Page 49 of No One But You

I released Kora and patted Baby Goat’s head. “I think someone wants to eat.”

Kora’s laugh rang like a bell. “Yeah, they won’t leave us alone until they’re fed.” She walked off at a quick pace and patted her thigh. “Come on, goats.”

They hopped and skipped after her, bleating their excitement.

Chapter 18

Kora

What a great night. I waved as Kaye and Charles pulled out of the driveway and joined Kai and Tonya at the head of the walkway which led to Tonya’s. As I approached, their conversation quickly ended.

“Okay, what were you two talking about?” I bumped into my aunt. “It got mysteriously quiet. What secrets are you telling him?”

Tonya winked. “Our secret. None of your business.” She kissed my cheek. “You two kids be good and make good choices.” She blew a kiss at Kai and walked down the path toward her property.

We watched her in silence for a beat before Kai spoke. “Will she be okay walking by herself? It’s pretty dark.”

“Trust me, we could both walk that path in our sleep.” I crossed my arms. “So, what were you two so involved with over here?”

He shook his head and pursed his lips. “Honestly, nothing at all. She was telling about how she and your dad grew up in this house and she and her husband built the one she’s in now after Jamison was born.” Kai wrapped my hands in his. The warmth of his skin was familiar, and I squeezed his hand in return. “You really have a great family,” he added.

“I know I do.” I tugged on him, and he followed me. “But now I don’t want to talk about them. Help me clean up.”

We entered my tiny kitchen. My house wasn’t large, but I loved it. It was homey and comfortable. The kitchen and living room were one large room separated by a counter. I picked up some empty Coke cans and placed them in the trash and started to wipe down the counters. Kai wandered around the room.

I liked him here. It felt natural to have him in my house.

As soon as the kitchen was clean, I joined him in front of the fireplace mantle. He was looking at a picture of my family. Both blood and extended. “I love that picture. It was taken right before my dad moved to Florida. You know almost everyone in it. Bryson and Jamison, Tonya, Kaye, and Charles. That’s my dad.” My dad has the same dark hair and dark eyes as me and an amazing smile.

“I know Kaye, Charles, and Lance, but who’s this?” Kai pointed to a brown-haired girl between Charles and Lance.

“That’s Kaye and Charles’s daughter, Lilly. She lives in New York City with her husband.”

Kai nodded like he was taking it all in. “So, why’d your dad move to Florida?”

“It’s something he always talked about. We vacationed in a small town outside of Tallahassee every year. He bought a house there about three years ago, and after he retired, he took the plunge. He spends his days golfing and fishing.” I placed the picture back on the mantel. “I’m going down to visit in June. That’s one of the perks of teaching. I have all summer free to do what I want.” I turned to Kai and wrapped my arms around his waist. “And right now, I’d like some of you.” I squeezed his ass and gave him what I hoped was a sexy smirk.

Kai laid his arms on my shoulders. “Do you always get whatever you want?” he asked in a husky whisper.

“Usually.” I raised my brows and pushed up on my tiptoes so I could press my lips against his. The kiss was sweet and tender and caused my stomach to flutter. I broke away and stared deep into his eyes. “Stay with me tonight. I want to wake up next to you.”

He brushed his hand across my face and pulled my hair back.

Chills raced down my spine.

“I have to work in the morning and don’t have a change of clothes.”

“We both have to work. We can wake up extra early, hop in the shower—you don’t have water at your place anyway—then you’ll be early enough to run home to change.” I rubbed my hands on his chest and swallowed. “Please?” Was I begging? Yes, and I probably sounded desperate, but I didn’t care at all. All I cared about was having a night of fun with this incredible man and waking up with him beside me. “I’m going to be busy with my last week of school, so we won’t be able to see each other much this week if at all. So, what do you say?” I traced my nails along the scruff of beard on his face, then peered up at him.

He sucked in his bottom lip as the corners of his mouth ticked up.

His dimple appeared and stole my breath. “God, I love that sexy as hell dimple.” I placed a soft kiss there, then one on his chin, then moved my lips down to his neck. I stayed there and sucked in some skin and nibbled his neck.

I held his gaze as I pulled him into my bedroom. I pushed him against the door. It clicked shut, and I slowly lifted his shirt above his head. I brushed my hands down his chest and over his hard abs. “If you want to go, you can. I won’t stop you.” I circled his nipple with my tongue and sucked it into my mouth.

A moan escaped him.

“Thought you wanted to leave,” I teased, my lips not far from his skin.

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