Page 12 of If Tomorrow Never Comes

“Maybe you should stop in tomorrow and hear my sister’s pitch. You’ll see it our way in no time.”

She offered a noncommittal smile. He resisted the urge to fill the next few moments of silence, hoping she’d do something with the ball on her side of the court. Like offer a number, an Instagram handle ... anything. He wanted to see her again, but the way she’d deflected about the reason she was in town made him hesitant to ask for much. His brain had gone through all sorts of scenarios, including dark ones where she might want to remain somewhat anonymous.

Not to him, though, surely? Not after tonight?

“Thanks for walking me back,” she said. “And for keeping me company tonight.”

“That was the best evening I’ve had in a long time,” he said simply.

“Me too.”

He smiled and her gaze dropped to his lips. When she swept her eyes back up to lock with his, the longing in her expression sent a flare of heat beneath his skin.

They stood so close their breath mingled, the air stretching thick between them. She smelled enticing and sweet, some mixture of her citrusy scent, fresh air, and a hint of vanilla. Would she taste as delicious as she smelled?

More importantly, would this be his only chance to find out?

Before he’d consciously decided to lean in, she reached for his arm, her cool fingers wrapping around his skin, and gently pulled him closer.

His heart stuttered when her body came flush against his. They’d connected on so many levels tonight—easy conversation, humor, feeling a little out of place in this world—that it seemed impossible they wouldn’t here, too. With lips and hands and eyes closed.

He curled his fingers through hers and lowered his head, dragging in a shaky breath. He paused at the last second with a squeeze of her hand, making absolutely sure she wanted this, and she tilted her chin to close the final distance.

Her lips were soft and pliant, brushing against his in gentle exploration. His free hand curved around her neck, brushing the soft, short locks at her hairline. A shiver passed through her, and she grabbed a fistful of his shirt to pull him even closer.

A groan slipped from his throat, and when she opened her mouth to allow his tongue entrance, he released her hand to wrap his arm around her waist, the kiss going from sweet to filthy in seconds. She arched into him and pulled him with her against the wall as his thigh found its way between her legs. Her thumb traced the shell of his ear as she slid a hand into his hair, sending a bolt of heat down his spine. He dropped his head to her neck, needing a minute to breathe, and pressed his lips to her skin.

Her head fell back against the bricks as he slowly trailed kisses up her neck. She turned and caught his mouth just as he reached her jawline, like he’d been away too long. He smiled and their teeth clashed, and they both took a moment to laugh at their momentary insanity before diving right back in.

“Where,” he breathed into her. “Where have you been?”

“Lincoln,” she said on a moan when his hand slid under her shirt and to the sensitive skin of her waist.

Never.

He’dneverfelt like this.

“Mmm,” he murmured, pressing his thigh more firmly against her when she tugged at his hips. “But you’re here now. For tonight. Come home with me.”

He sensed a change in her immediately. She’d gone still, eyes snapping open.

Shit.He immediately lifted his head and pulled his leg back. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

She shook her head, cutting him off. She slid out of his grasp and moved sideways. “It’s fine, I just ... I should go.”

“Okay. I’m sorry if I misread something, I ...” He trailed off, gripping the back of his neck with one hand. Disappointment flooded his system, which still reeled from that kiss.

She touched his hand. “You didn’t. I just ... I can’t. It’s complicated.”

Couldn’t what? Complicated how?

He wanted to ask again why she was in town, how he could help—ifhe could help, and if everything was okay.

But she’d already deflected those questions once, so instead he asked, “Please, can I see you again?”

“That won’t be possible. I won’t be around.”

“But Lincoln’s not that fa—”

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