Page 48 of Cross Check Hearts

She shivers under my touch, her mismatched eyes darkening to the color of stormy seas. Goosebumps scatter over her skin wherever my fingers trail, and watching her body respond to my touch ignites something primal within me.

“I think it’s my turn again,” I say in a low voice. Hannah swallows hard, the delicate column of her throat working in a way that makes me want to press my lips against it. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Are you going to pick that all night?” I lean in closer, her orange blossom and jasmine scent filling my nostrils. “Where’s your sense of adventure?”

Something flashes through her eyes, a boldness that looks fucking good on her. “Fine. Dare.”

“I dare you to do exactly what you want in this moment,” I murmur. “No thought of anyone or anything else, just whatyouwant.”

The challenge in my voice is unmistakable, a gauntlet thrown down between us.

She hesitates for a second, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she breathes. Then she abruptly leans across the table and presses her lips into mine.

The little spark that was smoldering between us before ignites, bursting into a full blown flame. Because this kiss? This kiss is different. It feels more intentional than the one we shared outside Sideline, and I can practically taste the hunger and desire on her lips that’s been swirling between us since we sat down.

I kiss her back, my hands moving with decisive purpose to cup her face between them and hold her in place so our tongues can explore each other’s mouths. The room around us fades away until she’s my sole focus, the only thing in the universe that I’m aware of. She moans into my mouth, her hands clutching my wrists, and it only makes me kiss her deeper. I take control of the kiss, guiding her with the subtle pressure of my thumbs against her jaw.

It’s hungry and passionate, just like everything between us, but… it’s something else too. There’s a vulnerability in it that I’ve only seen in glimpses from her so far. This is the first time I feel like she’s truly letting her walls down with me, like she’s really letting me in. Maybe it’s because of everything we’ve been sharing with each other tonight, but there’s no denying that something is different. Something has shifted.

Then the bartender clears his throat, and I snap out of the dream of her lips to find him standing next to our table.

He grimaces. “Uh, sorry to interrupt the moment. I just wanted to see if you need anything.” He glances at our barely touched food. “Um, refills on the drinks?”

Hannah’s cheeks are that gorgeous pink color again, and although she’s cradling her forehead in one hand, she nods. “Yeah, I’ll take another. Thanks.”

“Me too,” I say.

“You got it.” He nods and collects our empty glasses, and when he’s gone, she finally looks at me again.

“Oh my god,” she moans, but I chuckle and cover her hand with mine. Her eyes snap up, as if even that small touch is enough to send her body’s awareness into overdrive.

Fuck, I know the feeling.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure he’s seen worse in here.” I give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“I’m not sure how to feel about that,” she says, but she’s laughing. “I’m not usually this… forward.”

“I like forward,” I tell her, my gaze steady on hers. “I like knowing exactly what you want.”

She tilts her head, studying me. “You’re not what I expected, Declan.”

“What did you expect?” I ask, genuinely curious.

She shrugs one delicate shoulder. “I don’t know. After that night at the club… I guess I thought you’d be more?—”

“Arrogant? Full of myself?” I supply, and she laughs again.

“Maybe a little. Most guys who look like you tend to be.”

“Like me?” I echo, unable to hide my grin.

“You know exactly how gorgeous you are,” she accuses, but there’s no heat behind it. “I bet women throw themselves at you all the time.”

“Maybe,” I concede. “But I’m not interested in ‘women.’ I’m interested in you, hummingbird. Have been since the moment I saw you.”

She ducks her head as the bartender delivers our drinks, but she can’t hide the smile that flits across her face.

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