Page 32

“What’s your name?”

She actually fucking blushes. “Robin.”

“Lovely,” he mutters purposely under his breath as if she’s catching him admiring her. Damn, he’s fucking good. “Robin, as you can see, we’re worse for the wear. We literally ran away from our other dates to be together tonight. They chased us and we were injured, and now they’re sitting at our table at Crain’s.” She smiles and licks her lips. Tuck your fucking lips back, missy. I’m scrappy tonight and willing to fight for him. He nods and says, “I need you to be our Cupid, Robin. And I’m sorry you have to work tonight. I’m sure there’s someone waiting for you to get off work.”

“No. Not this year.” She tucks her hair behind her ear.

“The world’s loss.” I’m pretty sure she’s going to toss her panties at him in a second. She’s cornered by his charm. “Can you help us out?”

She goes to her tablet and starts to move things around. He whispers, “You do know you’re different, right?” That floods over me and warms me up. He squeezes me to his side, and there’s that fucking zing between us again. Almost like when someone plucks a wire that’s too taut. I snuggle into him and get another whiff of that campfire, and again I want to live in a tent in the middle of nowhere with this man.

She smiles at him, and her eyes dance, but his don’t. Thank god. “May I have your phone?” He fishes his phone out of his jacket and hands it to her, then hands me mine, which I forgot he had. I can’t look at anything except his long fingers and large beautiful hands. Her hot-pink nails graze his finger as she hands it back to him. A slight noise erupts from me, and he looks down at me. He grins and goes to my ear. “Did you just growl at her?”

I shake my head. I’m mortified. Did I growl at her?

He trails his hands up and down mine. “No need to pull out the claws, I’m yours tonight, no questions or doubts.” He brushes his lips over the shell of my ear, and those damn goosebumps pop up all over my body. He sucks on the itty-bitty spot just behind my ear and purrs, “Are you mine?” I turn my head and look at him—his eyes are dancing. That’s right, Robin. I make his eyes dance. He says louder, “Are you, tonight?”

“Very much so.”

His arm squeezes me closer. He’s ducking down to get in my face for a moment. “Soon, I hope. Christ, I hope soon.” And his eyes flick upwards. I grin uncontrollably and nod. I’m happy skipping dinner. I leave early tomorrow morning to go back to Chicago, and I want tonight with him to be as long as possible. I’d like to manipulate time like Hermione, and have him so many times we lose track of days, but I also want to sit across from him. I want to know him.

Robin interrupts our eye fucking. “Ok. You’ll have a tight hour to eat. I’ll text you and you have to sit down right away. Don’t wander.”

“That’s fantastic, darling Robin. Thank you so much.” He winks. We head to the bar. He reaches into his wallet to give his card to the bartender.

“Shit.”

“What?”

“I left my card at the other bar.” He slams his hand onto the bar. And his charming side cracks a tiny bit. I like it. Fall apart, Mr. Perfect. I’m a mess. Join me.

I put my hand on his forearm. “It’s ok. Let’s go get it. I’m sure we have time. You slink in and get it. And if we have to abandon the mission, I’ll buy dinner.” Without warning, he slams his lips on mine, and my arms go around his neck. He’s so yummy.

“I couldn’t wait another fucking second to taste you again.”

His tongue sweeps into my mouth, and I plaster my body to him, even though we’re still wearing coats. I can feel how much he likes me on my hip. I pull my head away for a second, and he shakes his and he’s on my lips again. It’s strong and sexy and everything. His long fingers splay out on my back, molding me to him. Our kiss has a story of its own. It’s fevered and then deep and interesting and then light and soft. Then over.

“You’re so fucking great. Easy,” he says as if incredulous.

“Whore easy or laid-back easy?”

He laughs. “Both. I’m thrilled to find out you’re a funny and intelligent slut. Makes it worth putting on pants and leaving the house.” I slap his arm. “Come on, my beautiful whore.” I like being his. I like it too much. Every word he says has a crackle and a promise to it. Like everything out of our mouths is essential. I feel treasured.

I hobble down the street and snake my hand up his arm, pulling myself closer. He exhales and leans his head down onto mine. It’s as close as we can get fully clothed and walking. We pass a group of restaurant workers smoking and bitching about the clientele. I used to wait tables, it’s very familiar.

He pulls me to him suddenly. “I know we have to hustle but I need your lips.”

I grin. “I need yours too.”

He places his hands on either side of my face and slowly the kiss unfolds. He slides a hand into my hair, and I’m fucking floating on chemistry and lust. He increases the pressure and moans a little. Then he pulls his head back. “I’m hot.”

I kiss him again. “Me too.”

He jerks himself away from me. “NO. I’m hot.” He begins spinning, like a dog trying to catch its tail. “I’m fucking smoking.”

I bend down and see a flicked cigarette butt stuck in the cuff of his pants. He’s still spinning wildly.

“Stop fucking moving, you’re fanning the flames!”