Mercifully—and painfully—Belle was still flying high from her successful date, so she didn’t need his participation in the conversation.
“We came in fourth,” she said, “which sounds okay until I admit that there were only six teams.” She laughed, her cheeks slightly flushed. “Padraig, the bartender, told me to tell you hello. He stopped by our table a couple of times to chat. He’s so nice.”
Good to know Padraig had been true to his word. Not that Victor had ever doubted his friend.
“He’s a good guy,” Victor said.
“Sean and I both had the fish and chips for dinner, and they were amazing. He’d never been to Pat’s Pub, but he said he’s going back. Apparently, he and his audit team go out to lunch every Friday, so he’s taking them there next time.”
“Audit team?”
“He’s an accountant at a fairly large firm in the city. He moved here from Arlington after graduating from college.”
“You going to go out with him again?” Victor’s tone was way too aggressive, but tempering it was impossible.
A small line formed between Belle’s brows, and he suspected she was confused by his hostility. Why wouldn’t she be? It wasn’t like he’d made any claim on her or even given her any idea he was interested. He’d been working overtime to hide his feelings. Apparently, he’d done a good job.Toogood.
Belle recovered quickly, shrugging. “We didn’t make any other plans, but he did say he’d text me soon, so I’m assuming that meant he thought the date went well too.”
“Did he kiss you good night?” Victor asked.
Jesus. Like that was any of his goddamn business.
This time, Belle’s confusion lingered longer. “I…”
He should take his question back, but the jealous beast was still running the show, and it wanted a fucking answer.
Regardless, he wouldn’t blame Belle if she told him to mind his own damn business.
Of course, she didn’t. Because if there was one thing he’d learned about Belle since she’d come to live in his house, it was that she was open and giving and honest. It wasn’t in her nature to keep secrets or put on airs or hold herself back.
She shook her head. “No. He didn’t kiss me. I think he’s a little bit shy, so I’m not surprised by that. And I was okay holding off on the kissing. I haven’t dated in a long time, so I was kind of nervous when he walked me to my car.”
“You didn’t want him to kiss you?”
Belle shrugged. “I mean, it would have been nice. What girldoesn’tlike a good night kiss? But I’m fine with him taking it slow. It’s probably better that way.”
It sounded like Belle was planning to go out with Sean again.
It was that thought that overruled every brain cell in his head and led him to do the dumbest fucking thing in his life.
One of his hands gripped the back of her neck before he could think through the consequences. The other reached for her waist, tugging her across the cushions, closer to him.
If Belle had resisted the pull, had tried to escape his hold, he would have released her instantly, would have stopped himself before…
His lips met hers in a kiss that was too hungry, too rough for a first kiss. He wasn’t easing her into this, wasn’t wasting time by being gentle.
Months—no,yearsof tension ignited all at once, and the result was a total combustion.
He used his lips to push hers apart, his tongue swiping in, stealing his first taste of her. Her breath was sweet and hot, her body pliant as he sought to shrink the distance between them even more. Victor wouldn’t be happy until every part of her was pressed up against him, until he had her wrapped up so tightly in his embrace, she couldn’t escape.
Belle returned his kiss, her fingers slipping through his hair, her small hands closing into fists and tugging with enough force that his scalp stung.
The pain only urged him on, and he growled into her mouth. Their tongues tangled, and he twisted her head, deepening the kiss, drawing it out. She was so soft and tiny and goddamn beautiful. He needed more. Needed fuckingeverything.
Belle arched toward him, offering him more, the prey baring her throat as his lips slid along the slim column, planting kisses and licks and nips on the path downward. It was too tempting to refuse, even though it was reckless on her part.
Grasping her waist, he half pulled/half lifted her, Belle following his unspoken demand perfectly as she swung one leg over both of his thighs, straddling him.
