Page 10 of Reputation
She nodded, turning to look behind her.“Oops,” said the small woman.“Sorry.”
Eavie acknowledged her apology with a slight nod, standing and taking a step back from him.“It’s okay,” she answered.Turning back around, she said, “That’s two bruises now.”She laughed breathlessly, still feeling the effects of the full-body contact.Before she could stop the lunacy of her next words, they tumbled out.“You got a drink with me as retribution for the first.What can I give you for the second?”
His smile turned wicked as the words fell from her mouth.Internally, she was stunned.She couldn’t believe she had let that thought slip out.Now, she couldn’t take it back.Even worse, the little devil in her didn’t want to.
“I have a few ideas,” he murmured, watching her as a blush built on her cheeks.
Looking away, she picked up her wine and took a large gulp.“So,” she said, needing to change the subject.She was already hot enough that if she kept looking into his intense, heated gaze, it might have her combusting on the spot.“Where are you from?”
He chuckled, seeing through her, but kindly obliged her question.“Toronto,” he answered.“Well, Newmarket originally.I lived in Chicago for a few years before moving back.”
“Did you like it there?”she asked.
His face shuttered, eyes looking down at his beer now.Gone was the heat in his gaze and the smile that melted her insides.It was only for a heartbeat, maybe two before it disappeared, but she had seen the change.
“For a time,” he said, his voice quiet.“But I prefer it here.Toronto is home for me.”He flashed his smile again, but she could see it didn’t quite reach his eyes.
Her heart flipped at the almost sad look she had seen, no matter how brief.She ached to see him smile like he had been a few minutes ago.
Her hand lifted of its own accord, fingers stroking the edge of his hair just above his ear.He pulled in a breath as her nails carved valleys in the strands.A moan rose in her throat.It felt exactly as she had hoped—soft and silky, but she swallowed the sound before it reached her lips.
“What’s your favorite thing about Toronto?”she asked, focusing on what he had said about it being home.
This time, his smile brought light back into his gray eyes.“The aquarium,” he answered.
She huffed a laugh.“Really?Out of everything available here, the aquarium is your favorite?”Eavie asked.
He nodded, his chest rumbling with his own laugh.“I find it quiet, peaceful.It’s somewhere where I can go and think.”
“I’ve never been,” she admitted.
His eyebrows shot up his forehead.“You’ve never been to the aquarium?”he asked, shocked.
She shook her head.“Nope,” she answered, taking another sip of her wine.The glass was almost empty.Disappointment settled in her chest.She had agreed to only one drink, but the longer she spent with him, the more she didn’t want the moment to end.“I’ve honestly never thought of going.”
“That’s crazy,” he said, laughing.“The aquarium is so fun.You need to go.”
She smiled at him.“Since you make it seem so relaxing, I’ll go tomorrow.”
“Good,” he said, taking a drink of his beer.“Okay, your turn.What’s your favorite thing about the city?”
“The food,” she answered immediately.
He laughed.“Interesting.What’s your favorite place to eat?”
She racked her mind, trying to decide among all her favorites.Finally, she asked, “Have you ever been to Luna’s Kitchen?”He shook his head.“Ugh, they have thebesttacos in the city.You have to try them.”
He leaned closer to her, his breath fanning her lips as he spoke.“Only if you go with me.”
Her heart tripped in her chest at his closeness.Her mind fogged over as her senses were flooded with him.He consumed her vision as his musk and citrus scent settled in her throat.God, he smelled so good.
All thought left her as she tried, and failed, to form words.His gaze roamed her face, no doubt seeing the effect he was having on her.All she could manage to do with him this close was nod her head.
Later, she would realize that she had just agreed to go out with him, but right now, she couldn’t think beyond the single thought screaming in her mind.
Kiss me, her inner voice begged.She drew in a shuddering breath as the idea of it consumed her.She wanted to kiss him, wanted him to kiss her, more than she ever had before.Looking into his eyes, she hoped he read the feelings swirling through her—hoping he felt the same.
Chapter Four
