I want him. I want everything.
The deviant part of my brain demands we go inside and get hot and sweaty.
No sex! In the back of my mind, Heather’s words are rattling around. Bait the hook, chum the waters. God, now, I’m doing fishing metaphors!
But can I really let him leave? That kiss wasn’t nearly enough to tide me over and take the edge off my lust.
My mouth says it before I can even stop myself, “Jared, wait.”
He stops, turning to face me, one eyebrow raised in question. I move closer to him. He’s only managed to descend one step, so as I step closer to him, we’re eye to eye, mouth to mouth.
“I just need a little more than that, so I can replay it later when I’m alone.” My eyes flick to his mouth, and I bite my lip in need.
He doesn’t need asking twice. Almost instantly, his hand comes up to my neck, cupping my jaw, tilting my head a little further to give him access, and his mouth covers mine. I gasp against his lips as his other arm wraps securely around my waist, turning me so my back is against the wall as his hard body presses against me, pinning me there. His lips move against mine, and when his teeth scrape against my bottom lip, it’s so sexy that I feel my lust ratchet up another level. I’ve never been so turned on by a kiss.
I whimper into his mouth and brace my hands against his chest as our tongues slide against each other. He tastes of coffee and the cheesecake we shared earlier. I’ve lost control of my hands now as they skim over his body, exploring the hard, warm skin hidden under his T-shirt. I can feel the bunched-up power of him, the muscles, the tension in his arms and shoulders as he kisses me like this is our last minute on Earth.
His fingers thread into the back of my hair, and he lets me come up for air. I suck in a ragged breath as his thumb teasingly strokes across my bottom lip before his mouth claims mine again. This kiss is so different from the first. The first was sweet and romantic; this one is more animalistic and out of control. I bloody love it.
He pulls away too soon. I’m breathless, and my skin is alive with sensation, my insides squirming with the need for more. His forehead presses against mine, and he breathes heavy. My mouth quirks with a smile as I realise he’s just as turned on as I am. That knowledge gives me confidence. It’s empowering.
“I should go,” he finally says quietly, but he doesn’t move away. Instead, his fingers press into my lower back, forcing us closer.
As our hips connect and I feel just how aroused he is by the kiss too, he makes a sound in the back of his throat that almost makes me lose my mind. His thumb strokes across my jawline as his eyes meet mine; his pupils are huge, dark, wanting.
“I should go,” he says again, and it’s more forceful this time. Unfortunately, he means it.
“Okay.” Reluctantly, I release my grip on his shoulders and lick my lips, tasting him.
He gulps, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he steps back and huffs out a big breath, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. A smile tugs at the corner of his mouth as he looks me over. I dread to think what I look like—a wanton, horny devil with smudged lipstick and wild, crazy eyes, I’d bet.
“I’ll see you tomorrow at seven.”
I nod, pushing myself away from the wall. “Okay. Sleep well. Try not to dream about me.”
His eyes twinkle as he grins—the full-on, mesmerising grin—and it’s almost too much to bear. “I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”
He turns and heads for the stairs again, and this time, I let him go.
five
I smile happily, and the girl in the full-length mirror smiles back at me, her face flushed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. A second date. I’ve been floating on a cloud ever since that kiss last night. Today at work, all my regular passengers kept asking if I’d won the lottery or something because I was in such a happy mood.
I smooth my hands down over my denim skirt and then straighten my favourite off-the-shoulder cream knit jumper. The straps of my black bra are visible, just teasing at what’s underneath. The girl staring back at me looks confident and sassy. My hair is down again, like last night. It was a planned-out move. Last night, when he’d kissed me, Jared had threaded his hands into the back of my hair, and it was exquisite. I want that again tonight. I’m happy with my look. I feel cute.
I sigh happily and apply a last sweep of clear lip gloss across my lips, before looking at the clock—6:55. My excitement kicks up another notch. I can’t wait to see him again.
When my phone beeps with a text, I practically skip over to my bedside unit and scoop it up. It’s him.
I’m so sorry. I’m running late, and I haven’t even left work yet. Meeting overran, and I couldn’t leave. Sorry! Do you still want to go out? Totally understand if you want to blow me off. Though I hope you don’t …
Blow him off? Hell no!
I text him back.
It’s no problem. I’ll see you when you get here.
I wait, staring down at my screen, seeing the blinking dots to show he’s typing. I grin in anticipation.
Excellent. I’m now leaving. Will be there in 15. x
When he finally arrives, he’s in a navy-blue three-piece suit, paired with a maroon tie and matching pocket square. I quickly decide this is the best I have ever seen him look. It’s so formal and smart, professional and just … edible. I’m wowed.
“Amy, I’m so sorry I’m late,” he says, frowning, his eyes alight with sincerity.
I wave one hand and invite him into my flat. His eyes linger on me as I step to the side, his gaze appreciative, and I see a muscle in his jaw flex. I smile inwardly and feel my face flush with pleasure.
Jared thinks I look cute too.
Score.
“You’re a little overdressed for the cinema,” I observe, pursing my lips as I look him over again.
There’s a subtle black check in the material of his suit that you can only see when you’re this close. I silently wonder how many other people have been this close to him today to see it.
He groans and nods. “I know. But I didn’t want to make myself any later by going home to change. I hope that’s okay. I’ll leave my jacket and waistcoat and stuff in the car.”
He tugs on the knot of his tie and unfastens the top button of his white shirt with one hand. After, he works on the buttons of his waistcoat, leaving it hanging loose against his body. I watch, transfixed. Somehow, he looks even sexier now that he’s a little dishevelled.
I swallow and nod, lost for words. How is it that I get more attracted to the guy every time I see him? It’s not fair.
When his stomach rumbles loudly, he puts a hand on it and smiles awkwardly. “Sorry. I haven’t had time to eat today. I was in back-to-back meetings all day. Last thing I ate was a protein bar on the way to a ten a.m. conference call.”
I frown, not liking the idea of him not taking care of himself. “Do you want to go to dinner tonight instead?”
He shakes his head and slips off his tie, carefully folding it up and pushing it into his jacket pocket. “No, it’s fine. I’ll get popcorn.” But his stomach rumbles again, louder this time.
My eyes scan over him. He looks exhausted and a little stressed. He’s had a day.
“I have an idea. Why don’t we order takeaway and watch a movie here instead? There’s probably rubbish on at the cinema anyway.”