Nip it in the Bud (Bunch-A-Blooms 3)

I want to explore the chemistry between us. Can I do this? We’ve been living in a bubble. The phone calls, texts, and weekly get together were fine when we were deciding where this would head. Now that I’m free falling into like, things are getting serious. Sex is important, but not everything. It’s the commitment that comes with him. We’re dating with the intention of a potential marriage match. My heart jumps in my chest. I’m getting everything I said I wanted, and it’s terrifying.

I study my reflection. My eyes are bright, and my skin glows. I’m happier than I’ve been in a long time. Work is excellent, but it’d been the leading lady in my life for far too long. Now I’m living.

The knock on the door tears my attention away from the mirror. Heat infuses my body and popcorn starts to pop in my belly. It’s stronger than butterflies now; tiny bursts of excitement and joy fill me. I move from my room and down the hallway, through the living room to the front door.

He smiles, and I’m lost in his dark blue eyes. The cornflower blue darkens to sapphire, and he steps forward, wraps a warm hand around my neck, and pulls my body to his. I moan at the feel of the hard planes of his body pressed against my curves. My lids lower and I tilt my head back to accept his kiss. His lips brush mine, like the whisper of wings, once, twice. My stomach muscles clench, and he comes back. What starts as a sampling is a full-blown feast. Our heads tilt as our lips move together. I moan as my legs grow weak and he places his hand on the small of my back. His tongue slips into my mouth, and I swear I see bursts of bright lights beneath my lids.

I grip onto his T-shirt to remain standing as our tongues tangle. The need for oxygen makes me pull back, breathing like I just ran a 5k. He rests his forehead against mine, keeping us connected as we calm ourselves.

“Holy shit.”

He chuckles. “Yeah.”

I step back, still reeling as he walks inside and closes the door behind me. “I been wanting to do that since we first met,” he admits.

I smile up at him and realize I’m screwed. I’m in more than like. I’m smitten. When he trails the backs of his knuckles down my face, I shudder.

He licks his lips. “You taste even better than I imagined you would.”

I whimper. “Drew …”

“Yes, beautiful?”

I shake my head, unable to handle his intensity. He makes me feel like I’m the only woman in the world.

He brushes his thumb over my lip, sending warmth throughout my body. I’m shocked I haven’t melted into a puddle on the floor yet.

“You look so pretty with your lips swollen from my kisses.”

His words shock me. My mouth forms an O. He chuckles. “Believe me, Willow, I’ve noticed you. I’d have to be dead not to. I wanted to make sure we were on the same page before I made a move.”

“And now?”

Tilting his head, he takes a step into my space. “Now I’m going to have a hard time keeping my hands to myself.” He clears his throat. “Which is why we should go.”

I glance down to hide my smirk. I like knowing I affect him as profoundly as he does me. He’s reminding me how devastating a simple caress can be.

“No tour?” I ask with a pout. I like pushing his buttons.

“You want to show me your home?”

I nod my head.

“Then, by all means, lead the way. But let’s skip the bedroom for now.”

My eyebrow quirks. “For now?”

“There’s many ways to bring pleasure. Eventually, I’ll show you all of them.”

“So sure?” I whisper.

“I knew the minute I first saw you that you were going to be someone special.”

“How can you say that?” I ask with a roll of my eyes.

“Because I’m the type of man who makes things happen, and you took my breath away. I’m not the type to hit on a woman in a bar, but you were calling me like some sort of siren of the sea. What else could I do, but come and speak with the lovely mermaid I was intent on capturing.”

“And have you?” I ask.