Page 35 of Highest Bidder
I cock my head at him. “That’s what you wanted to ask me?”
“No.” He smiles and opens the front door, his other hand gently splaying across my back, sending goosebumps across my body. He doesn’t remove his hand while we walk outside.
“I wanted to ask if you would go to lunch with me before the next sale?” He looks down at me and his blue eyes meet mine.
“Oh. Well, I rode with Jess.”
“So ride with me,” he says quickly. Gently cradling my elbow he stops walking, bringing us to a stop so he can look at me while talking. “Please?”
His eyes are begging me to say yes.
“Okay. But Jess will probably go all crazy roommate on your ass when I tell her.” I laugh, but I’m not kidding either. He chuckles, and I can’t help looking at him. His smile is vibrant.
He squeezes my elbow. “I’m not worried.”
He steps a little closer and tilts my chin up to look at his face. The way he’s looking at me, makes me feel it deep down in my toes. It makes me want to melt into him. Would he think it’s weird or too soon if I take another step forward and wrap my arms around his waist? Sometimes you yearn for a hug. I’ve only ever wanted hugs from my dad. But I’d love to be wrapped up in Myles’ arms.
I clear my throat. “Um. Okay.” I look around before meeting his gaze again. “I’ll text her to let her know.” Getting my phone out, I send her a quick text. I’m about to put it away when it starts ringing. Seeing Jess’ name on the screen only makes me chuckle. Of course, she’s calling me. “Hey, Jess.”
“OH, MY GOD! You’re going with him?” She screeches, making me cringe and pull the phone a little further from my ear. My eyes trail up to meet his again, only to find him smirking. Iknow he heard her. It would surprise me if people within a mile radius didn’t.
“Yes. I’ll see you at the next sale, okay?”
“You have to tell me every—” Myles wraps his fingers over mine and brings the phone to his ear.
“Hey, Jess,” he drawls.
I hear some squeaking coming from the phone at his ear.
“Okay, no alcohol before 5 p.m.” He nods. “Yes, I’ll have her in Orlando for the next auction.” He winks at me. “Got it.”
The squeaking continues, and I can’t help but bite my lower lip. I liked how he wasn’t afraid to get the third degree from my best friend. Myles immediately zeros in on my mouth, and his eyes look like they are a shade darker than usual.
“Bye, Jess.”
He ends the call without taking his eyes off my mouth and slowly brings his fingers up. I have to keep myself from making a sound when he touches my lip and pulls it free from my teeth.
“How about we go get some Italian?” His voice is gravelly.
“Okay.” My voice cracks when I answer. His eyes are still completely focused on mine, and I can’t seem to stop myself from slowly leaning closer to him.
“See you two at the next sale,” Aaron calls out, making us take a step back and look at him.
“Yeah. See ya.” Myles slides his hands into his pockets.
I let out a breath and blink a few times. We got so close to kissing. Where is my head? I never had the urge to kiss James. Even with Steve, it took a while, but he finally went for it without asking. Honestly, it was like kissing a fish. It felt like I was drowning, and I didn’t want to do it again.
“Come on, I’m parked this way.” He rubs the back of his neck, taking a few steps backward. He slows his pace to match mine. His arm makes slight contact with mine, and the goosebumps appear.
He opens my door for me and reaches his hand out because his lifted truck makes it difficult to hop in.
“You ready?” he asks.
“Yes, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because this is where everything changes for us.” He leans in, putting one hand on the roof and the other on the door. His body towers over the space, pressing against me in the seat. I look at him, not shying away from the close proximity.
I cross my arms over my chest. “You seem sure of yourself.”
