Page 23 of Until Kendal

She stood next to me, and suddenly, the air smelled of her light rosy perfume.

“Is this Arman?” She slid into her seat as my brother announced himself and said, “Kendal, we were just talking about you.”

She met my gaze, and my skin buzzed. “Well, I’m sure Joel is loving the company, but the band is about to start again.”

“And you’re dragging my brother to dance. Man, I can’t wait to meet you in person.”

Unlike Arman who had no problems showing off on the dance floor, I wasn’t looking to show off in public. However I said, “Have a good night.”

We said goodbye and Kendal’s lips thinned and she glanced off. I turned off my phone then reached for her hand. She seemed cold, so I scooted closer and asked, “What’s wrong?”

She cupped my face, and her lips curved higher. “Nothing. I want to dance.” She stood.

I followed her up but said, “You seemed serious.”

She shrugged like it was true. “Forget it. Let’s get back to having fun.”

Good, easy time was great, but something else had crossed Kendal’s mind quickly. I guessed she wanted to pretend everything was fine. Maybe I was wrong, but my gut was tuned to her every facial expression. She captured my attention, and I could wait until she was ready to talk.

ChapterFifteen

Joel

After our dinner and more dancing, it was dark outside. I was tired of shouting to have a conversation. The last thing I wanted was to drink to excess like we were still twenty-one. So I whispered in her ear, “Let’s go.”

She nodded and stayed close. I texted the driver and paid the bill, then we made our way to the door. Her arm linked to mine made my chest fill with pride. For once in my life, I had everything that mattered.

The air was cooler at night, but we headed to the limo. She hugged my waist and said, “Tonight was fun.”

I nodded. She tempted me. But I led her inside the limo so she’d not be cold in that dress. I checked the partition was up between us and the driver then relaxed as I said, “In forty-five minutes, we’ll be back to Murfreesboro.”

She curled her legs into my lap and traced my shoulder. “Why are you always such a gentleman?”

I tensed. I wasn’t sure we were there yet, even if my body ached to take her. My heart raced. “I’m not. I’m trying to be, with you.”

She pressed herself closer and said, “Honestly I don’t know if…” Then her lips pressed to mine, andfireworkswas too weak a word for how much awareness I had of her.

I forgot the world, but as the moment ended, she said, “It was inevitable, Joel.”

I would have to find a way to win her heart. I held her waist and tasted her again. All I knew was that I needed Kendal.

ChapterSixteen

Joel

Her lips on mine set off a firestorm inside me that I'd never experienced. As she melded into me, it was like our souls combined. The boom inside my heart made the world disappear, until we were the only people who mattered.

Time stopped, but in between kisses, her hands wrapped around my neck and in my hair.

“I’ve never been kissed like that before," she said.

My lips curved higher. She deserved everything. I held her tightly. “Glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

“Keep going,” she whispered then kissed me.

My body was hard and ready. I wanted her more than anyone else. And my hands cupped her hips while she sat on me. Adrenaline coursed through me, telling me to take her now. However, I asked, “How many drinks did you have?”

“I don’t know.” Her lips claimed mine again.

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