Page 77 of Vodka and Chocolate Drops

“The night?” she asked.

“In Blueberry Springs. For real.” There was an uncertainty in his eyes she hadn’t expected. A vulnerability she’d seen before, and it made her want to protect it, protect him.

“I want to stay wherever you are.”

His lips curved into a grin. “That sounds good.”

“As good as forever does to me.”

His fingers trailed tantalizing circles on her lower back and her body responded, wanting more of him.

“Promise me something?” she asked.

“Anything.”

Hmm. Anything?

“Can I drive your squad truck?”

“No.”

“I had to try,” she said with shrug. “Don’t let my mom and dad convince us to go on double dates with them.”

“Mom and Dad, huh?”

She scrunched up her nose. “It still feels really weird saying that.”

“Is everything okay there? Your mom was pretty worried.”

“Yeah, it’s all good. Perfect, actually.” Amber buried her head in the crook of his arm and groaned when she realized what she had done. She’d run. Again. Things got tough and she’d freaked out and run away from her parents instead of riding through the overwhelming feelings. “I wanted to come to you as a new Amber, but I’m still the same.”

“Don’t ever change.”

She popped her head up, loving how she could feel his bare skin against hers. Soft and smooth, but firm, too.

“I happen to love the old Amber and don’t want a new one.”

“Say it again?”

“I happen to--”

“No, just the middle part.”

He stared at the ceiling for a moment. “Old Amber.”

She went to playfully sock him in the arm, but before she could make contact, he had her pinned under him, her wrists locked in his grip.

“That’s a fun trick.” She giggled.

“Wait until you see them all.”

“I have plenty of time, Officer Malone.”

“Have I ever told you how much it turns me on when you call me that?”

“Hmm. You may have to show me just how much. I’m having trouble getting a read on just how much it might…”

She lost her ability to think as he nuzzled her neck, his warm breath sending shivers of need through her.

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