Page 108 of Any Port in a Storm

He drags me back against him. “But I want to know.”

“Well, for one,” I say, kissing his cheek softly, “I’d be very interested in exploring the raging hard-on you seem to be rocking.”

His face turns the most violent shade of red I’ve ever seen. “Laurel Montgomery-Parker,” he admonishes. “I had no idea you had such a filthy mouth.”

I grin mischievously. “Oh, Nicholas. There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”

He groans against my throat. “Jesus.”

“Listen.” I lace my fingers through his. “I think it would be best if Grace didn’t know about any of this. At least right now.”

“Yeah, of course.”

“I just think she’s probably in a sensitive place at the moment. I don’t want to rub whatever this is in her face.”

He clears his throat. “You’re absolutely right. I’m just going to need a few minutes…alone…after you get up. You know, to get ready.”

I laugh so loudly I’m pretty sure it wakes Grace, because I hear her swear loudly in the living room.

“Have fun,” I wink.

“Oh, I will.”

The glint in his eye sticks in my mind for the rest of the day.

Breakfast with Grace is a special kind of torture after the night I’ve had. We go to a diner a few blocks off campus. I force Grace to sit next to Nick, because I know I won’t be able to keep my hands off him if he’s within arm’s reach.

Of course, that means he gets to look at me across the table. And the way he’s watching me might actually be even more sexually charged than any touch.

At least any that are allowed in a public place.

After breakfast, we walk Grace to her car. “It’s going to be okay, sweetie,” I say, wrapping her in a hug.

She shudders a little against my shoulder. “I know.”

“Don’t hesitate to call me if you want someone to go punch Leo,” Nick reminds her. “That offer still stands.”

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind.” Grace smiles softly, looking between us. “Thank you, guys. I couldn’t do this without you two.”

“We’re here, love,” I promise. “Whatever you need.”

We wave goodbye and watch her drive away.

As soon as she’s out of sight, Nick slips his hand into mine.

I laugh in spite of myself. “So, what now?”

“Well, I was thinking—it’s hard to think right now.”

I consider the utter mush in my brain. “For me also.”

“Maybe it would be best if we went somewhere that encourages deep thinking? So we can…you know. Think.”

“How did I ever charm such an eloquent man?”

He scowls. “I’ll thank you to shut your gorgeous mouth.”

I groan. “You can’t talk like that, or I’m going to jump you right here.”