“We’re here.”
She hasn’t said anything for the last two miles.
I don’t know if it’s shock or maybe that she just didn’t hear me.
I pull out enough cash to cover the bill and a tip, sliding it into the cabbie’s waiting hand. “Thanks, Leroy,” I say.
“I’m sure I’ll see ya later this week, Jonas.”
I try not to cringe at his statement.
Since I’ve been back, I’ve spent a few too many nights roaming the streets, running and walking until my knee wants to give out. I call Leroy, the only cabbie in town, for a ride back home more often than I’d like to.
I roll out of the cab, rounding the car and pulling Frankie’s door open for her.
“Bull,” she says as she slides out and brushes past me.
“Chicken.”
“Huh?”
“Oh.” I close the cab door and face her as Leroy pulls away from us. “I thought we were just naming random animals. Is that not what we’re doing?”
“Why would we just name random animals, Jonas?”
I scrub a hand over my face. “I don’t know, Frank. I’m tired and a little drunk. I can’t think straight around you as it is. I’m not sure why I thought it was a good idea to add alcohol into the mix.”
“I’m thankful for the liquid courage,” she murmurs. “It makes me brave.”
“It’s nothing but a Band-Aid for everything wrong in my life.”
Her brows pinch together, and I want to reach over and smooth the crinkles between them.
“What happened, Jonas?” She takes a step toward me, and I’m not even sure she realizes she’s moving closer with every word. “What do I have to do with any of it?”
If I wanted to, I could reach out and touch her right now.
I want to.
I really,reallywant to.
“I saw you,” I blurt.
Her mocha eyes widen for a split second when she realizes she’s been busted, but she spares us both the awkwardness and doesn’t deny being at my games.
I can’t hold back any longer.
I reach for her, wrapping a single hand around her waist and pulling her small frame against me. She lets me, like she’s just been waiting for me to give in to the desire.
Just like I knew she would, she still fits against me like she was made to be there.
Leaving one hand dangling at my side, I rest my chin against her temple and breathe in the sweet orange scent I’ve missed for far too long. She places her hands against my chest, sinking into me and keeping me away all at once.
I’ve fucking missed this.
I want to wrap both arms around her and pull her against me until there’s not a single breath of space between our bodies.
I want to sweep my hands down her curves, feel her ass fill my palms.