Worth the Chase

She stares at me, trying to process. Yeah, it’s a lot. I’m not even sure what I’m asking. You’re asking her to go steady, Casanova.

“Let me get this straight. The past two days have been my free trial, and if I want back on the horse, I need to pay? And by paying, you mean be your girlfriend?”

She’s hot and smart. “Correct.”

“Why would I want such a thing?” she asks, baffled.

“Because we’re good together.” Is there any other reason? She only chuckles in reply. “What, do you not agree?”

“Just because you’re good in bed doesn’t mean we should date for real. Ever.”

“Wasn’t going to be the first thing I pointed out, but if you’re starting there, that’s one reason why we damn well should.”

She full on laughs. “Why would I even consider such a crazy idea? It doesn’t scream bad idea whatsoever.”

“Maybe you like being bad,” I reply.

“Maybe you are insane. Us dating? Insane.”

“Are you scared? I thought I pinged you for a girl who likes adventure.”

She releases a cute little snicker. “I’m not sure I’d consider dating you an adventure—more like a disaster.”

“Oh, you mean delightful. Or is it delicious?” I grab her hips, and she squeals at my touch. “If we dated, you would have full access to me whenever you want. If you’re ever in need of saving, I’ll rescue you. You have a full-time breakfast, lunch, and dinner date. Not to mention, not only am I an A-plus in the looks department, I’m super handy. The perfect catch, if you ask me.”

The most beautiful laughter falls off her lips. “Oh, in that case, sign me up! Sounds like exactly what I need in my life.” She stares at me a beat until her humorous gaze shifts. “Oh my god…wait...you’re not serious, are you?”

“Would it be a terrible thing if I was?”

The humor in her gaze fades as she ponders my question. “We’ve both made our past clear. We’re both broken. Two broken people don’t work. It just makes a bigger mess.”

I’ve been trying to be patient and understanding, but I’m done. I roll her onto her back, capturing her beneath me. “All I hear are excuses. Sometimes two broken pieces end up fitting perfectly together.”

Her plump lips part, but no rebuttal falls off her tongue. “I told you. This has been fun, but I’m done playing games. I get it. You’re scared. Hell, I never thought I’d ever be in a situation to care about someone like I’m starting to with you. And yeah, it’s been fun playing your boytoy, but I have way more I want to offer you. So, I’m going to give you a second or two—”

“A second or two?”

“Yes, because you lying under me, looking all delicious, the second you agree, we’ve got some business to attend to. So, go on, have that internal battle where you tell yourself this is a bad idea, then realize it’s a great one and agree so we can get on with it. Your two seconds start now—”

Bridget stretches forward and her arms wrap around my neck even before her time is up. Her mouth crashes over mine, and I waste no time in devouring her sweet lips. I break the barrier, wanting all of her mouth. Our tongues clash as we dance around each other.

I suck on her bottom lip. “You taste amazing.” I can kiss her forever. Taste her. Devour every single inch of her. “Does this mean you’ve made your decision?”

Without allowing her to answer, I cover her mouth, then break away. “Say it, Angel.”

“You truly are ridiculous.”

“And all yours. Just a simple answer—ouch! Jesus!” I howl as she takes her fingers, clamps down on my nipple, and pinches.

“That’s for being so bossy. One thing you need to learn about me is I don’t take well to demands. I’m always willing to meet in the middle, but this whole caveman, ‘you are mine’ thing? It’s not working on me. Just this once, I will look past your egotistical way of asking if I will be your girlfriend and—”

I crush my lips to her for a swift kiss, then pull back and jump off her.

“Wait—I wasn’t done! Where are you going?”

“You just admitted you’re my girlfriend. Gotta go update my profile page. Make it official.”

By the time I get back, she’s climbing off the bed in search of her clothes. Her pouty lips are adorable.

“You seriously just left me to update your profile status? What are we, in high school?”

“Nah, I’ll do that later when I post selfies of us kissing and holding hands. Right now, I want to celebrate. And nothing sounds sweeter than decorating you in frosting and licking each delectable bite off you.” Her eyes drop to the container of icing I have in my hands.

Yeah. It’s celebrating time.

Chapter 12

Bridget

It’s official. I have to be out of my ever-loving mind.