Page 53 of Wolf's Mark

“Hand me your keys,” I told her when we were in the parking lot.

“Why?”

“Because I told you to.”

Sedona laughed. “Do you always get your way?”

“Usually.”

“That still didn’t answer the question. Why? Am I too inebriated to drive?”

It was a trick question. “Back to Cartersville, yes. We did have two bottles of champagne.”

“Along with a huge bowl of pasta. Need I remind you that you consumed several glasses of champagne as well?”

“I have a man’s metabolism.”

“Oh, bullshit.”

I had my hand out, enjoying watching the way she squirmed. I could tell she knew I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. When she handed them to me, she sighed.

“Where are we going if not back to the tiny town?”

“Twenty-eight thousand people isn’t tiny, but to answer your question, we’re going to my condo, which is not too far from here.” I jiggled the key as I moved to her driver’s door, finding the right one to fit the lock immediately.

“You’re very presumptuous. And what are you doing?”

“Grabbing the overnight bag you brought with you.”

“You are as presumptuous as you are arrogant. I always keep an extra set of clothes in my car.”

“For work of course.”

“Yes.” Her voice was lower and I could feel the heat from her body increasing.

“You don’t need to be embarrassed.”

“At what?”

I locked and closed her door, turning back toward her. As I crowded her space, I also sensed excitement. “At wanting to enjoy an evening for yourself away from your daughter.”

She was thrown, blowing out a puff of air. “You knew?”

“We did walk by her room.”

“I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think this was going anywhere.”

“And is it?”

“What?”

“Going anywhere.” I lifted her chin with a single finger, enjoying the moon’s reflection in her eyes.

“I can’t make any promises, Jax. I don’t really know you and you have no clue about me or my life.”

“I know all I need to know at this point, lady.” As I lowered my head, I did so slowly. Spooking her was the last thing I wanted to do.

She was receptive, parting her lips and rising onto her tiptoes. Sedona was truly a sensual woman, her fear keeping her from enjoying so much of her life. I made certain the kiss was tender at first. She responded, pressing both her hands against me.

---