“Thanks.”
“Code is 1785.” He nods to his phone. My eyes stay on his as he moves closer to me. He brushes a lock of hair out of my face. “Damn you’re beautiful.”
I lean into his touch. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
He lets out a deep chuckle. “I don’t think anyone has ever called me beautiful.” His eyes go to my mouth. “I’ll be right back.” His hand starts to drop. I reach out, grabbing it and stopping him. I don’t want to let this moment between us slip away.
“You want to kiss me?” I lick my lips as my eyes focus on his mouth, feeling bold.
“I don’t think there is a man in this whole fucking world that doesn't want to kiss you.” That causes me to lift my eyes back up to stare into his. I want to get lost in him tonight, to forget about all the heaviness that's weighing down on me from the events that took place earlier.
“But I only want you to kiss me.” I’ve wanted that all night. He moves, picking me up again and setting me on the kitchen island before I know what’s happening. He steps between my legs as his hand digs into my hair. He tilts my head back and kisses me.
I suck in a breath as his mouth meets mine. He takes the kiss. My fingers dig into his shirt as I part my lips for him. His tongue sweeps in as he dominates my mouth.
“Kiss me back, beautiful.” I hold on to him tighter as I do the same as him. My tongue slips into his mouth as a whimper of need leaves me. “Fuck,” he grits, pulling his mouth from mine. “We should stop if you want to call your friend or there will be no stopping for the rest of the night.” I don’t want it to end but I know he’s right. I’m no longer sitting on the counter. I’ve wrapped my whole body around him, trying to get closer.
“Oh my.” I loosen my fingers that are holding on to him tightly.
“We’re just putting this on pause.” He brushes his mouth against mine. I close my eyes, enjoying the feeling of him. For the first time in my life, I feel a sense of belonging somewhere. Which scares me more than anything else that has happened tonight. It was only a kiss. How will I feel once it’s more than that?
“Pause,” I agree as he sets me back in the chair. I slowly release my hold on him, allowing my legs to drop down again. He takes a reluctant step back. I can tell he’s fighting himself. He doesn't want to put a pause on anything. For the good of both of us, I pick the phone up before we end up forgetting about everything else. It rings in my hand. I look down, recognizing the number.
“It’s PJ.”
“I gave her my card,” he reminds me.
“Right.” I slide my finger across the screen.
“I’ll be right back,” he tells me before turning to leave.
“Where are you?” PJ barks into the phone. I put it to my ear.
“I’m fine,” I reassure her. “How is Brandon?”
“He’s fine too but I know where he is.”
“I’m with Jameson.”
“I know that since you answered his phone.”
“I went home with him.” I fidget in my seat. It’s not like she can see me or something.
“You went home with him,” she repeats.
“I thought it would be safer?”
“To go home with a man you don’t know?” I can hear the irritation in her tone.
“I’m a grown woman. I can go home with a man.” I find myself not only getting defensive for myself but Jameson too. I might be naïve, but I do feel safe with him. Not only that, I want to be here. I want to explore this feeling that he gives me. To tell the truth, I want to explore him.
“I’m sorry. I know that.” PJ lets out a long sigh. “Sometimes the lines blend with being your best friend and head of your security.”
“I know. I’m sorry too.” I didn't mean to snip at her. It really wasn't like me. I think it's because I want to stay and PJ is the one person who could get me to leave if she really tried.
“Did he take you to his ranch?” She probably has all his addresses memorized by now. It only takes PJ one look at something and she remembers it all. She has a memory like an elephant. Don’t do her dirty or any of her friends or family because she’ll remember every detail until she takes her last breath. That’s what makes her so good at her job and also at being my best friend.
“Yeah.” I look around the kitchen again. “It’s really nice here.”
“I’m sure it is. The man is as rich as God.” I can hear her moving around. “But you did the right thing. No one will know you’re out there. He and I, but no one else.” I can hear a door close. PJ is trying to get some privacy.