Page 28 of No One But You

“Whatever, Dar, I’m fine.” Kora pulled Darlene away from me and hugged her, then Summer.

“Be good,” Summer said. “But remember what I said, Kai. Take care of her, Lickalicious.” She winked and chuckled.

I didn’t miss the evil eye Kora shot in her direction. Lickalicious? That’s a new one.

I led Kora from the pub with my hand on her lower back, pressed into her to keep her stable, and helped her into the truck. When she was situated, I hopped into the driver’s seat.

I pulled away and was ready to turn toward her house when her hand landed on my arm, her nails digging into my skin. That heat was back, and my crotch woke up.

“I just remembered I don’t have my purse. I left it at the hair salon today.”

“Looks like we’re stopping in to grab it. Good thing I’ve got a key.” I turned the wheel to the left and drove across the street and to the back of the salon.

As soon as I unlocked the door, Kora went directly to the salon area. “Hey, do you want water? I have some bottles in the kitchen, or I can make some coffee,” I said in a loud enough voice so Kora could hear.

“Water would be great,” she answered.

I watched her as she checked Summer’s station. She picked up some brushes and moved an iPad. My crotch was still reacting to her touch in the truck. This could end very badly. I needed to focus on getting her home quickly.

“Hey!” She hollered and held her debit card in the air and waved it back and forth, then wiggled her hips when she lifted her purse in the air. Her perky tits bounced under her tight shirt.

She really shouldn’t have done that. My crotch seemed to like the show. Remember—get her home quickly.

“Here we go.” She placed her card in her purse and walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. “When Darlene and I stopped by earlier, I put it on Summer’s station.”

“Glad you found it.” I handed her water.

“Thank you.” I watched as she downed half. Her eyes were closed like she hadn’t drunk anything that delicious ever. Her eyes opened, and when they met mine, it was like the earth stopped rotating.

I moved closer, not able to tear my eyes off hers. The pull between us was impossible to ignore, and I was tired of trying.

She froze with the bottle near her lips, and I thought I might drown in her chocolate river.

“Is there something on my face?”

I shook my head and stared at a droplet of water that clung to her lips. I had an urge to lick it off but just pointed instead.

She wiped it from her mouth and brushed her hands through her hair. “My hair’s a mess.”

“No. It’s perfect. You look amazing.” My voice came out throaty and deep. I couldn’t explain what was pulling me toward her, but slowly the space between us closed.

Her tongue wiped at her bottom lip and sucked it into her mouth. That slight movement made my crotch twitch and my mouth water. I wanted my mouth on those lips. Bullshit. I wanted more than that.

She kept staring at me, and I watched as her eyes wandered up my body, then down, then back up until they latched on to mine again. “Your eyes are so crystal clear. They’re amazing. Sometimes when you look at me like you are right now, it’s like they’re seeing right into me.” Her voice quivered and her eyes got wide as though she was surprised that came from her.

I brushed a lock of hair from her face, and my fingers lingered on her cheek. The heat from her skin seeped into me, and my heart started to beat hard and fast.

She lifted her hand and brushed against the scar under my eye.

The scar was still sensitive, even after all these years, but her touch made it seem even more so. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the touch of her fingers on my skin.

Even though women often thought the scar was sexy, to me, it was a deep reminder of why love seemed like an impossible dream. It reminded me daily of why I needed to keep my distance from people, that real relationships didn’t exist.

Sex, sure. One-night stands, absolutely.

But I wasn’t the kind of guy that women wanted long term, and the scar represented a history I couldn’t involve anyone with and included skeletons I didn’t want to unleash.

I backed away and involuntarily flinched.

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