“But,” I sigh, grasping his forearms, “I don’t believe in one-night stands. At least not for me. I’m not judging you or anyone who does—”
“Shh,” Owen whispers, lifting my hand and pressing a gentle kiss to the palm. “You don’t have to explain.”
“I feel like I should, and I reallywantyou to come inside.”
“I will, when you’re ready.” He kisses my forehead, smiling against my skin. “How about this? Goodnight, Darlin. I would love to see you tomorrow, or whenever you’re available.”
Okay, that was not how I expected him to respond. Totally unlike all the men I ever dated, and sexy as all get out. “Wow. Don’t men usually play it cool? The whole ‘call you in seventy-two hours’ line?”
Owen chuckles before nodding. “Most of the time. But you’re not a ‘most of the time’ type woman.”
“What am I?”
That delectable mouth captures mine, nipping at my lower lip. “Hold on for dear life and never let go type woman. I’ll call you in the morning.”
The man just paid me the greatest compliment of my life. The best part? I think he means every word. “Thank you for tonight. It was...there are no words to describe our evening.”
“Yes, there is. Perfect.”
With a last kiss, I step into my apartment and watch as Owen heads toward his car.
I’m inside all of five seconds when I fling open the door and sprint after him, wrapping my arms around his waist.
Owen chuckles, surprised by my sneak attack. “Hey, beautiful. Everything okay?”
“Not yet, but it will be.”
“What riddles are you spinning, little Sphinx?”
I prop my chin on his chest and offer him a smile. “I’m holding on for dear life.”
A look of understanding crosses over his features as he bites back a grin. Then the grin slides away, replaced by a hungry gaze as he lifts me into his arms. “Do I get to keep my promise now?”
“You damn well better,” I reply.
6
Tally
Owen is still sleeping.
I try to maintain my focus on the coffeepot, ignoring the delicious hunk of a man crashed out in my bed. I say try because my gaze keeps slipping to his snoozing form like high heels on ice. I grab a mug and stroll back into the bedroom. My hope? He’s still asleep, and I can bask in his perfect form without him thinking I’m a level nine creeper.
But those gray eyes are wide open when I cross the threshold. “Good morning.”
“Morning. Sorry if I woke you. I needed my morning java fix. Nursing hazard.” Holy hell, I’m babbling. It’s been a hot minute since there’s been a man in my bed, and I know there’s never been one of Owen’s caliber before. His appeal is off the charts.
“Come here.” He pats the bed, a smile playing on that luscious mouth. The mouth that was all over me last night.
I pad to the bedside with barely enough time to set down the steaming mug before Owen grabs me about the waist, trapping me underneath him. “I was wrong.”
Oh, crap. “About?”
“You’re more beautiful in the morning.” His fingers push my hair from my face as his lips claim me.
I’m gasping when his mouth breaks from mine, traveling down the column of my neck. I saw one bite in the mirror already, but I have a feeling he’s planning to add to the collection.
“You taste so good.”