In Full Bloom (Second Chances 1)

“I trust you,” he said.

Oddly, he realized, he did trust her. That was kind of a strange realization. They hadn’t known each other for very long, but she was really down to earth. She didn’t seem the type to be dishonest or play games.

Forty five minutes later, they sat down to dinner. He’d run next door to grab a bottle of wine. They split the bottle and ate. The Gorgonzola she had put on the asparagus had been really good. He’d been prepared to take a few bites for posterity’s sake but she’d been right.

When he stood up to clear the table, he walked the dirty dishes to the dishwasher, opening it.

She said, “Don’t bother with the dishwasher. That thing hasn’t worked since I moved in.”

“You have to tell me about these things. It’s my responsibility to fix them,” he said.

“Actually, it was hers, and she sucked at it. The last thing I wanted to do is to run to you with all the shit that’s broken. Not when you’re doing all the renovations on the store and the roof, just starting out.”

He set the dishes down and approached her, running a thumb over her bottom lip and said, “I appreciate the thought, but make me a list.”

“If you’re sure,” she said, looking uncertain.

“Make me a list.”

Together, they washed the dishes from dinner and then moved into the living room.

They sat on the couch for another hour, talking about the huge bridal appointment he’d booked today, and she brought him up to speed on everything that had happened at the zoo. He perked up slightly when she mentioned the yoga class she’d missed this morning.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had a class,” he said.

“No complaints about how I spent this morning, Evan,” she said, smiling as she remembered. “I can catch a class Monday.”

“Well, just know that I wholeheartedly support any sort of class that helps increase flexibility,” he said with a lascivious grin.

“I’ll bet you do,” she said, laughing.

When she looked up at him, it was almost like he’d been sucker punched. Her eyes were so incredibly expressive. At the moment, they were filled with desire. It practically radiated off of her in waves.

Signal received, he leaned in and cupped her face. His lips pressed against hers as he gave her a series of quick nips until she opened her mouth under his. Tangling his tongue with hers, he continued to kiss her until they were both breathless from it.

Once he was able to speak again, he said, “I don’t know how I thought I was going to be able to resist this.”

As he traced his hand traced lightly over her back, she said, “You were driving me insane. The day you gave me the flower.”

He winced and said, “I was shitty that day.”

She nodded at him in agreement and said, “You were, but you apologized. It happens. The hug, though. You didn’t have a shirt on. You smelled all clean from the shower. Your skin was so smooth and warm. Christ. It’s kind of making me hot just thinking about it now. That’s why I left so abruptly. You were driving me insane.”

He nodded and said, “I didn’t think about the dynamics until your cheek was pressed against me. I was hard as a rock. I was hoping you didn’t notice. Needless to say, there was a lengthy cold shower right after. Even that didn’t help.”

“I didn’t notice. I was too hell-bent on getting out of there. If I had, I probably would have attacked you and taken us both out of our misery,” she said, laughing. “I was still so frustrated the next morning. Then you came up on the roof and gave me that sexy sleepy grin.”

She shook her head and said, “I’m glad the frustrating part is over.”

He grinned and said, “Oh, not quite, Princess. I believe I made you a promise this morning that you’d beg.”

The slight change in her tone was the only thing that gave her away when she said, “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”

“You’re a terrible liar, sweetheart,” he said.

“I know. I am,” she said, wincing.

“Just so you know,” he said, tracing a finger down her arm casually. “I keep my promises. You’re going to beg me for it.”