Southern Attraction (Southern Heart 3)

She laughs. “Seven minutes in heaven. You ever played?”

“No. What exactly is it? Wait, maybe I don’t want to know.”

“It’s easy. We used dice and the two highest numbers, one guy and one girl, had to go into another room—usually a dark closet—for seven minutes. The idea is you do… well, whatever you want. It was always insinuated that there was lots of kissing to be done, and maybe a base or two.”

“Maybe we should play,” I suggest. “I’d love to be locked in a dark closet with you running the bases.”

“You need more than two players. I mean, a girl has to have options.”

“The fuck you do,” I growl.

She leans over the console and kisses my cheek. “So testy,” she mock scolds me.

Pulling into the shoe store’s parking lot, I don’t even bother putting the truck in Park before I wrap my hand around her neck and bring her lips to mine. I let my want for her seep into the kiss as I stroke my tongue against hers, tasting her.

“Truck works too.” Her voice is breathy.

“Only one problem with that, darlin,’” I say kissing down her neck.

“Hmm, wh-what’s that?”

I trace my lips up her neck and nip at her earlobe. “I need more than seven minutes with you. I’m not sure even seven hours will be enough the first time I’m inside of you.”

“We could test that theory. Today,” she says as an afterthought.

I want to take her home and ravish her. I ache to feel her. “Shoes,” I say instead. I finally park the truck, lucky I didn’t drive through the damn building, and pull the keys from the ignition.

“What kind of shoes do I need?” I point down to my hiking boots. “We’re going hiking?” Her face lights up. “That sounds like so much fun.”

“It’s going to be in the high fifties today. Not too hot and not too cold. Miller’s Peak is just about twenty miles from here. It’s not huge, about a mile to the top. Nothing drastic.”

“Is it super steep?”

“No, it’s gradual. I wouldn’t do that to you on your first hike. Now let’s get you some boots so we can get this day started.”

“Lead the way.” I guide her to the women’s section and there are tons to choose from. “What am I looking for in a hiking boot?”

“Waterproof, for sure, and comfort.”

“I need your help,” she says, the grin still lighting up her face.

“These are the ones I have. What size?”

“Eight.”

“Have a seat and I’ll bring you a few options.” It only takes us about twenty minutes for her to find the pair she says “feels like walking on clouds” I assured her that was good considering all the walking we’ll be doing. I grab the boxes and place the others back on the shelf, then head to the counter to pay. I’m sliding my wallet in my back pocket when she reaches me.

“I could’ve paid for them.”

“I know that, but I wanted to. This was my idea, so my treat.”

“I’m too excited to argue with you about this. Just remember that when you come to Chicago to visit me.”

“Whatever you say, darlin.’” I grab the box and then her hand, leading her out of the store and to the back of my truck, where I let the tailgate down. I set the shoebox down, then turn and grab her hips, lifting her to sit on the tailgate. Stepping between her legs, I cup her face and kiss her. Mindful that we’re in a crowded parking lot, I pull away a hell of a lot sooner than I want to.

“Thank you for the boots.” She kisses my cheek.

“You’re welcome. Let’s get you out of these.” I lift her leg and unzip one of the sexy black knee-high boots she’s wearing. I set it beside her, then make quick work of taking the other off. “I’m going to throw these in the truck.”