Page 84 of Hot to Trot

It might be best.

But there was the matter of the play next week. When she'd first arrived, Rayne had accused her of not finishing what she started. If Scarlet left Oak Stand now, the six guys inside would be left with no direction. And what of the play itself? She'd wanted to bring healing to the community still split over the censorship of the book.

And beyond those reasons, the most important one was Adam. How could she leave him?

"I can't leave yet,” she said, passing the paper to him.

"You can't?"

"No. The play is next week. We have to show Oak Stand the phenomenal acting skills these guys have developed.”

He shifted his gaze from her, staring at Banjo as he ran along the fence on the scent of something. "The play. Of course."

She resisted the urge to physically reach out to him. "Did you think there was some other reason to stay?"

His gaze clashed with hers. "Actually I did."

"What would that be?”

"This." He stepped toward her and covered her mouth with his. Sheer elation flooded her body as she opened her mouth to him, slid her hands up his shoulders to his short hair. Sweet desire awakened as it had the first time he kissed her, except this time there were no bars in the way. And no looky loos staring. Just the night and this man.

Liquid heat pooled in her stomach as he wove fingers through her hair, angling her head so he could deepen the kiss. His tongue traced her bottom lip before plunging inside, then withdrawing to tease. She groaned, tugging him closer, holding him tighter.

"Yo. Get a room," Marco called through the door they'd neglected to shut all the way.

Scarlet laughed against Adam's mouth, but he didn't stop kissing her.

Finally, he pulled back and gazed at her. "Was that enough?"

His kiss had drugged her. "Enough what?"

"Enough for you to stay awhile?"

"You're pretty persuasive, Chief Hinton."

"I've got more tricks up my sleeve if you need more persuasion."

She gave him a heated look. "I might take you up on that, but where would that leave us?"

"I'll show you," Adam said, taking her hand and tugging her toward the drive. Banjo looked up and wagged his tail, but hedidn't leave whatever he chased. Adam's hand felt so right in hers. They'd spent so long not touching, not giving in to what they both wanted, she delighted in the simple contact.

When Adam reached the bright yellow Corvette, he dropped her hand and reached into the backseat, withdrawing a quilt and picnic basket. "Mind if we take your car? The guys are detailing the 'Vette tomorrow."

"Go where?"

"I want to show you something."

“Oh, really?" she drawled.

His huff of laughter echoed around them. She loved the sound against the empty vista.

"'I love that your mind is halfway in the gutter."

"I can easily toss it all the way in." She looped her arm through his. He tossed his keys to Georges, who, true to form, had appeared out of nowhere. "I think Georges must work with Aunt Frances."

"I won't even ask," Adam said. "Keys? I’ll drive if it’s okay?”

She handed him her keys, tossed her bag in the back then slid into the passenger seat. Adam cranked the engine and they roared down the driveway.

---