“Dammit, Miles.” I fanned my face as we turned onto my new street and let out a low whistle. “You’re really good at this, the dating and the flirting and the saying all the right things.”
“I’m just saying what I feel, Shannon.”
He was mostly saying what he felt, without actually saying it. Typical man. “This was definitely a memorable date, Miles. Thanks for tonight.” I turned to unlock the door when I felt his hand go to my waist and then spin me around.
“What good is a memorable date if it doesn’t end with a memorable goodnight kiss?” Before I could answer, his fingers speared through my hair and his big hands held my head at an angle before his mouth closed over mine, devouring me like I was the shared chocolate mousse from earlier. His lips were soft but firm, this tongue a commanding presence in my mouth, laying siege on every inch until I submitted. Until my body went a little slack against his and he had to hold my weight.
My hands went to his shoulders to pull him in closer and suddenly the kiss was inferno hot. His big body pressed against mine so I could fee just how hard he was. Everywhere. The door kept me trapped while his hands roamed up and down my hips, lightly grazing the sides of my highly sensitive breasts as he nibbled my nip, traced the seam of my mouth with his tongue.
Miles groaned and I swallowed the guttural sound that sent shivers rocketing through my body. My arms tightened around his shoulders and I felt his answering smile against my lips. All too soon, he pulled back with a knowing smile.
Did he know I was seconds away from inviting him in to take the kiss to his logical conclusion? He couldn’t. I let out a shaky sigh. “That was certainly a memorable kiss.”
He laughed. “Have a feeling I won’t forget it for a good long while.”
“Good.” The words were good. Perfect. The flirting made it easier to put some emotional distance between us. I couldn’t invite him up, not yet. Things were messy enough.
“I’m sure tonight will be one of those restless nights for me.”
“Me too,” I admitted in a quiet voice.
“Good.” Miles flashed another scorching smile and pressed his lips against mine, the kiss this time was short and hot, and just a little bit sweet. “Good night, Shannon.”
“Good night, Miles.” I slipped inside my house, undressing as I made my way up to my bedroom where I closed my eyes and relived that kiss. I turned the shower on and grabbed the phone with a devilish smile as I sent a quick text. “Guess I’ll just have to pretend it’s your hands touching me in the shower right now.”
I didn’t give Miles time to respond, I stepped under the hot spray and pretended it was his big, strong hands, sliding up and down my soapy body, his capable fingers bringing me to climax.
Miles
I wasn’t sure if this gift was politically correct or, gender sensitive or whatever, but it seemed like the right thing to do after my date with Shannon, so I took a deep breath and pulled on the doors of Break Box. Both lines were at least four people deep so I took my place in Shannon’s line and went over the daily specials while I waited.
She looked good today. Well-rested and there was a glow to her skin and her eyes that made it impossible to look anywhere but at her. She flashed a wide smile for the old timers who appreciated that a pretty young thing was still willing to flirt with them while the women of all ages, ate up the compliments from the well dressed California girl. Shannon was in her element here and she was so damn stunning my heart clenched like a giant fist was wrapped around it.
Shit. I hadn’t felt that particular feelings in a long damn time, years even, and I knew exactly what it was. Love. I’d known for weeks that’s what this feeling was I had whenever Shannon was around but I told myself it was worry or concern, maybe even affection for a kind and generous and bubbly woman.
But this tortured, twisted up feeling? It was unmistakable. Undeniable.
“What can I get…,” Shannon gasped at the sight of me, her big green eyes flashed genuine happiness. “Hey Miles. Need another sugar fix?”
“Always but I’m here for a Shannon fix.” Dammit, did that sound corny? It felt like it sounded corny.
Her face lit up with amusement and joy. “That explains why you brought your own snacks, which isn’t allowed by the way.”
I frowned at her words and then looked down at the bag in my arms. “Good guess but this isn’t a snack and it isn’t for me.” I held the bag up and dropped it on the counter between us. “It’s for you?”