Page 22 of Tempting Max

I snap. “Yes.”

She whips around. “What?”

I push off my desk and take a step toward her. “I said yes. I meant to kiss you.”

Her entire face transforms from irritation, to surprise, to something entirely too close to desire. “You did?”

I take another step forward and grasp her chin. A breath escapes her, and I can see the flutter of her pulse in her neck. “All I’ve wanted to do since the moment you’ve walked in that door, is kiss you, Gus.”

Her mouth drops open into the most kissable ‘o’ I’ve ever seen. She searches my face, “Really?”

I rest my forehead against hers and set my other hand land on her hip. “And I’ve been trying like hell not to.”

“But…” her voice is breathy, full of anticipation. “What’s stopping you?”

“A hundred things,” I grumble, running my thumb over her bottom lip, wanting to possess it. “I’m your boss, I’m too old, I’m too broken…”

Her hands creep up my chest and burrow through my beard to cup my face. It’s the most healing thing I’ve felt in a lifetime. “What if I told you those things don’t matter to me?”

My heart thunders as I meet her earnest gaze. “I would tell you that you don’t know what you’re getting into. And you’d be better off running as far away as possible.”

She shakes her head slightly. “I don’t believe that. Max,” her voice is soft as she tugs me a little closer. “Iwantyou to kiss me.”

The universe shrinks down again to just the two of us. I can hear her breathing, I can feel the heat of her body, feel the need in her as clearly as I feel it pulse through my own body. “Are you sure? I will not kiss you without your permission.”

Her hands curls in my beard and she tugs me gently towards her. “Max, just fucking kiss me all ready. Please.”

And just like that, everything that’s been holding me back falls away. All that remains is her. I bring my hands up to cup her face and with a breath and a growl, I kiss my girl.

The second our lips touch, I can feel it at the atomic level, as if my body has been waiting to communicate with hers since the beginning of time. Her gasp gives me entrance to her mouth, I deepen the kiss, sliding my hungry tongue against hers, savoring the sweet perfection of her mouth.

Gathering her against me, I drink from her, tasting, exploring, creating a perfect dance with her tongue. Her fingers grip my shoulders, digging deep, as if she can’t get enough either.

Her mewl of protest when I pull away, the glaze in her eyes, the high pink in her cheeks tells me everything I need to know about how the kiss affected her. I don’t let go of her. I can’t. I want this feeling to last forever and I know the moment she walks back out that door, this delicious bubble of contentment will pop.

I kiss her again, tenderly this time, sliding my tongue against hers slowly until my cock is rock hard and her fingernails are breaking the skin of my shoulders. I can’t get over how good she tastes, how her body fits perfectly against mine, how every time our bodies touch it feels like magic.

"Gus,” I breathe, tearing myself away from her with the last bit of strength I have. We’re at work, there’s a bar full of people that need to be served, and if I don’t stop now, I’m going to take her on my desk and the whole town will hear our moans. “I have to stop now or…”

She nods even though she looks disappointed. “You’re right, Stella’s out there on her own and…” She rights her clothing and pats at her hair even though I haven’t had the pleasure of messing it up yet. “Do I look okay?”

I lean against the desk again and take her in. Gorgeous isn’t a good enough word for her. I don’t think there is one, at least in my tiny brain. “You look incredible, Gus. You always do.”

Her embarrassed blush and small smile makes me feel like a fucking king. “Thank you.” She turns toward the door to exit but looks back before she opens it. “Can we, uh,” she lets out a breath. “Can we do that again sometime?”

I grin, for I think the first time inyears. And Christ, it feels good. “If you’re a good girl.”

Her breath catches, her eyes flash with hunger, and she leaves with her skin doing a very good impression of a tomato.

When the door clicks closed, I stay where I am and let myself feel the good parts of what just happened for a moment. I kissed Gus and it was amazing. And she wants more.

For now, or at least the next five minutes, I’m going to let myself enjoy those facts.

15

GUS

“Are you staying, honey?” Stella asks me after we’ve finished cleaning after close.

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