“Mmm,” I hummed.
His hand clamped down on mine. My hand had moved farther up his leg, into dangerous territory.
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he said in a tight voice. “If we were alone, I wouldn’t have stopped you.”
“Do you want to be alone?” I whispered, surprised at how daring being around him made me.
His eyes narrowed. “Are you asking what I think you are?”
Heat colored my cheeks, but I refused to look away. I nodded.
“Harper, I need to hear you say it. I’m incredibly attracted to you, but this—if you’re saying what I think you are. I need to hear it out loud.”
I was stuck on this precipice. Did I go with my gut or play it safe like I always did? I’d only met him today, and he’d be gone soon, but deep down, I knew I’d regret my decision if I didn’t admit to what I really wanted.
“I want you.”
He let out a shuddering sigh.
Could I do this?Just saying I wanted him wasn’t going to be enough. He’d never push me for more. Somehow I knew that. From the moment I met him, he'd been a gentleman. When he saved me, an instant connection had sprung up between us. One I'd have scoffed at if I hadn't experienced it myself. It was like our bodies had immediately recognized each other and our minds were now catching up.
His hand still rested on top of mine. The one that had stopped my exploration of his muscled thigh. Turning my hand over under his, I threaded our fingers together and squeezed tight.
“I’m open to seeing where this night goes. And I’m even more interested in going back to your place tonight.” My breath whooshed out of me. I prayed he didn’t reject me and that the last half-hour hadn’t been a figment of my imagination.
Kade didn’t say anything at first. The longer he stayed silent, the more my nerves grew, wondering if he was finding a way to turn me down.
He squeezed my hand back, and a big smile lit his face. “I want you too. And I’d love for you to come back to the beach house. As long as you know you can change your mind at any time. I don’t have any expectations, Harper.” His lips grazed my ear. “I am more than happy to fuck you all night long—worship your beautiful body with my mouth—but only if it’s what you want.”
His words set my body on fire. I was ready to leave that instant.
“Then I think it’s time we go.” I grabbed my purse. “Let me take care of something first.” I glanced at Ashlyn and Stella. I wanted them to know where I was going and what I’d decided.
“Wait.” He asked the bartender for a pen. Once he had it, he grabbed a napkin and wrote down a number. “Give this to them.”
“I’m not into threesomes or foursomes, Kade.”
He laughed. “It’s my number. So they know I’m not a total creep.”
I kissed his cheek. “You really are a sweet guy.”
He growled playfully. “Just what a guy wants to hear ... that he’s sweet.”
I hopped off my stool and spoke to Ashlyn and Stella. Neither were happy I was leaving with a complete stranger but were mollified by the phone number, which they immediately tried. When Ashlyn protested once more, I reminded her how she and Dean had first met.
After giving them both a hug, I tried to nonchalantly hurry back to Kade’s side. I didn’t want to seem too eager, but I don’t think I fooled him. He waved to the girls and grabbed my hand. Electricity zinged through me at our touch. I was ready for whatever came my way tonight. This time with Kade seemed meant to be, and my body couldn't wait for it to get started.