Page 40 of Sparrow

“Don’t thank me.”

“I want to. I need to.”

“No. Instead of thanking me, dance with me.” He extends his hand over the table.

“Now?”

“Right now.” There’s that smile. Fuck.

“How can I say no to that smile?”

“You can’t. That’s why I did it.”

He helps me to my feet and tugs me toward the side of the bar where the dance floor is.

“I haven’t danced with anyone in a while, Gray.” I wrap my arms around his neck and his arms band around me.

“Just relax and move with me. That’s all you gotta do.”

A new song serenades us from the jukebox. A bluesy, country song about making love like a wrecking ball. It’s sexy. It’s sultry. It makes me want to sink into Gray’s body and forget the world exists.

“Come closer.” He pulls me until our bodies are touching from chest to knees.

His hands explore my body as we move to the music, rocking and swaying but never breaking eye contact. The bar disappears around us, leaving him and me alone in our own bubble.

I turn around so my back is to his front and pull his arms around me. I roll and twist my hips, curling my arms up and around his neck.

My body is on fire for him. Vibrating from the follicles of my hair all the way down to my red painted toes. I’m alive for the first time in years.

I tip my head back on his shoulder and look up at him. His eyes meet mine and I can see he is feeling it too.

There is something here, something that never truly left.

“Kiss me,” I beg.

“Like I even have a choice,” he growls before smashing his lips onto mine.

The kiss builds, even as we stand in the middle of the bar, even as eyes are on us. It builds until our tongues are dancing in our place, until our bodies are singing a song of their own.

“Mills…” He pulls away, stroking his hands down my sides.

“Take me home. Your home.” I lick my lips, my intention clear.

He paints that smile on his face. “Yes ma’am.”

***

We’re hardly able to get in the door before we attack. All hands, teeth, lips, and tongues.

He presses me against the wall, just inside the door, and pins my hands above my head, trapping me there.

“Look at me, Amelia,” he growls.

I open my eyes and find his. My chest is heaving as I catch my breath.

“I’m taking my time with you, as promised. This isn’t going to be rushed.” He kisses my chin. “This isn’t going to be fast.” He kisses my nose. “And you’re definitely not sleeping tonight.” He kisses my lips.

The only response I can give is a soft moan.

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