Sinful Protector (Roughshod Rollers MC 2)

“I did this for you,” he says. “I know this doesn’t seem like something I would normally like, and it isn’t. But I know it’s something you enjoy.” He smiles at me, his expression soft. “So I set it up for you.”

“You didn’t have to do that, Kyle,” I say, touched.

“I know,” Kyle says. “But I would do anything to make you happy.”

He leans down and presses a soft kiss against my lips. I press my body eagerly against his, flushed with warmth at his words. I really do love this man.

“You’re amazing.” I murmur. “I love you, you know that, right? God, I want you so badly right now.”

“I know,” Kyle says. Then he pulls away. “But lunch is getting cold, and there are children only a few feet away.”

I snort. “Look at you, being all responsible. Fine, I’m taking a rain check, then.”

Kyle laughs. “Gladly. And I love you, too.”

I smile. It was a rough road to get here (and, admittedly, I didn’t make it any easier), but it was all worth it to be sitting here, on this blanket, with Kyle.

“What did you bring me?” I ask, pulling the basket toward myself and peering inside.

There’s a bottle of soda as well as packet of cookies and a few pre-packaged sandwiches. I grin; I hadn’t expected Kyle to make anything, since he has a tendency to burn everything when he tries.

“Awesome, ham and cheese,” I say cheerfully, pulling out one of the sandwiches. “My favorite. And, ooh, are these chocolate chip?”

“You’ve been working on assignments all morning, so I figured some chocolate might perk you up,” Kyle says with a laugh when I tear the packet open.

“Yum,” I say, selecting a cookie. “Actually, I had the best cookie I’ve ever tasted the other day. Did I tell you I met up with an old friend?”

“You mentioned it,” Kyle says, taking a sandwich. “What was her name again?”

“Jessica,” I reminded him. “I haven’t seen her in years. She has a kid now! Damn, that makes me feel old. Anyway, the kid was in daycare, so we met up for coffee. We went to that café near Jacqui’s place – you know, the place you stalked me from.”

Kyle splutters. “I wasn’t stalking you!”

I wink at him. That joke never gets old.

“Anyway, they make fresh cookies every day,” I continue. “Did you ever try one?”

“No, I just drank coffee there,” Kyle says. He pulls out the bottle of soda and a few plastic cups. “Do you want a drink?”

“Yeah, thanks,” I say. “You definitely should try one of their cookies, they’re heavenly. Maybe I’ll take you there on our next date.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” Kyle says with a smile.

“Though not on Wednesday,” I say. “I’m meeting with Jessica again. She seems really lonely, so I’m hoping we can meet up a bit more. I should introduce you to her.” I grin. “Got any eligible bachelors in your group? She’s a single mom, so she could use a little company.”

Kyle laughs. “How about you just let her get used to getting out a bit more. I remember when Lily was younger; Ethan was overwhelmed by trying to look after her and getting some time to himself. Thankfully, he did have Georgia to keep him in line.”

“Maybe we should introduce Ethan and Jessica,” I say thoughtfully. “They can exchange stories, and Ethan can give her some advice. Her son is still pretty young, and she looked really frazzled.”

“It might be a thought,” Kyle agrees. He laughs. “It might even be the push Georgia needs to make a move.”

I laugh with Kyle. It’s nice to be sitting here, laughing about our friends and making jokes. I can feel his shoulder pressing against mine, warm and comfortable. Slowly, I lean into him and smile.

I almost let this go once. But now that I have it once more, I’ll never let him go again.