Page 24 of Under the Influence
She nods. Slow and thoughtful, before she finally looks up. The glistening in her eyes brighter than the facets of the princess cut gem catching the sunlight flooding through the broad windows. "I shouldn't tell you this, but I would have saidyes."
Fuck me. Fuck this. I should slide her ring on her finger, lay her back and fuck her until she can't walk. But my gut tells me to wait. Too soon to go that far. "I shouldn't tell you this, but Iknow."
A genuine grin lights up her stunning face this time. Welcoming my playfulness. The perfect antidote to the severity weighing usdown.
"You're still sococky."
"You're still sobeautiful."
Almost an eye roll but at least the brightness of her expression doesn't fade. "I need to getgoing."
“Then let’sgo.”
I stand and offer her my hand. Fuck me if I don’t love the feel of her delicate fingers curling over mine. But, just as fast, she pulls away when I try to keep hold of her while we walk. Pretending to busy herself with shelving the novel and gathering her coat and bag. Fine. Fornow.
Like always, I palm the small of her back. Protecting what's mine even if she doesn't accept the truth yet. Wishing I was clutching her smooth skin rather than the thick wool of her purplesweater.
To my pleasant surprise she doesn't give me the cold shoulder like at breakfast. Still tentative and uncomfortable. Yet much less animosity buzzes between us than the last time we rode in an elevator together. Actually stands next to me rather than cowering as far away from me as shecan.
Another disapproving scowl mars her breathtaking face from my SUV sitting in the no parking zone in front of her building. I own this fucking town. Who the fuck is going to give me a ticket or tow my vehicle? Regardless of my stature in the city, she never approves of my arrogant impudence. If she only knew this transgression was the most minuscule of my numeroussins.
All I can do is shrug when she glares at me while I help her into the passenger seat. Her reproachful gaze burning through the windshield and into me while I stride to my door. Hotter than fuck with her librarian disdain she doesn't realize she imbues. If she ever shushes me, I'd probably fucking come in my pants like a god damnteenager.
Light traffic scatters up and down her wide bricked street, lined with trees twinkling with tiny white lights. Interspersed with red and gold ribbons wrapped around the narrow trunks. A rare fucking pussy ass giddiness rushes through me at the thought of celebrating the holidays withher.
Maybe we can have her parents over on Christmas Day. Roast the decadent prime rib her father loves to wolf down and her mother loves to fuss over him from disregarding his commitment to watch his cholesterol. At least I can win points with him. Not that I need their permission to marry their daughter, but their approval sure as hell makes her happy. If she wants to please them, I'll do what needs to be done to make thathappen.
I also need to get security back on them. Sheena too. As much as that girl hates me, Books loves her so I have to protect hertoo.
"Right here isfine."
She nods toward the bustling entrance. Kids in festive pajamas race up the steps. Toting in pillows and sleeping bags. Innocent jubilance electrifying the chilly air with their laughter and huge smiles. Her hand reaches for the handle as if she's going to jump out before I can come to a full stop. As if she's getting away from me. No worries. That infraction only leads to my pleasure as well as hers. "Go ahead and run Books. Just remember what I toldyou."
A sudden shiver rolls through her. Visible even under her heavy coat, and I know once again I've reached her. Pink blooms on her pale cheeks in an enchanting flush and her gaze drops to her seat belt. Fumbling with theclasp.
"I'm not running. I just don't want to belate."
Another shudder ripples down her body from my wink when she glances at me. Both of us well aware what we'll be doing later whether she runs or not. I park in the loading zone, earning another condemnatory head shake. But she doesn't protest. Only slides out from the seat and waits for me to come around. Adorable from her little act of defiance refusing to let me open her door for her. But she's also too obedient to walk away without me. I kiss her temple. My naughtyangel.
We follow a woman and her two daughters up the steps. The children swinging their arms as they hold hands with their mother. Happy and carefree. Just like we will besoon.
Once we step through the double glass doors, an elderly woman shuffles toward us. Jingling from the little gold bell dangling off the tip of an elf’s hat on her red sweatshirt when she engulfs mygirl.
"Chryseis! You madeit!"
"Hi Dodie! I'm sorry I'm late, but I'm ready tohelp."
"I'm just glad you're here honey." Once Dodie steps back from their embrace, her gaze darts from Chryseis to me. A mischievous grin lighting up her deeply lined face as she pulls her glasses to the tip of her nose with an exaggeratedinspection.
"And, who'sthis?"
I extend my hand. No need for Chryseis to answer and cause any undue confusion. "I'm herfiancé."
Her frail fingers squeeze mine with an unexpected strength. "Oh, you must be the handsome Leighton I've been hearingabout!"
God damn it. A sucker punch to the gut from her innocent mistake. Now my beautiful Books revels in her smirk at me. Highly amused to witness me being cock blocked by a little old lady. Who's sweet enough to literally smell like sugar. Dusted with a hint of white powder clinging to the edges of her longsleeves.
“No ma’am. I’m Giovanni Trivoli. Leighton bailed like themoth–“
