Holt smiled as they strolled up the walkway to the B and B. When they reached the stairs, Bailey went up one before he reached for her hand, urging her to turn around.
“I had a great time tonight.” He stepped closer. “I hope I was gentlemanly enough that you’ll consider doing it again sometime.”
Her smile was sweet. “You get an A for effort.”
Holt held her gaze. “That doesn’t mean I don’t want to kiss you again.”
Her eyes shifted to his mouth, but Holt refrained from moving in. As much as he wanted to seal his lips to hers, it was obvious she was skittish. And until he figured out the reason, he would let her lead.
He waited until those pretty hazel eyes met his again. “All you have to do is ask.”
Bailey’s eyebrows lifted. “Ask?” She smiled shyly. “For you to kiss me?”
“Or you could kiss me. I certainly won’t mind.”
He could tell she was contemplating the idea, but she didn’t lean in.
“Whenever you’re ready, little rabbit. I’m not going anywhere.”
“I thought you were only stayin’ for a couple of days.”
Holt shrugged. “That was before I met you.”
Bailey’s expression sobered. “You’re a charmer, aren’t you? The guy who beds every woman he meets?”
“At one time in my life, I might’ve been,” he said honestly. “That’s not the case anymore, I assure you.”
“Well, Holt Callahan, I can tell you, I’ve never been into casual sex. So, if that’s what you’re expectin’…”
Fuck, she was sweet, and he decided he really liked it. Far more than he should.
“If it’s any consolation, I’m not looking for casual either.”
He could tell she didn’t believe him.
She finally smiled and brushed her hair behind one ear. “Well, I guess I’ll see you in the mornin’.”
“I sure hope so.”
Holt remained where he was until Bailey disappeared inside the B and B before he turned toward the park. He’d driven through town earlier today, so he knew where the bar was. It was true he’d taken a little detour with his date with Bailey, but Holt had every intention of confronting Rafe as soon as possible. The last thing he wanted was to find out he’d come all this way, only for the man to disappear again. Once was more than enough for him. Especially after the incredible night they’d shared.
Even now, he couldn’t help thinking about it.
“One night,” Holt said, holding back from kissing the man by sheer force of will.
Rafe tilted his head and their lips brushed. Holt inhaled sharply, surprised by the electrical current that simple touch had caused. Holt had never met a man who turned him on the way this man did.
“One night,” Rafe agreed.
The next thing Holt knew, Rafe had taken over, grabbing his head and crushing their mouths together. Holt banded one arm around Rafe’s back and jerked him closer, needing to feel that hard body pressed to his. He’d spent the entire summer fantasizing about this moment, and nothing short of a tsunami would ruin this night for them.
Thankfully, they were only steps from a soft, horizontal surface. Holt steered them into the house and across the few feet to the bed. Before he could push Rafe down so he could ravish every inch of him, the man stopped him.
“I’m in charge,” Rafe growled softly.
Holt had never given up control in the bedroom, but based on the sparkle in Rafe’s eyes, this was non-negotiable.
Luckily, Holt was adaptable.
