Adios Pantalones (Fisher Brothers 3)

I nodded because that made complete sense. “It’s easier to keep people out, and that’s why you push so hard. Somewhere deep down, you want to see who will scale the walls you put up. I was willing to.”

“Was?” Her eyebrows drew together.

“Still am.”

Her face instantly relaxed. “You are?”

“Hell yes, Sofia.” I pushed out of my chair and stalked around the desk.

“You’re not at all what I thought you’d be, Ryan Fisher.” She batted her eyelashes as she looked up at me.

“I know.”

I smirked at her, then pulled her from the chair and pressed my lips to hers. I probably should have waited until our first date to kiss her, but I didn’t want to wait another second.

Sofia kissed me back, her tongue meeting mine aggressively, momentarily catching me off guard. I thought she might be shy or reserved, yet Sofia was anything but. She matched my intensity, gripping the back of my shirt as I held her tight, afraid if I let go, she might disappear again. She felt natural in my arms, like she belonged there, like she was made for me, and kissing her felt like anything but the first time. Our mouths moved in sync, our tongues tasting and teasing, nipping at each other with

lips and teeth.

When she finally pulled her head back, breaking the kiss, I leaned in. I wanted more, as much as I could get of her. Because, dear God, that was perfect.

Sofia pushed my chest slightly and looked up at me through her lashes. “I wanted to ask you before I forgot.”

“Ask me what?”

“On a date.”

My hands slid down her back and rested on her hips. “You’re asking me out on a date?”

“Yes, Ryan. I came here to apologize and make it up to you. I want to.”

I hesitated, not because I didn’t want to go out with Sofia, but because it went against everything I believed in to have her take me out. I wanted to be a gentleman, to be chivalrous. “What did you have in mind?”

“I thought you could come over to my place, and I’d cook us dinner. If that sounds okay?” She bit lightly at her bottom lip, apparently nervous again.

A smile broke free. “Will Matson be there?”

“Would you like him to be?”

“I would, but it’s up to you.” I definitely wanted to spend more time with Matson. He seemed like a cool kid, but that decision wasn’t mine to make.

Sofia stared at the floor, her head moving slightly with the silent debate she was having with herself before she looked back up. “I think it’s probably best if we have a few dates first, just us, before we involve him. I don’t want to confuse him, or have him get attached to you if—”

“If we don’t last,” I said, finishing her sentence for her.

“Yes. I don’t say that to be mean. I just want to protect him.”

She was a good mom, and I respected that. Plus, she said a “few dates,” which meant she had more feelings for me than she was willing to admit.

“I understand.”

A knock at the door stopped our conversation, and Nick peeked in. Taking in our embrace, he said with a smirk, “Hey, man, some crazy dude is out here asking for you.”

“Who?”

“No idea.” Nick shrugged and closed the door.

I narrowed my eyes in confusion, wondering who it could be. “I’ll be right back.” I looked at Sofia, who was still flushed from our make-out session.