Page 14 of Apple Martinis

As the dolphins swim further away, disappearing around the corner, Piper looks back at me and I realize just how close we are. I can almost feel her breath on my face. Reaching up with one hand, I gently cup the side of her face, stroking her cheek with my thumb.

Her mouth opens on a sigh and her eyelids relax to half mast on her eyes. I want to kiss her and I can tell that in this moment, she wants me to.

Looking at her lips, I lean closer until our lips touch. A small zap of electricity tingles my lips and I know that she felt it as well from the widening of her eyes.

It’s a soft innocent, chaste kiss that leaves me yearning for more but I don’t want to rush this. She’s worth the wait.

“We should get back. I’ve got to be at work later today.” I whisper and disappointment crosses her face for only a moment.

We walk back to the car but I keep her hand in mine all the way to the passenger door, holding it open for her to get in.

Back on the road a few minutes later, watch from the corner of my eye as she fidgets in her seat. Reaching over, I once again take her hand in mine and she settles down.

“Have you ever gone boogie boarding?” I ask.

“Um. No. Is that like surfing?” She looks over with a smile.

“Sort of. I’m planning to go tomorrow on my off day if you’d like to go with me.” I invite her and hope she wants to spend more time with me.

“Okay. But you’ll have to teach me.”

“I can do that. I’ll bring you a board and a wetsuit.” I say as we pull up at her condo.

Getting out, I hurry to the passenger door and help her out. Her cheeks glow pink as I do so and I wonder if a man opening her door is a new experience for her.

I walk her to her door, holding her hand the entire time and wait for her to unlock the door before she turns back to look at me.

“Will you be coming by the bar later for a drink?” I ask.

“I might.” She grins, looking up at me.

“Then I might see you later then.” Leaning close, I once again lightly brush our lips against each other before pulling back.

“I’ll see you later.” She whispers back at me.

With a huge grin, I turn and force myself to walk away. I’ve never felt this need to keep a woman close to me like this before.

I tell myself repeatedly like a mantra all the way to my car that I’ll see her later today when she comes by for a drink.

Feeling more excited for the day ahead, I point my car towards home. I need to make sure Mocha is taken care of and get ready for work.

Chapter 4

Piper

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