Page 6 of Smarty Plants
For a few moments, we simply breathe together, marveling at the colors in the sky. Then we face each other again, and our eyes lock.
“It’s a lovely sunset,” he murmurs. “But you deserve moonlight and roses and a lot better than a parking lot for our first kiss.”
“Good thing I’m not fussy, then.” My chin tips up, breasts tingling as I press against his hard chest and he pulls me close.
The second his lips meet mine, the backs of my thighs begin to tremble. It’s a light, sweet kiss, but the heat simmering just below the surface feels explosive. It’s only a matter of time before it takes over. As if Ben and I are not truly in charge. Our lust is.
That’s an intriguing thought that I’ll be examining later. For now, the only thing on my mind as he pulls me in for another soft, tingling kiss is that I can’t wait until we’re truly alone.
“One of my jobs has been put on hold. So, dinner tonight?”
A few hours of staring at this gorgeous man across a table? Is there even a question?
“Yes.”
4
BEN
My life has completely changed ever since I met Iris. Of course, she didn’t have anything to do with one job being postponed and two others going much more quickly than expected, but still. It feels like everything is falling into place.
She’s also given me an excuse to visit Endless Waves, a beachy restaurant by the water that according to the sign out front is under new management. Laughing about the ridiculous cocktail names and themed food gets the conversation going, and it never stops.
After we finish an incredible meal, my arm slips around her waist, pulling us together in the booth. “I honestly would never have thought of calling in a cleaning service. I expected to bust my butt sweeping and mopping.”
Iris laughs, the sound so sweet and precious that my hand squeezes her waist tighter. “That’s the thing about hiring experts. A job that would take you ten hours will take them two, and the end result will be better.”
My lips brush across her temple. “You’re so smart. I like that.”
She looks up at me, biting that perfect bottom lip for a split second. “Hmm. Not about everything.”
“Of course not.Nobodyis smart about everything. But hey – if you ever need kitchen cabinets, or any renovations, I’m your guy. Or if you need expert advice on any of the local baseball teams.”
“I like that you work with your hands.” Her fingertips dance lightly around the back of my hand, then up my forearm. “No, what I meant was, I’m not smart about…this. Relationships—” Her head shakes. “I shouldn’t have said that. I mean, dating.”
“Angel.” I’ve never called anyone that before in my life, but the endearment just pops out and feels completely natural. Irisisan angel, with her luminous eyes and innocent, casual touches. “It’s fine. I want to think of this as a relationship already. Cool?”
“Yes.” She smiles. “Very cool.”
“It’s also very cool that you’re helping me with my business.”
“Maybe I’m a superhero disguised as a bookworm, wanting to fight your evil Uncle Wayne?”
I chuckle and nuzzle the side of her neck, as my hand slides an inch up her inner thigh. “I think you like two things about this project.”
“Yeah? What would those be?”
“One, you get to problem solve in an entirely new environment with this puzzle. And two, you like me.”
She blushes faintly, staying silent.
“You don’t want to say it out loud?” Her eyes shine up at me. Dammit, I’ve made her flustered. “Okay… If you like me, just kiss me.”
Iris twists her head to meet my lips, her hand slipping up the back of my neck to pull me closer, her soft, delicate body molding to mine. Our kiss blossoms, and for several long moments, I forget that we’re in public.
“Do you want us to get thrown out?” I finally murmur, dipping my head to nibble under her ear.
“No. Not at all.”
