Page 9 of Hold On Through The Pain

“That was last night.”

She tested his resolve, driving him crazy. “We haven’t left the room. How about we go eat and talk, and then we can find out where it leads.”

Shannon narrowed her eyelids and stared for a few seconds through the dark slits. Her study of him was intense, and he squirmed. Would she ditch him right now because he’d asked her to slow down?

Forever with this woman would be nice.

“Okay, big guy, here’s what we’ll do. Let’s go eat; then we’ll spend some time getting to know each other.”

Relief filled him. “Good.”

Shannon leaned in and brushed her lips over his, taking his breath and his sanity. She ran her fingers over his arms down to his hands. He flinched as pain rolled through his body. She pulled back, worry clouding her gaze.

“You okay?”

He nodded and looked down at his arm. “Yeah, it’s not too bad. A little pain, but nothing I can’t handle.”

She stood, and he got up too then wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close.

Shannon pointed to his arm. “I’d be crying if I got cut like that.”

He touched her cheek and leaned in, kissing her shoulder. “You do have a black eye.”

“Touché. So do you though.”

He chuckled. “Go shower first. Then I’ll shower.”

Her fingers brushed over his chest, and she shook her head before her gaze connected with his. She was full of passion and fire. There was an intelligence behind her eyes he wanted to get to know. This woman was complex, strong, and he bet she’d be fun in bed.

An indelicate snort came from her. “I kind of understand why you want to wait, but I’m amazed by your restraint.”

He leaned in so his lips were by her ear. “You’re worth it,” he whispered, then popped her on the rear. She shrieked before taking off to the bathroom.

Her shower didn’t take too long, and once alone in the bathroom, he stared at his reflection in the mirror, thinking he was stupid. They could be having sex right now. Cold water helped a little, but he was still too amped up with lust.

When he stepped into the main room, he felt the weight of her gaze. He glanced up to find her eyes on him, her appreciation evident. He closed the distance and leaned in, brushing their lips together.

“You want me to drive you by your place and you can pick up different clothes?”

A worried look passed over her features. “Sure, but you can’t come in.”

He froze. Did she have a boyfriend? “Really?”

She fidgeted with her purse, weaving the strap between her fingers. “Please. I don’t need my dad’s aggravation.”

“Are you safe there?” Though he didn’t know her, he worried. She couldn’t be too safe if the man would be pissed she’d made someone angry instead of being pissed at the guy who hit her.

Her shoulders came up in a shrug as her gaze drifted away. “It’s only until I finish school.”

“School?”

“Cosmetology. I have two months left, and then I’m done.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Your hair is really nice.”

Her laugh went straight to his balls. “You’re sweet.”

“I’m not trying to be sweet; I’m just stating the truth.”

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