Page 163 of Breathe Again

“Zale, lipstick, lipstick!”

He stopped his pursuit of my mouth and went for my neck instead, speaking roughly against my throat. “Alright, we’ll do it without kissing.”

“We’re not going to do anything right now; we’re going to be late!”

“That’s right,” he agreed, his tongue swirling, his teeth nipping, his lips brushing. “We’re going to be late.”

His lips worked my neck, and my eyelids fluttered shut. I was never any good at saying ‘no’ to him.

The doorbell rang.

My lids snapped open.

He looked so angry I couldn’t help but laugh.

“They’re here,” I whispered.

He sighed; his mouth quirked up on one side giving me his half-smile. He gently set me away from him. He looked down at his pants, chuckled. “You better answer it.”

I leaned forward, tipping my smiling face up to his as he smiled into my eyes, whispering, “I’m so happy right now.”

He cupped the back of my neck with his palm. “Not as happy as you’re going to be later.”

“Excellent,” I breathed.

Usually, we drove separately but parking could be an issue on live music nights, so Rhys and Rebecca picked us up. Bex looked stunning, wearing a simple, matte silver slip dress and strappy silver sandals. She insisted I sit with her in the back and we each got a boost up. Zale’s hands traveled all over my backside as he helped me into the truck, and I was blushing hotly by the time I got seated.

Rebecca laughed. “I’m surprised your lipstick is still on, actually, I’m surprised your pants are still on.”

I looked at her sideways and snorted. “It was a close call.”

She snickered and I could not help the wide smile that spread across my face.

“Things are good?” she asked softly.

“Things are good.” I nodded. “You guys?”

“Good. I’m happy.”

“You deserve it. I think he might deserve you, too.”

“Debatable,” Rhys husky voice answered from the front seat. He met my eyes in the rearview mirror and smiled.

“Lucky girl, Bex,” I teased. “Barrett has the twins tonight?”

“Yup. Willa has Olivia?”

“Yes. Funny that those two haven’t gotten together.”

Rhys spoke again from the front seat. “It’s not for lack of interest. He’s interested, she’s shooting him down.”

“Huh!” both Zale and I uttered at once, then I wondered aloud, “I wonder why?”

“She’s busy with work, volunteering, he’s too close to her family...she’s got lots of excuses.”

“Rhys! You are a gossip!”

Laughter rumbled up from his chest. “I’m trying my hand at matchmaking,” he protested.

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