Page 41 of The Red-Hot Stakes

His gaze dropped to my lips. “Can…can I kiss you?”

I nodded. “I’d like that.”

He stepped closer, cupping my cheek and stroking it with his thumb as we soaked in the intensity that crackled between us. Then he moved, closing the gap.

Those full lips touched mine, and my stomach flipped as his heady scent wrapped around me. I rested my hands on his chest, needing to brace myself against the electricity coursing through me.

One strong hand slid to my back, pulling me flush against him. I forgot to breathe, concentrating only on the way his lips felt against mine, the way my heart raced, and the roaring of blood in my ears. The elevator door dinged as it slid open, announcing our arrival at my floor.

When Liam broke the kiss, I couldn’t move. Never had I felt anything like that in my life. It was like I’d just made out with a light socket, but in a good way. I gingerly stepped backward, unsure if my knees would hold me. Liam’s eyes followed my every movement.

I couldn’t form words, so I nodded before I walked into the hallway, watching the doors glide shut behind me. The grinding gears and sliding pulleys seemed overly loud as I stood there, trying to right my world once more.

No way was I walking into the apartment like this. Avery would jump all over me.

It took several minutes before I felt like I might be able to form an intelligent answer to a question. I was grateful no one had come down the hallway while I’d been standing there like an idiot. Shaking my head, I walked to our apartment and reached for the door handle, only to find a sock hanging from it.

I stared at the offending signal, pulling out my phone to be sure I hadn’t missed a heads-up text. It was blank. With an annoyed sigh, I tromped down the stairs to Liam’s room and knocked on the door. When he didn’t answer right away, I sent him a text. Radio silence, great.

I sank to the floor, carefully pulling my dress over my knees so no one got a show. I leaned against the door, gently banging my head on it. What a stupid end to a wonderful day. The door opened behind me, and I went sprawling into the apartment.

“Gina?” Liam stared at me.

“Hey.” I didn’t bother moving, just lay on the floor like an idiot.

He frowned. “What are you doing?” He’d already changed his clothes.

Is he going back out? “There’s a sock on our door handle. I guess Sunday is now sex night.”

His eyebrows shot up. “Are you propositioning me, Red?”

“Nah, I mean, that kiss was really something, but I’m not that easy.” He chuckled, but I just stared, wondering again about his outfit change. “So, you got a hot date?”

“Would you just get in here so we could have a normal conversation?”

I shook my head. “Nope, too tired. Must rest.”

He heaved a long, weary sigh, then grabbed my arms, dragging me in from the hallway and shutting the door behind me. “There, at least you don’t look like some stoner passed out on my doorstep. No hot date. Already did that today, and I’m not interested in anyone else. You’re more than enough to keep me on my toes.”

Delight washed over me.

“Actually, I have to go meet Desi’s husband. I’d have you ride along, but he’s into some shady shit, and I don’t know if any of it’s going to spill over into our meeting. You’re welcome to hang here though.”

That sounded serious. I lifted both my hands, asking, “Help me up?”

He obliged, tugging me to my feet.

“Be safe, okay?” I placed a palm on his chest, kissing his cheek before I thought twice.

A broad smile spread over his face. “Why, Red, I think you might actually care.”

I crossed my arms, faking a glare. “Nah, I’m just really excited about starting that management job in a couple weeks. If you die, then what?”

He laughed, touching my cheek. “See you later.”

The light caress gave me goosebumps, and I waved. I went over to the couch, collapsing onto it as the click of the closing door echoed through the empty apartment. I replayed the day, smiling to myself. After I got over being annoyed at Avery for not giving me a heads up, I’d have to thank her again for making me give Liam a chance.

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