
Mike walks out of Lindsey’s apartment with a chuckle. No doubt he heard me practically staking my claim. He puts a thumb over his shoulder. “I’ll be in the car.”
I nod as Lindsey joins Walter and me at her front door. “Anyway, it was nice to meet you, Walter.” I walk into Lindsey’s apartment. It’s small, but it’s cozy and welcoming.
She says bye to Walter and closes her door with us inside. She points to the couch. “You can just set it here.”
I set the bags down. “Lindsey?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know your neighbor is into you?”
She sighs. “Yeah, I know. I’ve turned him down and told him I don’t date neighbors. He’s just… being friendly.”
I cross my arms over my chest. “I don’t like it.”
She laughs. Full-on laughs at me and holds a finger up. “Uh, do you know we just met today? You’re awfully possessive of a woman you just met.”
I let my head fall back, and I groan. Hell, I’ve never felt this way before, and I’m not sure how to explain it to her. “I just want you safe, that’s all.”
She seems to preen with that answer, and I figure I’ll ask now. “Can I have your number?”
She holds her hand out, and I pull my phone from my pocket and give it to her. She types her name and number into my contacts. “I put my number in, but for some reason I feel like you already have it.”
I bite my lip because what she’s saying is true. Besides sitting and watching her all day, I was scouring everything I could find abouther. So yeah, I already got her number and memorized it. But I didn’t have to because she just gave it to me.
“Text me. When you get home tomorrow night.”
She smiles up at me, her blue eyes sparkling. “You want me to text you after my shoot?”
I nod, and she agrees.
Reluctantly, I walk to the door. “I had fun tonight, Lindsey. I’m looking forward to our second date.”
I open the door, and she leans against it. “Me too.”
I stop and hover over her. I want to kiss her so fuckin’ bad, but I don’t want to mess this up. “Uh, I guess I’ll see you. But seriously, text me tomorrow so I know you’re home safe.”
She nods, and with one last look at her lips, I turn to go.
I’m almost through the door when she stops me. “Miller.”
I turn quickly, but I don’t realize how close she is, and I have to reach out to hold her steady. “I”m sorry. What?”
She’s fiddling with the hem of her shirt, almostshyly. “Your rule about no drinking before sex. What about drinking before a kiss?”
My heart starts to race. “You want me to kiss you, Lindsey?”
It’s like she has been holding her breath and lets it out in a big rush. “Yes.”
I step toward her, and she leans against the opened door. I slide my leg between hers, doing everything I can to get as close to her as possible. I cup her face in my hands, and she’s looking up at me with a vulnerability I’m not used to seeing.
Slowly, I bend down and press my lips to hers. I intended to keep it swift and gentle, but as soon as our lips touch, it’s like I can’t let her go. She melts against me with a moan and burrows into me. Her arms go around my waist, and she pulls me against her. I nip at her lip, and when she opens, giving me better access, I slide my tongue into her mouth, and she whimpers. The kiss is hot and heavy, and I don’t want to stop, but if I don’t, I’m going to throw her over my shoulder and carry her to her bedroom and take her like I want to.
