Page 95 of Headed for Home

“Last resort.” Garrett’s dejected sigh is laughable.

“Nah, don’t be butt hurt.” I lift my beer in the air. “Bottoms are always up on Shipfaced.”

Sweat prickles my palms and I wipe them on the front of my shorts. It’s unseasonably warm for late August but the weather can’t take credit for the nerves somersaulting in my stomach. I’m jittery for no reason. This is just another date.

Tell that to my finger that shakes on its way to ringing the bell. These butterflies are probably fluttering from shock. I wasn’t expecting to arrive at a suburban paradise when Drake gave me his address. His house is located in a cozy neighborhood not far from the park. The lawn is perfectly manicured, along with the flowerbeds framing the path to the porch. There’s even a white picket fence to polish off the picturesque landscape.

Drake suddenly appears, leaning against the open doorway. His smirk greets my parted lips. The naughty gleam in his eyes jolts the tension from my system, allowing me to breathe easy.

“Hello, beauty.”

My mouth lifts into a grin. “Hi, trouble.”

“Thanks for coming.” That gruff tone licks my arousal.

We’ve let too many days drag on without being intimate. Need claws at me, desperate for an outlet. A soft whimper slips free and my gaze lowers.

Laughter bursts from me in a wheeze when I notice the unforgettable apron hanging from his neck. “Wow, that’s a relic.”

Drake turns slowly, revealing the boxers underneath. “Play your cards right and I’ll strip for you later.”

My knees quake and I slump against one of the rocking chairs arranged around a stained-glass table. A mason jar full of sunflowers sits on top. Of course he has an adorable setup out here. That reverts my focus to the sleepy street and peaceful environment.

“This is a great area,” I exhale.

“It’s why I chose to live here. Best part of Knox Creek.” His gaze is molten, so hot that the flames are blue. “Do you want to see inside?”

I can’t imagine it’s better than the exterior, but I brush past where he’s holding the door for me. My stride slams to a halt just beyond the threshold. The open floor plan spread in front of me doesn’t match the description he provided. Not even close.

“Ummm…” That’s about all I can say.

Drake scrubs the back of his neck. “I tried to warn you. It’s lacking.”

I whirl to face his sheepish expression. It’s odd to catch his confidence slip. A blush colors his cheeks as he avoids my gaze. The only explanation is that he misinterpreted my reaction. Can’t have that.

My fingers thread into his. “Trouble, I’m in awe. This is way nicer than my house.”

“Absolutely not. There’s no character or depth here.” He swats at the interior design as if it offends him.

I admire the rustic style that’s fit for a country living magazine. “Who decorated?”

His gaze skips across a distressed wooden chest that pairs with the coffee table. “Me.”

“Shut up.” I slap a palm over my mouth. “What I meant was you have incredible taste.”

Drake tugs me into his side. “You like it?”

“A lot. We should spend more time at your place from now on.”

The smile he flashes is steeped in his regular glory. “Whatever makes you happy.”

“That’d be you. All. You.”

His arm circles my waist and he dips me low. Our lips crash together in a shared gasp. My tongue finds his, gliding in a languid caress. He groans into me and I feel that sound deep in my soul.

Drake sets me upright, dropping another kiss on my mouth. “Thank you, beauty.”

It takes me a second to regain my bearings. “For what?”

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