Page 85 of The Flirt

"Obviously," I said, walking right up to her. I leaned in, attempting to kiss her neck, and said, "Fuck. You smell incredible."

"It's my new perfume. The lilac stands out, doesn't it?"

The word jogged my memory, but I couldn't place it at all. I just moved my mouth down the side of her neck and then back up. She shuddered in my arms.

"Chad,” she whispered, "you're not even going to behave while I have my morning coffee, huh?"

"Not until after this," I said, putting the cups on the counter before covering her mouth with mine.

I needed this even more than I’d realized. I wanted to do this the whole day. Just spend time with this woman, kissing her, making her laugh, finding out more and more things that pleased her.

She moaned lightly, putting her arms around my neck. And then I lost control of myself and moved both hands to her ass.

She stepped back, immediately grinning. "No, no, no. Someone could come in at any time."

"You're right." I cleared my throat and grabbed my cup of espresso.

She did the same. Closing her eyes, she smelled the drink before taking a sip. Then she opened her eyes and said, "I've thought about your question."

I put my cup back down and looked at her intently. If she said she wasn't ready, I wasn't sure how I’d react. I needed her, plain and simple. And I was beginning to think I wanted more than just a week.

"And I’d be more than happy to spend a week with you."

"Yes! Fuck yes!" I exclaimed, and then I kissed her again.

She gasped, and I realized she was still holding the cup. It had tilted to one side, but I caught it just in time so it didn't spill, setting it on the counter.

This time, I kissed her because I simply needed to. Relief flooded every cell in my body. I hadn't even been aware that I'd been so tense while awaiting her answer. But now that she'd given it to me, instead of calming down and patiently waiting for tonight to devour her, all I wanted to do was throw her over my shoulder and carry her down Royal Street to my home. I didn't care if the whole Quarter saw us.

Scarlett gave in to me beautifully. Her mouth was soft, as was her body. I kept my hands firmly in place on her waist, though. I didn't want to risk losing my head again.

When we finally paused to breathe, she leaned slightly forward, eyes still closed. Then she opened them slowly, glancing up at me, and gave me a shy smile.

“Right... We need a firm rule. No kissing at work.”

I frowned. “I don’t like it.”

The corners of her mouth twitched. “Neither do I, but things have a way of... spiraling out of control.”

I nodded.

"So, how are we going to do things... logistically?”

"I’ll pick you up after your shift. We can go to your house so you can grab whatever you need for the week at my place."

She grinned. "Great!"

"All right, then. I'll see you this evening."

"Now shoo, get out. I know for a fact that Joel is going to arrive in a few minutes."

I chuckled. "You're kicking me out of my own restaurant?"

"No, I'm just making sure that Joel doesn't catch us in a compromising position."

"We're just drinking coffee," I said.

"Yes, but see, you just gave me two delicious kisses. You sort of kick-started my appetite."

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