Page 25 of Getting Lucky Number Seven

“Which one?” I asked, reaching for the bag.

She swung it away from me as she stepped inside the apartment. “I’m not saying until you decide if you’re taking the bribe.” She removed her coat, revealing a fuzzy purple sweater that hung off one shoulder and jeans so tight I could see the curve of her hips and nice ass. She unrolled the bag and tossed a fry in her mouth. “Mmm.It’s sooo good.”

“You know I could just tackle you and take it.”

She took a step back, her eyes going wide, and a predatory urge to do exactly that went through me. If it involved wrapping my arms around her and having her body pinned under mine for a few minutes, even better.

A few long strides and I was right in front of her, my steadily increasing pulse humming under my skin. She was such a little thing, really, and I towered over her. Instead of being intimidated, the way she should be, she set her chin and tucked the bag behind her back.

“Just promise. I drove all the way toFenwayfor you.” Her chest rose and fell, her muscles tensing like she was preparing to dodge if she needed to.

Much longer toying with her, regardless of how fun it is, and I’m going to need to give myself the Don’t Screw It Up speech again.“Fine. I promise. Now gimme.”

A triumphant grin split her lips. She spread the food out on my coffee table and sat on the couch, a burger in hand. I already knew I’d regret agreeing to whatever it was, but I’d do it anyway, so I might as well have a burger first. She got me a double, too—I could kiss her. Metaphorically, of course.

She licked ketchup off her lip.

Maybe not so metaphorically. Time to redirect my thoughts. “So, did you get making out checked off the list?”

She wrinkled her nose. “Yeah.”

I lowered my half-eaten burger. “You sound about as enthusiastic as if I’d asked if you’ve recently been tortured.”

She huffed out a breath and then twisted to face me. “Look, I’m sure Jeff’s a nice guy, but kissing him…well, it was kind of torture. Helicked my chin, Beck. I’m traumatized for life.”

I burst out laughing, and she shoved me. “It’s not funny,” she said, but now she was laughing, too. “Please don’t tell him I said that. He’s texted a few times and I haven’t answered. I’m afraid I’ll agree to see him again, and I can’t—I just can’t. This is what I get for making the guy think all I cared about was kissing.”

Her sweater slipped farther down her shoulder, revealing a hint of a lacy black bra, and suddenly all my blood moved south. She licked at the ketchup and mayo mess that was about to drip from her burger and then took a giant bite that most girls wouldn’t attempt.

It really shouldn’t turn me on. Curiosity and want sparked and took control of my thoughts.

“Anyway,” she said, shaking her hair off her face and reaching for a napkin. “I did check it off, at least. I’m now on the karaoke portion of the list.”

“Karaoke.” The word was as effective as a cold shower.

“You already ate the food, so you’re coming. Tomorrow night. I checked your hockey schedule, too, so don’t pretend you have a game.”

“I’ll go with you and listen to you sing, but—”

“Ah! Wrong. You’re singing, too. That’s what the double patty’s for.”

There were so many arguments on the tip of my tongue, but then she reached out and ran her fingers across my jaw. “It’s really more of a scruffy beard than a mustache.”

The sensation of her fingertips on my skin made my heart skip a couple beats, and the desire returned. Leaning into her touch slightly instead of moving away felt like playing with fire, but I found myself wanting to see how close I could get to the flame without getting burned.

“I’m glad,” she continued, and maybe my imagination was getting carried away, but I swore her voice sounded breathier than usual. “Mustaches always look so pervy.” Her fingers strayed from my jawline, tracing the skin right above my top lip, and I forgot how to breathe.

The corners of her mouth lifted. “Of course, according to you, that’s just guys letting their true selves show.”

I locked eyes with her. Time to let reality creep back in—for both of us. “That’s right. You might as well know what you’re getting into if you’re still set on this quest to hit on guys. We’re the worst,” I said, making sure to lump myself in with the rest of them.

She dropped her hand and I immediately missed her touch.I’ve just gone without too long,I told myself, the same excuse I’d tried to convince myself of for over a week. But surely getting back out there would at least help take the edge off.Later tonight I’m definitely texting…whatever her name is.

Good thing I’d put it in my phone, because I couldn’t even picture the volleyball player with Lyla sitting next to me, her knee resting against my thigh. My fingers itched to brush across her exposed collarbone and trace the bra strap peeking out of her sweater. I couldn’t help wondering how she’d react. If she’d gasp. If she’d tip her head up so I’d have access to those lips…

Okay. Pulling back before I do something stupid. Way,wayback.

“Luckily, karaoke requires more making a fool of myself than hitting on guys,” Lyla said, jerking me back into the conversation I forgot we were in the middle of. “Something I’m a natural at.” She took a drink of her soda, leaving peach lipstick on the straw and making it hard to keep my thoughts from returning to her lips.

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