Page 6 of She's Got that Heat

“Stick with me, gorgeous. Contractors are hardwired to find solutions to problems.”

I look around, noticing that the server is gone and the other diners are on the other side of the room, not paying any attention to us.

I can’t wait any longer. Nodding to the mural of a seascape behind us, I ask, “Could I please ask you to pretend that we’re on a beautiful beach at sunset?”

Her lovely eyes blaze. “Sure.”

Moving closer, my hand slides into the back of her hair as her face tips up expectantly. My heart melts at her expression. She’s just as excited about our first kiss as I am.

My lips move slowly against hers as we shift and settle, then realize that this light, tender kiss is not enough. Our mouths part, and her arm slips around my shoulder, my hands drifting to her lower back to pull her as close as I can.

Allie is the purest kind of sweetness. Light and cheerful and funny. Sweet and smart. But she doesn’t seem to realize how wildly sexy she is. My hand drops to her hip, caressing in a long, slow circle before dragging down her thigh.

“You’re luscious, you know that?” I murmur before kissing her again. There’s a faint moan in the back of her throat that sends half of my blood rushing south.

Just as she begins to kiss me back with a bit more confidence, I feel a shift deep within me. It’s not just in my heart, or my gut. It’s everywhere.

Allie is mine.

4

ALLIE

“Eight ball, corner pocket.”

I watch in awe as Damon leans over the pool table, making the last shot effortlessly.

Back Pocket is a dark basement pool hall lounge done up like a speakeasy. It was just a five-minute walk from the restaurant, and honestly, it’s the perfect activity. For the past hour, Damon has been teaching me how to improve my game while kicking my ass. But he’s not competitive about it at all.

Somehow this feels like yet another really good sign.

Best of all, he won’t stop touching me. Every time we pass each other as we move around the table, his fingertips slide into the back of my hair, or his palm wraps around my hip and gives it a little squeeze. He’s turning me to melted butter, and I don’t know how much more I can take.

Once he sinks the eight ball, Damon flashes me a giant grin. “One more game?”

“Sure.”

“Another drink to go with it?” He nods to my empty lemon drop martini glass.

“No thanks. More than one in this heat would be risking a migraine.”

“Got it.” He looks down at the table for a second, lost in thought, then nods. “Rack ’em up, I’ll be right back.”

By the time I’ve got the next game set up, he’s coming back with two tulip glasses filled with something pink and sparkling. “These don’t have any booze in them. Just fresh fruit and fizzy water. Nutrition and hydration in fancy form.”

“Perfect. Thank you.”

I’m overwhelmed at how thoughtful he is. Many men would be out the door like a shot if they discovered a girl came with limitations and baggage. Instead, Damon simply ramps up his already stellar level of care. It’s…sexy…how comfortable I am around him. I would never have expected that. It’s like I’m discovering things about my physical side and his at the same time.

Somehow, I manage to sink one ball off the break and follow with my best game of the night. Damon takes every excuse to stand behind me, adjusting my form, and helping me to line up each shot.

“If you keep helping me like this, I’ll beat you someday.”

“Good.” His eyes sparkle as his hand slips down to caress my lower back. “I like a challenge.”

I take my shot, and the ball hovers right on the edge for a long heartbeat before dropping in.

“Nice work.” He hugs me from behind, kissing the top of my head.

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