“Robbie, smitten is what my aunt would say. Doesn’t sound quite right from your mouth.”
“Would it sound better if I said the guy looked like he wanted to fuck you?”
“Stop it! No, it doesn’t sound better, and it’s entirely not true!” She continues to laugh and steps back from my embrace.
“You have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?”
The room stands still, and she literally gapes at me.
Splotches start to break out around her neck as the blush returns.
“Thanks for not canceling on me for another offer,” I refer to our date.
“You’re welcome. How long have you been here, anyway?”
“Not too long, but there’s been a small change in plans. I was hoping you’d let me take you out to eat instead of me bringing it here. The Italian restaurant around the corner has a great special tonight, and a Styrofoam container wouldn’t do it justice.”
Her smile returns. “We can’t have that. Give me a few minutes to close up.”
“Isn’t it too early?”
“Usually, yes, but we’re making some changes. Marlow gave her resignation, so Aunt Chloe made the decision to change our hours. We’re going to start closing at six and only stay open late for appointments. We’ll see how it goes and make adjustments if we need to.”
She walks to the counter, and I take the time to appreciate the way the tight black pants mold to her body. For someone so shy, she dresses like a vixen. I can’t blame poor Jonas for trying; she’s sexier than she knows.
“What the hell!” she shrieks, causing me to jerk. “What did Cruz say to you?”
“What do you mean?”
“Please tell me he didn’t say anything to embarrass me.” She waves a small piece of paper. “According to him, you’re ‘not playing games’. What did he say?”
Her chest is heaving, and her hands clench at her hips. “Babe, we had a chat. Nothing to be alarmed about. He gets where I’m coming from, and I know where he stands.”
“That is ridiculous. He needs to mind his own business.” She stomps and I can’t stop my grin. Her agitation is adorable.
“He loves you. It’s expected.”
“And he wonders why I don’t date that much. Nosy ass.”
Her statement amuses me, making me laugh. “Ember, come here.”
She walks to me slowly, never breaking our stare. Even with the four-inch heels, she’s shorter than me. I gently cup her chin and lean down into her. “Never get mad for someone looking out for you. He had every right to question me. Maybe he went about it a little aggressively, but I can appreciate that.”
Our faces are so close I can feel when her breath catches in her chest. Her eyelids flutter slightly, and she tilts her head in invitation. The moment my lips touch hers lightly, she relaxes into me. Intentions of going slow and gentle disappear when her tongue slips through my parted lips. My hand slides up and fists her hair, pulling her whole body into mine. My arms twitch, wanting to reach down and lift her, to have her legs wrapped around me.
A burn builds inside as she clutches my waist tightly. Our tongues swirl together fluidly. A small moan escapes, and my cock goes rock hard. I pull back slowly, nipping a path to her ear. “I’ve wanted to do that since we were interrupted yesterday.”
Her breath comes in pants on my neck, and I grin. She stays pressed against me as I rub my nose along her jawline. “You ready to go?”
“Yes.” When she looks up at me, her eyes are glossy, her face flushed, and her lips slightly swollen.
Reluctantly, she steps back and goes to lock the door, then motions for me to follow her out the back entrance. This
time, as I watch her walk, my eyes are glued to her ass. With the taste of her still on my lips, it hits me. She’s definitely worth the effort.
Chapter 6
Killing you Slowly