Page 46 of Connected By Stars
“Extremely sexy, huh? I’ll make sure to wear this on our first date.”
“Date? Are you asking me out? I didn’t think you did dates.” She looks up at me in amusement.
“I don’t, or I didn’t. With you, though, I would like to take you on one. Ever since Driftwoods, I’ve been imagining taking you there and having you all to myself. Did you know how hard you made me that night just listening to you moan when you ate and watching you lick your lips? I was out of mind that night.”
“I’ll have to check my schedule and get back to you.” She laughs at the heated glare I give her. Stepping closer to her, she quickly replaces laughter with silence as she sees the intent in my eyes.
“You’ll have a busy schedule all right, but it’ll be because I’ll be buried deep inside you every chance I can get. You won’t have time for anything or anyone else.”
Her eyes burn into mine. “So we’re really doing this? You want to date me?”
“We’re really doing this. I just pray that our families will be on board and I don’t fuck this up.”
“We’ll talk to them together like we planned after the wedding. They may be shocked at first, but I think they’ll be happy. We’re both adults and want to see where this goes. It’s a scary leap for both of us, but walking away and not trying is scarier.”
I reach out and tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “I don’t think walking away is an option for me anymore.”
“Me either,” she whispers right before I capture her lips with mine. I take my time and enjoy the taste and feel of her. Our tongues dance together as I bring her closer, threading my fingers in her hair. I feel her hands untuck my shirt before they find my back and lightly scrape it with her fingernails. I moan against her mouth and take her bottom lip between my teeth, giving it a gentle pull before releasing her.
She lets out a frustrated groan before burying her face in my chest. I chuckle and wrap my arms around her, feeling her frustration. “Tell me about your date tonight. I need something else to think about and want to hear how it went,” she says against my chest.
“It wasn’t a date,” I chuckle softly. “It went good, though.” I lead her to the bench, and she curls up beside me as I tell her about the dinner.
“Sounds like he knows what he lost.” She says after I tell her everything.
“Yeah, he looked miserable when he left, but it serves him right. He cheated on her, and now he has to live with the consequences. I’m looking forward to you meeting her. I think you two will get along, as weird as that sounds.”
“Like you are with Logan, I’m a bit skeptical that she doesn’t have any feelings for you and is just waiting in the background for an opportunity to jump in. I can’t promise we’ll be best friends, but I promise to play nice when I meet her.”
Laughing, I hug her close. “I get that. I’ll try and do the same with Logan. I’m glad we get to dance, though, in the bridal party. Part of me thinks Emma is trying to play matchmaker.”
“You caught that too?” She laughs. “She asked me a few months ago if I had feelings for you, and I lied and told her you’re like an older annoying brother, nothing else. I don’t thinkshe bought it, though. I catch her studying me at times when I’m looking at you. I guess I’m not as good at hiding my feelings as I thought I was.”
“She cornered me at Driftwoods outside the bathroom and asked me something similar. I told her I didn’t know what she was talking about, but I could tell she didn’t believe me. Just in case, I told her to keep it between us for now until I figured some things out. She’s obviously kept her word because Noah hasn’t broken my door down by now.”
“It’s a good sign that she seems to be on our side. It will make telling Noah and Sophia easier if we already have someone rooting for us.”
“Let’s hope so. So, tell me about your day. I want to hear everything.” She snuggles closer, and I smile. I’ve never felt the need to just be with someone and share our days, but with her, I want to know everything. I run my fingers through her hair as I listen to her talk, knowing there’s no other place I want to be right now. For once, I feel content to just be.
Chapter Nineteen
Bella
The next fewdays pass by in a blur. Between work and helping with the wedding, Maverick and I haven’t had much alone time. It’s probably for the best. It’s getting harder and harder to resist the temptation, but he’s adamant about not going any further until we talk to Noah. It’s like he wants to prove to himself that he’s good at doing simple things like talking and cuddling rather than just fucking. I have no doubt in my mind he’s good at the fucking part. My body has a mind of its own every time we’re in the same room, and I want more than anything for him to take this ache away that is constantly there between my legs.
Skye and Cole fly in tomorrow for the dress rehearsal, and everyone is here at my parents’ house going over last-minute wedding details. I sip my wine and catch Maverick’s eye across the table as Emma and my mom discuss when the flowers will be delivered. His eyes meet mine over his glass of bourbon, and with just one glance in those green eyes, I know exactly what he’s thinking.
My heart starts to beat fast, and I press my legs together, biting my lip briefly to stop a moan. He glances down atmy lip, and his eyes turn a darker shade of green. I can feel the heat of them burning a trail along my body, leaving a trail of flames where they touch. I release my bottom lip and tear my gaze away from him, not being able to trust myself that I will be able to keep my emotions off of my face.
He downs his drink before getting up. “Does anyone need a refill?” Noah holds up his empty glass along with my dad and Papaw.
“Thanks,” Noah says, handing his glass to Maverick.
“We could use some more wine, too,” Sophia says, pointing to her and Emma’s empty glass.
“Here, let me help you.” I gather the empty glasses with Maverick and take them inside the kitchen. As soon as I set the glasses down, Maverick has me pinned to the wall, away from the view of the windows. “What if someone walks in?” I manage to get out.
“I’ll take my fucking chances,” he says in a low growl. “Right now, I just need to taste you.” His tongue dives into my mouth, searching and seeking for mine. I taste the bourbon on him and moan from the intoxicating mixture. His hands fist into my hair, and I feel how hard he is against my stomach as he presses against me. I instantly feel the desire between my legs gather, drenching my panties. Breaking our kiss, we both breathe heavily, trying to find some form of reality to cling to and bring us back to the present.
