Page 17 of The Keeper

“No.”

“Lucky me.” A mischievous smile pulled at his lips. “Guess that means we’re on a date now. Or at least picking up where our last date left off.”

“Hardly. I’m not so sure you’re my type.”

“I’m everyone’s type.”

“I’m not everyone.”

Xavier traced his thumb over my mouth. The cool, calming metal of his ring ignited a surge of lust.

“No, you’re not.”

The way he said it sent shivers through me. I trembled beneath his hungry stare.

“Cold? We can go sit on one of these couches. My lap is available if you’d like to warm up.”

I laughed. I couldn’t help myself. “I doubt you’d be much of a gentleman if I took you up on that offer.”

“Oh I can be quite the gentleman, if that’s what you want.” Xavier kept his eyes locked on mine. “Is that your type? A gentleman who takes you in his arms, holds you close and keeps you warm. Or do you prefer the one who will do all that, plus pin you to a wall, kiss you hard and make you come with just a few rough strokes of his fingers on your needy little clit?”

His low, dark tone hit all of my hot buttons. Just like it did the other night at the pub. All I could do was stare. Stare at his eyes. His mouth.

God, that mouth.

“That guy. That’s the one.” I swallowed hard, leaning against the railing for more support.

“We should go find out if he exists.” He lowered his lips and brushed them against mine but didn’t kiss me. The soft touch ignited my craving for a night of spontaneity and bad decisions. A guy like him could fuck the anxiety and stress out of me, leaving my body sated and ravaged and wanting more all at once.

I pressed my hand to his chest, much like I’d done at the pub. He stilled. Our mouths still hovered dangerously close. I didn’t actually want to stop him from kissing me. I think I just wanted to feel his chest again. Feel his heart beating. Feel each breath going in and out of his body. Why did standing with him like this feel so intimate? So invasive? So…right?

“Probably not the best idea to find out,” I whispered against his lips.

One of his hands moved to cup the back of my neck. I felt his fingers gently scratch up into my hair. My eyelids fluttered at the sensation.

“What’s the harm in knowing?” he murmured.

I looked at him. Those vibrant blue eyes devoured me. “I might want to know more.”

He bent to kiss me on an exhale. To actually feel his mouth on mine lit me up in a way I didn’t expect. His lips were firm and sure, parting to explore me more fully. The satin touch of his tongue didn’t demand entrance. It coaxed with soft licks along the seam of my lips. I parted them, allowing it without a second thought. His tongue curled up to stroke my upper lip. He moaned, clearly tasting something he liked.

His fingers moved up through my hair, pulling it gently so my head tilted back, bringing my mouth up slightly. He sealed our mouths together, deepening our kiss. My hand remained on his chest, feeling every heartbeat, every sigh and moan vibrating inside him.

Our heated kiss was brief, leaving me shaky and yearning for more.

I felt his smile as he pulled away. His fervent gaze stayed focused on me. When he licked his lower lip, I almost lost it. He did it the same way as the other night. Slow and sensual, like he was savoring a secret that thrilled him to no end.

“Come here.” He tugged my hand, pulling me toward one of the couches. At this point, I probably would have walked on water if he’d suggested it.

He patted the cushion next to him after sitting. I obliged, lowering myself onto the plush couch.

“So, what brings you to this little soiree? This isn’t the annoying situation you mentioned the other day, is it?”

“No. This is an unexpected situation to be honest.”

He smirked. “And here I thought you were stalking me.”

“You think rather highly of yourself, don’t you.”

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