907 For Keeps Way (Cherry Falls)

The kiss begins gently—almost sweetly. His lips are soft, and he takes his time pressing them against mine.

Maybe I’m too eager or maybe our chemistry ignites a short fuse because, before I know it, his tongue is parting my lips.

I sag against his body, my own veins filling with heat. His hands press against my back and hold me in place.

My arms dangle over his shoulders as we get to know each other in this new, intimate way.

Dane is unrushed, completely unhurried as he kisses me beneath the string-lit trees.

He kisses me softly. Then as if he’s starved for my attention, he kisses me tentatively. And then as if he’s done it a thousand times before, he kisses me until we’re both gasping for air. And even still, we don’t want to stop.

His fingers run along the waistband of my jeans. I shudder at the contact of his skin against my skin.

As the band switches songs again, Dane finally breaks contact, dragging my bottom lip between his teeth before letting it go. He then rests his forehead against mine.

I drag in long breaths of air. My mouth feels swollen from the assault. My body tingles, begging for more—pleading with me to find a way to get his hands on me again.

“How hungry are you?” he asks, his voice full of the same desire that’s coursing through me.

I look at him and grin. “Hungry for what?”

He chuckles, the sound coming from a spot low in his throat. “I know a place …”

I give myself one second to rethink this.

It only takes a half of one.

“Then why are we still standing here?” I ask.

He takes my hand in his and leads me to the parking lot.

Eight

Kaylee

A ripple of urgency settles around us as we pull out of the parking lot of The Tipsy Cow. I want to ask him about the meal we paid for but don’t dare mention it. I’m not about to distract or redirect his attention elsewhere.

If it’s an issue later, I’ll pay him back for my half.

The sky is cloudless as Dane pulls out onto the street and then takes an immediate right-hand turn.

I grip the armrest, my body filling with a shot of adrenaline at what’s to come.

What is to come?

Me, hopefully.

The truck engine roars as he steps on the gas, and we make our way up Rancher Lane. Just before I can ask where we are going, he flips on the turn signal. We pull into Pheasant Field Bed & Breakfast.

My stomach flip-flops.

There aren’t very many cars in the parking lot—maybe two or three. The area is well-lit and well-kept, and I find something about that comforting.

You’re about to have a one-night stand. Now isn’t the time to get comfortable.

Inwardly, I groan.

Dane parks the truck and then turns it off. He blows out a breath.

“I feel like I should say something,” I say, my breath billowing into the cool air.

He furrows his brow. “Okay.”

I look at him.

He looks at me.

“I mean, I don’t have anything to say,” I say, stumbling over the words. “I just feel like I should say something.”

This makes him grin. And then chuckle. And then he reaches across the console and places his warm palm over mine.

“What do you say when you pull up to a bed and breakfast?” I ask, unable to do the right thing and stop talking. “Do I make a joke? Flutter my lashes and say something super sexy?”

His grin grows wider.

“Just saying—if you expect the latter, you’ve chosen the wrong girl tonight,” I admit.

He angles his body over the console. His eyes search mine. “I’ve chosen the right girl. Don’t be confused.”

I try not to whimper. I really do.

I fail.

“Are you still into this?” he asks, his voice free from any persuasion.

I nod. My brain tries to force my mouth to speak before my body riots, but my mouth doesn’t cooperate.

He forces a swallow as he watches me closely. “I’m going to need you to tell me you want to do this. I’m not about to make any presumptions when it comes to this kind of thing.”

I know what he means. Clearly, I do. But he’s not the only one who wants to make sure we’re on the same page.

“What kind of thing?” I ask.

And, just like that, his whole demeanor changes.

His eyes hood. His lips part. I can hear the quick slip of a breath that squeezes into his lungs and feel the vibrations of his body through the car.

I sink back in my seat and await his response.

It doesn’t take long.

“I could make a list of things that I want to do to you—with you, Kaylee. But I’m afraid that would take all night.” He licks his lips. “But if you would like me to, I’d love to go inside there and get us a room because my place is too damn far away. And then take you to it and …”