Page 59 of Stolen Dreams

When we straighten to our full height, my heart melts at the cheerful smile on Tucker’s face.

“Can we go to the arcade now?” And just like that, his triumph on the artificial turf is old news.

“If you’re ready for me to beat your highest PAC-MAN score.”

“Psh.” Tucker rolls his eyes. “You’ll never beat my score.”

If I really wanted to win, I could do it with an arm behind my back. But I’d much rather see his smile than claim the top spot on a video game roster.

After we return our clubs at the kiosk, Tucker takes my hand and Kaya’s and drags us into the arcade. The next hour and a half is a blur of bright lights, loud music, the occasional whistle of the winner’s siren, and lots of victory dances.

The only thing I see with absolute clarity is her and the way she smiles at me and Tucker.

My losing streak is still firmly in place as we exit the arcade and head for our cars. As we approach her SUV, it dawns on me I didn’t outright ask Kaya to have dinner with us tonight. I planned for it, bought everything we’d need, but forgot to include the idea in our conversation. I asked her to spend the day with us, and she has.

But I’m not ready for today to end. I need more time with her.

I’ll always need more.

Pressing my fob, I ask Tucker to wait in the car while I talk with Kaya. Once he’s out of earshot, I step into her.

“Come back to the house for dinner.”

Her tongue darts out and wets her lips. Then she hums, and it goes straight to my groin.

I stiffen in my shorts, my mind on things moredeliciousthan cooking dinner.

Her coppery-brown irises sparkle in the sun, rooting me in place and robbing me of rational thought.

Fuck, I want to kiss her. Take her. Claim her.

“I do like when you cook.”

Yep, I’m a goner. Every inch of my body heats, my pulse deafening in my ears. “Join us.” I lean in closer and caress her forearm with the back of my finger. “Please.”

I’ve learned when it comes to Kaya, I’m not above begging. And I feel zero shame about it.

Her gaze drops to my mouth, then lowers to my throat. Up and down, again and again, her chest rises and falls faster. I swallow and those fiery irises lift and lock back onto mine.

“Please, Fire Eyes.” My fingers skim the length of hers before curling and grazing her palm.

Her eyes flare as she sucks in a sharp breath and nods. “Yes.”

A simple yes and I’m on the Bay Cliff Mountain peak, high on life. “Thank you.” Ducking my chin, I press my lips to her forehead. “See you back at the house.” Easing my hand from hers, I step back, pivot, and stroll to the car. Behind the wheel, I check the rearview mirror and my pulse soars. She’s still there, befuddled, in a daze.

Same, Fire Eyes.

But my bewilderment gets a cold shower as I put the car in drive and Tucker speaks up. I should’ve anticipated his question but am somehow unprepared.

“Why did you kiss Miss Kaya?”

Never having been in this situation with him, I go with a generic answer. One that feels completely inadequate, but he’ll understand. “When grown-ups like each other a lot, sometimes they kiss.”

The real answer is a growly roar in my head.

Because she’s mine.

Tucker races to his room to play more games when we get home. I offer him a spot at the counter to help cook, but he declines, still hopped up from the arcade.

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