“Of course. Why wouldn’t I be?” As if on instinct, Collie reaches to run her hand through the hair at the top of my head, straightening out my tousled waves. She reached for me without thinking twice. And the stirring is back in my chest, making me shiver from the effortless contact.
“I don’t like the way they’re looking at you.”
Collie lowers to her bottom, putting my large frame directly between her legs at the bar. She pulls at the center of my shirt, bringing me closer. Inches away from her lips. “And how are they looking at me, Easton? I’d really love to know.”
I gulp, unable to move. “Like they want to touch you.”
She runs her finger up the side of my arm, torturously slow. It’s a tease, and I’m weak enough to chase it. “And how else?”
“Like they want to fuck you.”
“Mhm,” Collie moans softly. It’s subtle, but I feel it bone deep. Her small hand finds the side of my face, caressing my cheek with the softest of touches before settling in on my bottom lip. “It’s been far too long since I’ve been well and thoroughly fucked.”
I can’t take it any longer. I can’t hold back. Not when she says things like that. I want to break things. To throw her over my shoulder and make bad choices. Filthy choices. “Maybe we should rectify that then,” I grunt before crashing her lips to mine.
My kiss is possessive, not leaving room for any man in this bar to think he has a shot with her. No. She’s here with me, and mine for the infinite future.
Mine.
Our lips are fused together, leaving no room to breathe or speak. For the first time in my adult life, I don’t care who’s watching. Let them see. I’ve got nothing to hide. This woman has taken up every single one of my thoughts with her bold and beautiful heart.
“I think I’m ready to play pool now, Ranger.” Her voice is strained. Breathy. Turned on. But there’s a hidden meaning behind that statement.
“Fuck, Collie. I need a reason to fuck you that isn’t because I’m a jealous prick,” I exhale, our foreheads stabilizing with each other.
“Ask me what we’re playing for, then?”
For once, I chose not to tease her about her need to make everything a game. Not when, this time, I’ll hopefully come out on top.
“What are we playing for, lost girl? Make it good. And help me win.”
She kisses me one last time and whispers across my lips. “Winner picks the place. Wherever. However. No arguments. Just promise to make it the best we’ve ever had.”
Fucking hell. My cock aches against the seam of my jeans, dying to be inside of her. “Either way, we both win.”
A nod is all I’m granted, yet I know it’s the light at the end of my dry spell. And there’s no one else I can think of that I’d rather do it with.
“Game on, beautiful.” My head dips in, lips ghosting against her neck, and drinking in her sweet cotton candy scent. “And just a side note for you—I’m a good fucking shot. Be ready to be a good girl and listen to me. I know you seem to have trouble following the rules.”
Without giving her a chance to respond, I grab the shot ofJameson she abandoned beside her and throw it back. I have every intention of winning. And it’s time I show Collie just who I really am.
Starving. Deadly. Protective.Possessive.
Ready to win.
22
COLLIE
I can’t keepmy feet from thumping to the music.
“Burn It To The Ground” by Nickelbackresounds from the jukebox across the bar, practically calling me to dance. The girls on the bar top line dance in sync, and my eyes shift to Easton’s across the pool table, already watching me.
He never lets me out of his sight. Never once glanced at another woman in this bar.
Not in a creepy way. But in a protective way. He’s protective of me, and despite not knowing what to do with that feeling, it’s electrifying to have his eyes on me.
Eyes I know don’t focus on just anyone.
