Page 35 of Now Streaming

“How many did you buy?”

His laugh rumbled in her ear, and he pulled away, but not before she noticed he was now carrying a small bag.

She pointed at it. “What did you get?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Her mouth dropped open in mock outrage. “You’re not going to show me what you bought?”

“Maybe it’s a naked Deadpool. I wouldn’t want to offend your delicate eyes.”

“Wouldn’t be the first one I’ve seen.” She reached for the bag again, but he held it up, out of her reach. She glared at him. “Are you being serious right now?”

“Can’t a man have secrets?”

“Not at con.” She leaned toward him, attempting to jump to reach the bag, but was interrupted when he grabbed her mid jump and pulled her into him, his mouth finding hers. She gasped at the sudden kiss, and his tongue slid in, stroking inside her mouth in a rhythm she recognized from last night. She grew warm as his other arm, the one holding the bag, slid around her shoulders, pulling her closer into him, kissing her with everything he had in front of the entire convention floor.

Someone bumped into them, yelling, “Stop blocking the aisle!” Min laughed, breaking the kiss with Hayden even as she looked up at him. His thumb stroked her bottom lip like a promise, and then he stepped back, grabbing her hand and tugging her to follow.

“Come on, we’re running behind.”

“Behind?”

“For lunch.”

Fuck, she forgot he had a lunch meeting.

“Oh no, I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to take so long—”

“Min, it’s fine, it’s just lunch.”

She couldn’t believe how casual he was being about it. She didn’t know what the meeting was, but it was literally the one thing he said he needed to do today before the tournament. And now he was going to be late because of her.

But, wait, why was he tugging her along? She attempted to pull her hand out of his, but he kept his grip, not letting her go. She did her best to dig her feet into the cement floor. Finally feeling the resistance, he turned back.

“What’s wrong?”

She gestured to the doors, then to where he held her hand, knowing she probably looked a little insane.

“Hayden, it’syourlunch meeting. You’ll get there faster if you don’t have to drag me along.”

“I want you to come.”

Something fluttered near her heart, but she steeled herself to not look too closely into his words. They were enjoying each other’s company at a convention. It didn’t mean more than that. This was a con fling, something they’d forget about once they got back to Los Angeles. And though she usually avoided casual hookups, she found she wasn’t ready to let him go just yet.

She tried again. “You said it was a business thing. I shouldn’t just crash it.”

Hayden finally stopped trying to pull her, instead coming close, invading her space, and Min inhaled the scent of the aftershave he had used that morning. A little cedar mixed with clean man. His hand came up to grip her neck and tip her mouth up to his. Everything in her started to throb.

“I want you there, Min. Stop fighting,” he said, his voice low and full of sin. Her pulse sped up, and she knew he could feel it from where he gripped her neck. He could continue just pulling her along. Lord knew he was strong enough. But he waited for her answer, staring deep into her eyes, simply letting her know that she was who he wanted with him. And she knew, without a doubt, she wanted to be with him, for as long as they could. So, with a nod, she gave in.

He pulled her out the doors to the hall and led her out of the convention center. They waited at the streetlight with the religious protestors, chanting into their bullhorns, making it impossible to speak. When the light changed, Min and Hayden made their way across the street, dodging past the other con attendees who were slowly meandering through the downtown area, searching for a meal. The restaurants were packed, their waiting areas overflowing. Min grimaced.

“I hope you have a reservation.”

Hayden grinned back at her, tugging her to keep up with his long steps. “He’s holding a table for me.”

“You and your fancy friends.”

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