Page 54 of The Main Event

“She’s your girlfriend, isn’t she? Or, well, you’re dating. You’re the type of guy who probably doesn’t want to put labels on things.”

I ignored the “label” remark. It was an argument for another time. “Why would you think I’m dating Tammy?”And more importantly, why would you care?I didn’t say the second part out loud.

“Because she’s telling everybody you had a wonderful time last night and that sparks flew between you.”

“Yeah, I managed to get in and out of that place in thirty-seven minutes. I was timing it. I had iced tea and walked her home, but only because it was dark, and I felt that it was wrong not to walk her home. There were no sparks.”

“Why would she lie?”

“Who knows? Maybe she was having a church camp flashback or something.”

Daisy’s lips twitched. “Did she tell you about church camp?”

“Yes, and I’m scarred for life.”

“I warned you.”

“You did.” I was still holding her arm. I was also directly in front of her. I’d lost my pickle martini somewhere, and I had no idea where. I didn’t even care. I was now breathing hard for some inexplicable reason.

“What are you doing?” she asked. Her breath was warm against my face. She didn’t pull away, though.

“I have no freaking idea. I’m thinking about kissing you though.”

Her eyes went wide.

“Do you want me to kiss you?”

She didn’t answer.

“I need your okay to kiss you,” I insisted. “I can’t just plant one on you against your will.”

“Um… I can’t seem to think right now. I’m not even sure I still remember English.”

I laughed. “You have to tell me yes.”

Her response was one of actions, not words. She went up to her tiptoes, pressed her lips against mine, and then all I saw was stars. There were explosions going off everywhere in the back of my mind, and I could only register three things.

Her lips were soft and inviting.

Her tongue was touching mine.

I was going to lose my mind.

The kiss went on for what felt like forever, and it still wasn’t long enough. When we separated—I had no idea which one of us ended the kiss—we were both gasping.

“Holy crap,” she said, her face awash with confusion.

Holy crap was right. “I think I need another drink,” I said.Then I would like to do that again,I added silently.

“Another drink is good.” She took a big step away from me. The distance, at least, allowed the fuzz in my brain to clear. “Yeah, we need all the drinks.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

14

FOURTEEN

Idrank too much. Then, when we finally managed to catch up with the others—I swear they were hiding from us—I refused to let Levi out of my sight. I didn’t trust myself with Jax.