Page 3 of Unforgettable

When he does it again, I take hold of his chin, keeping him in place, and cover his mouth with mine. It’s much more forward than I intended to be, but it seems to be the exact antidote needed. For the both of us.

It’s soft and sincere. Careful, yet deliberate. A gift of comfort. A taste of pleasure.

I don’t let it linger, and I don’t take more than that moment.

“How was that?” I murmur.

He presses his lips to mine in response, deepening the kiss ever so slightly. Returning the sentiment, I take his gratitude and welcome his interest.

“Thank you,” he says, his voice just above a whisper. “I really needed that.”

I don’t know what possesses me to do it, but I brush my knuckles down his jaw. I don’t even bother fighting the need to touch and soothe him, instead running on nothing but instinct. His eyes widen slowly, but he doesn’t move, just waiting and watching me.

Dropping my hand, I put some distance between us and grab my drink, taking a long, refreshing sip. When Reeve continues to stare at me, I bite the bullet and ask, “Did I just fuck this up?”

He smiles, and the mood shifts. His teeth are on display, and small laugh lines make an appearance around his eyes. It’s the look I want him to wear for the rest of the night.

“No,” he reassures me. “The kiss was just a surprise, that’s all.”

“A good surprise?”

He nods, his smile stretching wider.

“I’ve got more where that came from,” I say with a wink.

Picking up his glass, he takes a sip of his cider, his face still smiling, his gaze still locked on mine.

Swallowing his beverage, he puts the glass down and settles comfortably in the seat, his body language much more relaxed than earlier. “So, tell me,” he starts. “What brought you out here tonight?”

“Just wanted to burn off some steam,” I say, the husk in my voice making the implication of my words very known. “What about you?”

He chews on the corner of his lip. “About the same.”

When the lull in conversation returns, I once again take the lead and suggest, “How about we play a game?”

“I’m listening.”

“Ever playedNever Have I Ever?” I ask.

He narrows his eyes at me, clearly thinking I’ve lost my mind. “I can recall a few times.”

“Perfect.” I slap my hand down on the wooden table. “I’ll grab us some shots to start, but not a whole lot because that isn’t the type of messy I have planned for tonight.”

Reeve’s face flushes at the insinuation, and I can’t help but lean over and kiss his pink cheek before standing and heading over to the bar.

“Another round of the same?” Matteo asks.

Shaking my head, I look at the display of bottles behind him. “Could I please have six shots of anything that’s easy to go down and won’t hit us too hard later?”

He tips his chin toward Reeve. “My shift is just about over, so why don’t you go back to your ‘little less serious than a date’ and I’ll bring them over to you.”

“You sure?”

“Of course. You can return the favor when I’m in your neck of the woods.”

“Thanks, man.” I drop another fifty on the bar and head back to Reeve.

“I think it was my turn to pay,” he says as I take my seat.