Page 126 of Chemistry: The Chemist

Liquor. Peppermint. Pineapple.

Very unique, very distinctive flavors confirmed what I’d discovered the second he was in full view. Chemistry’s blood alcohol level was elevated.

“Good evening, Choc.”

His smile was contagious. So was his energy.

“Good evening, Chemistry,” I replied, biting into the peppermint that didn’t belong to me.

“After you.”

He ushered me into the truck and then joined me. Unable to keep his hands to himself, he wrapped one around my neck and shoved it backward. Involuntarily, my mouth slacked, giving him unrestricted access. Deeply and unapologetically, he kissed me.

My body grew warmer. My skin thickened with fine, tiny bumps. My breathing grew unstable.

Fuck.

My center throbbed. My chest caved. My heart ached.

Please.

As if he had telepathic powers, he released me. Breathlessly, I panted, trying to gather myself.

“Thief.”

The peppermint was no longer in my possession. Not even a crumb from the three pieces it had split into under the pressure of my teeth.

Gnawing on my bottom lip, I scooted to the end of the row we were on. Distance was required if exiting the truck was in the plans at some point in the evening.

“That won’t save you, Choc.”

Chuckling, I pleaded with the man a few inches away. “Just let me pretend.”

“If you must.”

Chemistry crossed a leg over the over after grabbing a glass from the compartment in front of us. He swirled the liquor in his glass before sipping. He, then, extended his arm in my direction. Graciously, I accepted the drink. Pineapple was the first to strip my tastebuds of the toothpaste I’d used minutes ago. The cognac was next. I squeezed my eyes together in hopes of relieving the intensity of the burn. Luck wasn’t on my side. I handed the concoction over without having another sip. One was more than enough.

“Argh. That is awful.” I breathed out. “The splash of pineapple juice is fighting for its life in there.”

Finding my complaint humorous, Chem stared at me with a silly smile on his handsome face.

“Women–” He paused.

“Are the greatest gift from God.”

“Are dramatic,” he challenged.

“Oh, I thought you were ready to admit that other thing.”

“That’s true as well. I can’t deny it. I’m surrounded by them and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

Chemistry’s logic was interesting. He valued women, their contributions to the world, and everything they stood for. However, he didn’t care to cultivate relationships with women who didn’t have the same last name as him or one of his brothers. Not until me, at least.

We quieted down. When my system was regulated, I inched closer to Chem. The distance easily got the best of me. As I snuggled against him, a silk fabric was lowered over my head, not stopping until my eyes were covered.

“Home?” I questioned.

“No.”

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