Page 14 of My Reluctant Valentine

By the time we arrive, I'm practically vibrating with anticipation.But nothing prepares me for what awaits inside.

The dining room glows with candlelight.A bottle of wine breathes beside two place settings on a table draped in crisp white linen.Soft jazz plays from hidden speakers.

"You cooked?" The domesticity of it all makes my heart flip.

"Don't sound so surprised." His hand settles on my lower back, guiding me to my chair."I have hidden talents."

"Do tell." I sink into the seat he pulls out, watching as he moves to pour the wine.

"Where's the mystery in that?" His fingers brush my shoulder as he sets down my glass."Though I'm happy to demonstrate a few."

Heat blooms in my chest at his tone.Over perfectly cooked steaks, I study his face in the candlelight.The hard edges that make him so intimidating to others have softened tonight.

"How are you feeling about tomorrow?" I can't help asking.

"The wedding?" He shrugs, reaching across to refill my wine."Honestly, I haven't given it much thought lately.Been focused on more important things and people."

His intense gaze sends warmth flooding my cheeks.Under the table, his foot hooks around my ankle.

"Is it weird?" I ask, trying to maintain coherent conversation despite how his touch sets my skin on fire."Being here without Emma?"

"A little." His thumb traces circles on my hand where it rests beside my plate."But it's nice having some adult time.Must be strange for you, constantly having my kid around while we're dating."

I open my mouth to protest, but he cuts me off.

"And don't you dare remind me this isn't real."

A laugh bubbles up, more breathless than amused."I wasn't going to. I was going to say I genuinely enjoy spending time with Emma."

"Oh?" He stands, and the air changes.Everything feels charged as he rounds the table, closing the distance between us."Only Emma?"

I bite my lip as his eyes lock with mine.My heart pounds so hard I'm sure he can hear it."And if I said yes?"

He braces his hands on my chair arms, caging me in.The scent of leather and cologne surrounds me as he bends forward to rest his forehead against mine."Then I'd say you're a very bad liar, sweetheart."

His lips crash into mine, and two weeks of tension explode.My hands fist in his shirt as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, tasting of wine and desire.Strong hands lift me effortlessly, and I wrap my legs around his waist as the kiss deepens.

His mouth trails fire down my neck, teeth grazing my pulse point.One hand tangles in my hair, tipping my head back to give him better access while the other splays across my lower back, pressing me closer.

"We shouldn't," I whisper, even as my fingers work the buttons of his shirt.

"Tell me to stop." The words ghost across my collarbone as he kisses his way to the thin strap of my dress.His teeth catch it, dragging it down my shoulder.

My breath comes in short gasps as he blazes a path across my chest to the other strap, repeating the motion.The dress loosens, held up only by how tightly I'm pressed against him.

"Leslie." He pulls back just enough to meet my eyes, and what I see there steals my breath.Hunger, yes, but something deeper too.Something that makes my heart race for entirely different reasons."I'm going to fuck you now, darlin'.Last chance to stop me."

My heart pounds against my ribs.Heat pools low in my belly at the raw need in his voice.I know we're about to cross a line we can't uncross.Know this will change everything.

I don't care.

"I’m on the pill, and clean. So, if you cross that line, you better do it raw and good." I roll my hips against him, drawing a growl from deep in hischest.

His answering smile is puresin."Thank fuck I’m clean too. Because trust me, darlin'. I intendto."

6

ACE

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