“But it’s your turn.”
“I know. But this is for fun.” He leaned his stick against the table. “Here. Let me help you.” He moved behind her. “Lean down, as if you’re about to shoot.”
Damian settled himself, resting his arms on hers. “Now, what ball looks the easiest to make?”
“Um. The three ball?”
“Okay. If you look closely, you’ll see there’s no way that ball will make it into the pocket because of the position of the cue. It has to barely skim it, and there won’t be enough force to push it in. Instead, look at the five ball.”
“Oh. Yes, that would be easier.” Her voice came out breathless, a bit shaky.
Damian was having a heck of a time keeping his body under control. The smell and feel of her in his arms shot all the blood to his groin. Her fruity-scented hair tickled his cheek as he leaned close. It took a great deal of restraint to keep from nuzzling her neck, and placing kisses in that soft, warm spot behind her ear.
“Damian?” She glanced over her shoulder, waiting for his instructions.
“Oh. Sorry. All right, stroke the cue. That’s it, nice and easy.”
The sight of her slender fingers again bracing the cue stick as she slid it in and out had him breaking into a sweat.
This was not a good idea.
He stood back as she shoved the stick forward, connecting with the cue that hit the five ball with enough force to slammed it into the pocket.
Kerry jumped back. “I did it!”
She turned and threw herself into his arms, and Damian was lost. He jerked her close and took possession of her mouth.
She tasted sweet, oh so sweet. Warm and wet. His tongue swept throughout, touching, stroking all the sensitive spots. Somewhere in the distance, noise penetrated his brain. Cheering, laughter. He raised his head and stared into her eyes. Her completely unfocused eyes. Kerry was slumped against him, as if she would fall to the ground if he let go.
Slowly, he realized the noise came from the crowd enjoying the show they’d put on. He grinned and turned, slinging his arm around her shoulders. “Show’s over y’all. Go on back to sluggin’ them drinks.”
“Hey, food’s gettin’ cold here,” Gus shouted from across the room as he placed two plates on their table. “Looks like things are warmin’ up over there, though.” He threw his head back and laughed, heading to the bar.
Damian laid the two cue sticks on the table. “Game’s up for anyone who wants it.” Grabbing Kerry’s hand, he returned them to the table.
“How embarrassing.” She sat and covered both her pink cheeks with her palms.
“Nah. Happens all the time here. Don’t let it worry you.”
He bit into his burger, but it tasted like sawdust. The only appetite he had right now was for Kerry. His stomach churned with heat. And with the knowledge that no matter how much she protested, he’d sensed a heck of a lot of passion for him in that girl.
One night. That’s all he had. One night to convince her to give up this plan of hers and marry him.
Whoa. Marry? Where had that come from?
From his head and his heart. He’d never made a commitment to a woman before now. The few he’d dated who suggested they live together soon found themselves single again. Damian had always known when he found the right woman, it would be marriage and nothing else. He was old fashioned enough to want to do it right.
He stared at Kerry as she nibbled on a chicken strip. Her appetite seemed to have fled too.
One night.
****
/> “It’s silly to spend the money for a motel when you can stay at my house for free.”
They’d finished dinner and walked hand in hand toward Damian’s truck. Kerry’s insides fluttered. After the kiss they’d shared at the pool table, she hadn’t been able to think about anything else except making love with Damian. Teaching her the shot, his body draped over hers, warm and hard, had sent signals to parts of her body that had lain dormant a long time.
Whenever their eyes met over the dinner table, the heat started in her belly and shot outward. It made a lot more sense to go to a motel, but she knew she wouldn’t. This was something she wanted…needed.