Page 87 of Flirting with Trouble

“Lucky for you, there are stores that sell toothbrushes here, and once we get to my place, you won’t need any clothes at all.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

Wells

I’ve wanted to bring Victory into my world for so long, helping her out of my Land Rover in front of my two-story cedar-sided home feels surreal. Her gaze sweeps over my house, which is nestled among dune grass and wild flowering bushes, to the bluff and the vast ocean views beyond.

“This is beautiful. You have a crow’s nest,” she says with surprise.

“Yeah. It’s really cool to watch lightning storms from up there.”

“I bet. This is your own not-so-little slice of paradise.”

“I’m glad I finally get to share it with you.” I take her hand, drawing her into a kiss. “I’m really happy you’re here.”

“I am, too.” As we walk up the slate path to the porch, she says, “This reminds me of my parents’ house in Ridgeport.”

“It’s on the water?”

“Mm-hm. I loved living there and waking up to the smell of the ocean.”

“I knew you belonged in my bedroom. I always sleep with the windows open.” I kiss her smiling lips, and then I open the door and wave her in. “After you, sweet thing.”

She steps inside, and her eyes light up as she takes in the view from the foyer straight through the living room to the accordion-style glass doors across the back of the house. “Wow,” she says as we head into the living room. Those baby blues sweep over the open floor plan. Her gaze lingers on the bookshelves flanking the stone fireplace, where pictures of family and friends decorate the mantel.

I set the bag of toiletries on the couch as she glances at the kitchen and dining room, which boast more views of the water. My taste is classic, substantial furniture, decorated in earth tones and beachy blues. I wonder what her home looks like. “It’s probably a far cry from what you’re used to.”

“It’s better than what I’m used to.” She runs her finger along the back of the couch, looking a little tentative. “Can I let you in on another secret?”

“I’m hoping you’ll let me in on all your secrets.”

She smiles, lowering her eyes for a beat, those long lashes fluttering as she takes a deep breath. When she lifts those gorgeous eyes to me, her fingers stop moving along the back of the couch, like she needs the stability of it. “When I first saw the apartment, I couldn’t imagine it ever feeling like home. It was so different from everything I knew. Not just physically, but in here.” She touches her head. “And in here.” She puts her hand over her heart. “I told you how I grew up. We had family money, but you’d never know it. We each had one suitcase or backpack that fit all of our belongings, and we didn’t miss or need more materialistic things.”

“Other than a flushing toilet?” I say to lighten her confession.

“I definitely would have liked that. Eventually the apartment felt like home because Harvey was there. But this?” She motions around us. “This is warm and inviting, like you. It already feels like home.” Her eyes widen. “That sounded presumptuous. Sorry, I didn’t mean—”

I silence her with a kiss. “Be presumptuous, baby. Be scared or silly or happy. I want you to be you, whoever that is at any given moment. Okay?”

“I think it’s harder not to be me around you.” She laughs softly. “I’m going to start calling you my truth serum.”

“You can call me anything you want, as long as you call me yours.” I take her in a slow, sensual kiss. I ache to be close to her, and it takes everything I have to temper that desire and pull back. “God, I’ve missed kissing you.” I can’t resist going back for more and taking the kiss deeper. Fuck. I don’t want to rush her. “Sorry, baby. Are you hungry? I can whip something up, or we can go out and grab some dinner.”

She hooks her finger into the waistband of my jeans, gazing up with desire brimming in her eyes. “I really just want to be close to you. Unless you’re hungry?”

“Only for you, sweet thing.” I lower my lips to hers in a soul-searing kiss that breaks the dam, unleashing days of pent-up emotions. Our kisses turn deep and devouring, and it doesn’t take long before we’re all over each other. I tear my mouth away, gritting out, “I’ve fantasized about taking you on every surface in my house, and I intend to, but I’ve waited weeks to have you naked in my bed.” I crush my mouth to hers and lift her into my arms, carrying her into my bedroom.

She breaks the kiss and says, “I love when you go all caveman on me.”

“I’ll give you caveman.” I toss her onto the bed, and she laughs as I take off her heels and my shoes and socks. I take off my shirt, and as I come down over her, she puts her hands up, keeping me at bay.

“How about if I give you cavewoman first?” She pushes me onto my back and straddles me. Her hair tumbles around her face as she unbuttons and unzips my jeans.

I reach down to help her, and she swats my hand away.

“I’ve got this.” She grabs my jeans and boxer briefs at the hips.

“Oh yeah? Are you a professional cavewoman?”