This was really happening?
Eric was kissing her. Not just in public, but with all their friends off in the distance, who would definitely see if they glanced up at the bridge.
None of that mattered, though.
It couldn’t.
His mouth had commandeered hers like he was done being the nice guy. And she was done being the good girl.
The only thing she cared about right now was letting this ignited fuse burn unchecked.
She looped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. Her tongue sparred against his before the grate of the metal fence on the bridge hit her back.
They draw apart to the sound of children’s laughter, and parents clearing their throat as they passed by on the overpass.
Eric pressed his forehead against hers. “Meet me back at your place,” he rasped, thumbing her swollen bottom lip. “Don’t stop anywhere. Don’t call anyone. While you’re driving home, I want you thinking of all the things I’m going to do to you.”
Her knees buckled, but thankfully, with his arm around her waist, he caught her.
“All the things?” she whispered.
“All. The. Things.”
Was this for real? Or was he doing the pretending stuff again? What were the lines? Or were there any?
You know what? Who cared? She didn’t even want to know. She was going to ride this fantasy train until it derailed.
“Um, yeah, okay.” She nodded, and her voice cracked as she added, “I’m down with that.”
On the drive home, her fingers pulsated from how tightly she clenched the steering wheel. She kept checking the rearview, checking both for Eric, and for Stoddard Wentworth.
Seeing him down the beach with his son had nearly made her throw up. It could’ve been a coincidence that he was there walking with his kid, but it seemed unlikely. No more writing things off as a coincidence with that man.
And Eric must’ve seen him, too, hence the whole passionate kiss on the bridge bit. Playing it up for Wentworth.
Though the words he’d uttered softly were for her ears only. There was no one to convince. It had just been a sensual little bubble they were in. No more games. No more pretending.
She’d never felt more desired in her life than at that moment. And the heated flush that had taken over her body during the kiss hadn’t abated as she followed his order and let herself imagine.
By the time they reached her apartment, her hands were shaking as she tried and failed to open the door.
Eric’s soft laugh caressed the back of her neck before he reached around her and took the keys from her hand to unlock the door for her.
When it swung inward, he urged her in first with his hand on the small of her back. Just that little touch through her sweater dress sent fire licking through her blood.
“Eric.” His name was a plea on her lips.
“I know.” He closed the door, locked it, and reached for her.
She went easily, desperate to feel the hard muscles of his body pressed against her. Needing those solid, strong arms wrapped around her again.
His mouth claimed hers, leaving no doubt that he intended to finish what he started this time.