He places one hand on my back to guide me toward the entrance to the main nature trail. I hope he doesn’t notice that his touch gives me goosebumps. I can’t explain those away as weather-related chills since it’s as muggy as a swamp out here.
Ahead, a narrow boardwalk runs through the forest. With railings on each side, it sits about a few feet off the marshy ground.
When we get to the short staircase at the boardwalk’s entrance, he releases my lower back to gesture for me to go first. “Milady.” He even adds a chivalrous bow to sell it.
I’m filing that memory in theReed folderin the back of my brain. It’ll be nice to retrieve it when I’m bored in my future jail cell. No doubt I’ll never see this playful side of him again. He’ll probably be all business at my trial when he testifies against me.
I search my memories, unable to recall ever seeing him as upbeat as he’s been on these dates. He certainly would never ham it up in front of Kenzie or his family.
He’s only this way with me.
At least, that’s what I’m gonna tell myself when I need an ego boost.
This playful version of Reed is a whole new side of him for me to love.
Wait. Who said that?No. Not love.
To be wary of. A whole new side of him to be wary of.
With my cheeks flaming, I grab his open hand and tug him upright from his silly bow. “You’re laying it on a bit thick, Reed.”
He throws his voice in some version of a British accent. “So you don’t wish for me to be a gentleman? Noted. I guess I shall be a cad.”
Mouth first, he dives at my neck, peppering me with obnoxiously loud kisses and nibbles. It shocks a boisterous laugh out of me, but I don’t shy away from his faux affections.
Rational Lilaknows I should push him away and laugh off his joke immediately.
Sadly, I don’t know where that chick is right now.
Instead, I grab the back of his head and shove him deeper against my neck.
“Ravish me, you naughty,naughtyrake,” I purr, getting in on the bit while simultaneously reveling in the feel of his mouth on my skin.
Even if it isn’t real, I can still enjoy it. Plus, it’s more good stuff for me to recall when I’m rotting in jail. I’d like my Reed folder to be overflowing with moments like these.
There’s a rumble against my skin. Oh my goodness.He’s growling against my throat.
If he keeps that up, I’m gonna cut this amazing date off short and ask him to bang me in the back of his car.
Missing birding would be such a shame.
But also not.
Two things can be true at once.
Regrettably, I come to my senses. Giving him a tiny shove, I break out of his hold. “All right. Enough of that.”
He takes the brush off well, snickering as he releases me. But he doesn’t let me get more than a step away before returning to my side to retake my hand.
I’m on a date with Reed Hayes. And he’s holding my hand. While we’re in the most perfect place in the world. Plus, he’s being playful and sexy. Soft and sweet, only for me.
If this is a dream, I don’t want to wake up.
“Lila, what’s a rake? I feel like that means something, but I have to admit, I don’t get it.”
His unexpected question sends me into a spontaneous giggle fit. He joins me, but when I glance his way, he appears to be waiting for an answer.
“Well, if you’re really asking,” I start, my brows raised in inquiry.
