Page 2 of Piper's Perfect Mate

He was shirtless, and I seriously worried I might be drooling as Arwen had teased me earlier. The man was gorgeous. With his close-cropped brown hair, amber eyes, the sexy scruff on his face, and his long, lethal body, he stole my breath and robbed me of thought.

“We’d be happy to give you a ride,” Anthony continued.

“I’ve got her,” Michael answered before I formed words. Then he tugged a shirt over his head, hiding his delicious chest from me.

“About time,” Donovan muttered while Anthony laughed.

“We’ll catch you two later then,” Anthony called as they walked off.

“I’m this way.” Michael put his hand against the small of my back and turned me in the direction he meant.

I felt that touch all the way to my toes. It tingled over my skin, dipping and rolling in the most delicious ways. I almost moaned when I saw his motorcycle sitting in the lot. It was sad how excited I was to wrap my body tightly against his, but I couldn’t. I wouldn’t take advantage of his kindness and make things awkward.

We paused beside the bike, and Michael stared at me.

“I can get a ride with someone else,” I offered when he didn’t say anything. “Or walk even. It’s not that far, and the moon’s full.”

“You’re twenty-two.”

I nodded, unsure what to do. It hadn’t been a question. In fact, it was almost an accusation.

“Do you know how old I am, Piper?”

“Thirty-two. You’ll be thirty-three on your birthday in September.”

“Too old, Piper. Too old for there to be anything between us.”

“I didn’t—”

“Didn’t you?” He cut me off. “Don’t you beg me with those big, brown eyes every time you look at me?”

My face grew hot with embarrassment. I opened and closed my mouth several times, searching for the right thing to say. There was nothing, so I turned to walk away. Michael snagged my wrist before I even took a step.

“Piper.”

“Let me go.”

I tugged, but he stepped in front of me, reaching out with his free hand to cup my chin and tilt up my face until I was forced to look at him. His eyes glowed.

“I can’t. That’s the problem.”

“Why does that have to be a problem?” I demanded.

“You’re young. A virgin.”

“And?”

No need to ask how he knew about my lack of experience. Anyone who’d listened tonight had heard.

“And the things I want to do with you would scare the hell out of you.”

He ran his thumb over the curve of my bottom lip. My heart raced. The things he wanted to do with me? Yes, please!

“You’re innocent.”

“I don’t want to be!” I wailed, and Michael laughed.

I turned to walk away and there he was again, blocking me from leaving. This time, when he cupped my face, he leaned toward me. My gaze fell to his mouth and snagged there. I shut my eyes as his breath washed over me. The brush of his lips was soft, and I stood still, afraid he’d stop if I moved. Then his tongue traced along the bottom curve. I gasped, going up on my toes to seek more, and he didn’t disappoint. I sank into the kiss, sucking at his tongue when he finally pushed into my mouth.

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