Page 18 of Merry with a Tycoon

I laugh, nudging him with my elbow. “Just watch and learn.”

As we make our way through the course, I’m treated to a side of Preston I’ve never seen before. He approaches each hole with the same intensity he probably brings to board meetings, muttering about angles and force. But as the game progresses, I see him start to relax, to laugh when his ball goes careening off course.

By the time we reach the final hole—a tricky shot through a pirate ship—Preston is grinning like a kid.

“Hey ho, matey,” he says, lining up his shot. “Winner of this hole gets a prize.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Oh? And what’s the prize?”

He looks at me, and the intensity in his gaze makes my breath catch. “How about a kiss?”

My heart races as I nod. “You’re on.”

In the end, it doesn’t matter who wins. As we stand there, laughing and breathless, Preston closes the distance between us.

His lips brush mine, soft and warm and for a moment, it’s as if time stands still and everything around us disappears. All I feel is Preston’s hands cradling my face, his lips moving against mine. And as he deepens the kiss, I can’t help but wonder how I got so lucky.

Win or lose, it’s the best prize I could have asked for.

When he pulls away, I almost groan in disappointment.

“I believe there are other players who need to finish their game,” he murmurs as I glance behind him to see a family trying hard to pretend they’re not watching us.

Then it hits me. I just kissed Preston-freaking-Hollister.

No,hekissed me first.

As we make our way to the window to return our putters, I’m grinning like an idiot. “So, how did you like your first mini-golf game?”

He laughs, pulling me close. “I’d say it was a hole in one.”

As he drives me home, Preston reaches for my hand, resting it on his thigh. It’s a subtle gesture that speaks volumes and I can barely hear my own thoughts as blood rushes through my temples, my heart beating fast. There’s no denying my feelings now: I like Preston.

No, I want him.

“Would you like to come up for a nightcap?” I ask as we stop outside my door. It’s what people say in movies, isn’t it—a nightcap.

Preston’s eyes meet mine, a mix of desire and hesitation in his gaze. “Are you sure?” he asks softly.

I nod, my heart racing. “I’m sure.”

We barely make it through the door before Preston pulls me in for a kiss. Or maybe it’s me. Not that it matters for I don’t care.All I care about is the feel of Preston’s lips on mine, his arms wrapped around my waist, the back of my neck, the scent of his cologne against my skin. All I care about is every second I get to be in his arms.

“You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to kiss you all night,” he murmurs against my lips, his breath warm against my skin. My heart races as his hands roam lower, gently caressing my hips.

My apartment’s so small that somehow we’ve made it all the way to my bedroom door. I pull back slightly, suddenly feeling a flutter of nerves. “Preston, I...”

He rests his forehead against mine as we catch our breath. “I want you, Crystal, but I need to know that this is what you want, too. We can stop anytime.”

I look into his eyes, wishing to plumb their depths and see what lie beneath. He could have anyone he wanted, yet he’s here with me, asking for my consent.

“I want you, too,” I breathe.

Preston’s lips find mine again, more insistent this time. I melt against him as the kiss deepens, my fingers tangling in his hair. Without breaking apart, he slowly walks me backwards until my legs hit the edge of the bed.

“Is this okay?” he asks softly, his hands resting lightly on my waist.

As I nod, Preston gently lowers me onto the bed, his body pressing against mine. His lips trail down my neck, leaving a trail of fire in their wake. I gasp as he finds a particularly sensitive spot.

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