Page 46 of Penalty Kick

Talia barked out a laugh, the confusion taking over Dash’s face too much to handle. Leaning forward, she took his face in her hands, kissing him softly. His kisses reminded her of dulce de leche—smooth and sweet, lingering on her lips, making her crave more. That taste had lingered on her tongue for weeks after the auction, fueling more fantasies than she would ever care to admit to. Although now the secret was out—at least between the two of them. Deepening the kiss, Dash hauled her into his lap, his arms wrapping tight around her as she straddled him. Their warmth was welcoming, her thoughts lost in everything she was feeling.

When she finally pulled back, Talia couldn’t help but feel a little drunk. Her head was swimming, her limbs heavy, same as they would be after one too many Tricky Lickys. At the rate they were going though, she had just as much potential to have as severe a hangover tomorrow. Instead of a headache and dry mouth though, this one was going to involve a longing she’d never felt before. One she was so tempted to give in to already.

“Bonita,” he said, a wicked smirk taking over. “See, it rolls off the tongue so easy.” She gave him a playful shove, shaking her head. Dash retaliated by tickling her sides until she cried out. He pulled her in for another kiss, taking full advantage of his hands on her hips, holding her in place as he ground his own hips upward, creating a delicious friction.

“Uhhhh,” she moaned into the kiss. If he kept this up, he was going to have her all hot and bothered again in no time. Not that she would complain about that. She was starting to understand why Avery took movie night with Liam so seriously.

“But seriously, Bonita,” he said, suddenly pulling away from her. Cool air rushed around, her lips instantly missing his. “Tell me about this corner.”

“We haven’t gotten to that part of the movie yet,” she answered with a giggle.

Twisting in his lap to look at the TV, she was surprised to see the final dance number. Baby was already in the corner. Actually, upon second look, Baby had been put in and taken out of the corner. She’d been so lost in Dash—his kisses, his hands on her body, and the revelation all that had led to—that she’d lost track of the movie.

“We, err, actually missed it.”

“Do you want to go back so you can show me?”

“No, it’s okay,” she replied, twisting back around to face him. “We actually missed, like, the entire second half of the movie, and it wouldn’t make much sense without all the drama that leads up to it.”

“Then take us back to where we were. I can see all the drama that leads to this corner.”

Talia recoiled back in surprise. Had she heard him correctly? He must just be saying that. There was no way he really wanted to watch Dirty Dancing. No guy did. At least none that she’d ever met. Even Gunnar, who loved all kinds of movies, grumbled through it. Dash had been incredibly understanding already tonight, and Talia wasn’t going to make him suffer anymore.

“No, no. It’s okay, I know you aren’t really that interested. But, if you want, we could pick something else?”

Biting her bottom lip, she hoped that he would take her up on the offer. She liked having him here. Liked sitting on the couch with him. It felt like he belonged here—like they belonged here together. In this moment, she would do whatever it took to keep him here, snuggled up with her.

“You said it is your favorite, so I want to know what happens.”

“Really? Because you were right, it’s a girly movie.”

"If it means that I get to spend more time with you curled up under my arm, I do not care.”

That was it. She was a puddle. There was nothing solid left about her. Talia sighed, trying to hold back all the emotions that were threatening to spill out. Dash was not at all who she had thought. There was a depth to him she never could have guessed. The deeper she got, the more she wanted. There was no doubt in her mind now that whatever was between them was special.

“Although,” he continued, “it is not ruined now that I know she finally lets him lift her, yes?”

Talia shrugged. It probably was, but she didn’t have the heart to tell him. At least he still had the corner “mystery” to keep him intrigued. Though, that would probably be a letdown once he realized it lasted a grand total of thirty seconds.

“We could totally do that, you know.”

“Do what?” Sliding off Dash’s lap, Talia settled in under his arm, searching for the remote. When she finally found it, she paused the movie, looking up at him.

“That lift. We could do it at your parents’ reception.”

“Which is in a week. We do not have time to learn that in a week.”

“That is where you are wrong.”

“Speaking of the reception,” she segued, seeing an opening. The question had been rattling around her brain for days, not entirely sure what his answer would be. “Would you like to go with me? As my date?”

“As your boyfriend?” he corrected, smirking.

“If you wanted to use that term.”

“I would love to. Be your boyfriend and escort you to the reception.”

Talia's heart skipped, the butterflies in her tummy returning. The smile on her face was big and goofy, but she didn’t bother hiding it. There was no way she could have, even if she had wanted to. Tightening his arm around her, Dash placed a kiss on the top of her head. This was easily the best feeling in the world, and she never wanted it to stop.