We discover that we have a lot of things in common, more than I would have guessed.
He hates to cook.
He enjoys decorating shows.
Edward didn’t scare him off.
And that’s the moment I realize I might be falling in love.
The time passes too quickly.
He’s making a visible effort not to talk about anything heavy, I can tell, but he’s not hiding his interest either. I guess he could tell his destiny speech might have scared me off earlier today so he’s trying to keep things light. But nothing can disguise the burning intensity in his eyes when he looks at me.
After dinner we take our time poring over the dessert menu before deciding to get several to share. When Vin asks if I mind moving Edward so he can sit next to me, I find that I actually don’t.
“I guess Edward can sit alone. Maybe I’ll put him down for a little nap.”
He smirks. “Lullabies always worked when I was his age.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After relocating Edward to the other side of the booth, Vin slides into the seat next to me. The booth that seemed so spacious only a few minutes ago has suddenly shrunk down to the size of a matchbox.
“That’s better.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear, his fingers lingering as they brush my cheek.
“Hi.”
Suddenly shy about having him so close, my fingers twist around my napkin. I wouldn’t have thought there was anything indecent about sharing a booth seat with a man but the way he’s looking at me makes me feel naked.
It’s unexpectedly intimate sharing the heat from his body. He smells crisp and clean like fresh air but something about it is completely unique to him. It makes me want to bury my face in his chest and take a deep breath.
“I’ve tried to be on my best behavior all night. But if you keep looking at me like that, I’m not sure I can be a gentleman.”
“Who says I want you to be a gentleman?”
“You deserve gentleness,” he replies. “You deserve a man who treats you like the queen you are.”
“Maybe that’s not what I need.”
That brings out the fire in his eyes. He looks like he’s close to taking a bite out of me as he leans closer.
“Tell me what you need then, my little devil. I’ll make sure you have it. And I’ll love giving it to you.”
“Gentle can be good.” I tap my bottom lip, loving how quickly his attention follows the motion. “But hard is better.”
He clenches his teeth, the motion making his jaw work in a way I find insanely hot. He flexes his fingers on top of the table. I imagine that hand between my thighs.
I want that. I want that right here and now.
“Let me kiss you, bella. I’m not sure I’ll survive if you don’t.”
At my shaky nod, his mouth is on mine like he can’t wait another second for a taste. If I had any doubts that taking a chance on him was worth it, they all go up in flames as his tongue slides against mine. He kisses like he does everything else, with singular intensity and focus. The hand that was on the table slides behind my ear, holding my head in places as he devours me with long suctioning pulls. Every lick, every tug, every bite sends a pulse straight between my legs.
And that, ladies and gentleman, is how a kiss can make you wet enough to start a flood.
His hand trails down my neck and when it drops to my thigh, I whimper into his mouth. He swallows the soft sound and hums in response, like he’s saying don’t worry, I’ll make it better.
He might as well have said open sesame because my thighs fall apart at the first touch. He curls just one finger and that’s all it takes to make me shudder.