Page 12 of Meet Me in the Vines
He slips off his shoes and socks, leaving him barefoot on the planks. He gives me a wink, puts his hands over his eyes, and starts at ten.
Ten…nine…
My bare feet thud on the soft grass beneath me, inhaling fresh soil and crisp summer air as I leave my laugh trailing behind my steps.
Eight…seven…
Donovan’s voice fades the further I run, already wishing I could turn back to be near him.
Six…five…
I lick my lips. His taste lingers like my favorite dessert, sweet and delicious. I instantly want his mouth back on mine to satisfy my craving.
Four…three…
Maybe I’d let him catch me.
Two…one…
Maybe not.
“You can’t hide from me forever!” Donovan’s voice cuts through the night. I see him walking a couple of rows away from me as I tiptoe in the same direction he moves.
“Yes I can,” I say in a sing-songy voice, his head whipping toward me, catching a peek of me through the vines.
The moon is high in the sky, its beams reflecting off the top of his chocolate hair. We mirror each other in step, our eyes lock through the stems. My upper lip curls under my teeth, trying to hold back the smile that’s taking over my face. I see a sheen of thin sweat over his brow and just below his collarbone, feeding a hungry desire in me to end the game now and reach out to touch him. I didn’t think sweat could turn me on.
His eyes rake me up and down as we stare at each other through an opening in the vines. He scrubs his hand over his jaw and clenches.
“You in that dress…” he moans, shooting an arousal through my heat.
“You like this dress?” I tease, pulling the hem of my dress up to flash him a peek of my white lace panties.
His mouth gapes open and a low growl rumbles in his throat. His tongue swipes at his bottom lip as he takes a step toward me.
I take a step back, keeping the hem of my dress up. My eyes lock onto his. The navy hue turns black with desire, hungry like a wolf who hasn’t had a meal in days. He’s on the verge of feral behavior, and I’m savoring every moment.
He takes another step, like he is waiting for my next move. I take another step back, this time slipping the strap from my dress down my shoulder.
Just as he gets close enough to touch me, I take off running and leave him in my dust. I halt a couple rows over, expecting to find him on my heels, but he hasn’t moved. He stands with his hands on his hips, flashing that beautiful grin.
“Don’t you want me to kiss you all night, Mouse?” he yells out.
I bite my lip to keep me from laughing. Mouse. I like that.
Hell yes, I want you to kiss me all night.
“Come and get me!” I yell back, and he darts in my direction. I shriek and make a run for the gazebo. A hearty laugh bubbles from my chest as I hear his footsteps gaining. The gazebo steps are just ten strides away. My breathing is erratic, laced with uncontrollable giggles.
Just as I’m about to reach the steps, I stop in my tracks.
Donovan’s momentum carries him forward as he lunges toward me, hooking his strong arms around my waist. His face buries into the crook of my neck, his hard chest pressed against my back.
I turn to face him, and he lifts me up, cupping his hands beneath my thighs. We both breathe hard in unison, smiling at each other. He licks his lips—my eyes follow.
“I win,” he says in a husky tone.
My eyes stay on his lips, my hands wrap around his neck.
