Page 11 of Love & Other Disasters

“It is the weekend.”

“Yes. I haven’t had a night out in a while.”

“So, no boyfriend, then?” He didn’t think so, but there were photos of him in this chick’s phone, and he didn’t need some pissed off guy hunting him down. The nature of his job meant he made enough people mad as it was. He should have asked sooner since he’d pursued her all night.

Katia let out a mirthless laugh. “No, no boyfriend. Nothing tragic…”

“But?” he asked.

“What makes you think there’s a ‘but’?”

“Isn’t there always a ‘but’?” He stroked her arm, her soft skin lighting a fire under his fingertips.

She shrugged. “Just haven’t met that someone who feels like magic.” He took in her words, and studied the delicate curve of her nose. “I know that probably sounds stupid to you.”

“Not at all.” He kissed the top of her head.

She didn’t move a muscle and may have quit breathing. “No one special for you, either?” she whispered.

“I’m six months out of my last relationship. I work a lot and don’t have time for relationships and not a fan of the whole dating scene.” He was getting too old for it.

“Me too,” her words a fraction above a whisper. “I’m such an introvert that it all can feel so overwhelming.”

Heaven help him, he wanted to scoop her up, hold her, and protect her. He kissed the top of her head again. This time, she peered up at him, biting her bottom lip. He wanted those lips more than he wanted his next breath. J.P. leaned in staring at her mouth, hoping she was right there with him. When her soft lips brushed over his, he’d won the lottery.

Her tentative kiss sent a blazing need through him. It’d been too long since he’d been with a woman. Then, she tilted her head, and the sweet kiss turned heated, her tongue making the first move, giving him permission to do the same.

They broke apart breathing ragged, and she glanced around, reminding him they were in a public place.

“Do I taste like the chips?” she asked.

“Not sure, let me check.” He kissed her again.

“Did you figure it out that time?” She giggled, pink spreading over her cheeks.

“I will need more research.”

“Wait, you’re using that as an excuse to keep kissing me,” she teased.

“Is that a terrible thing?”

“Not at all,” her hand wandered over his chest.

Could he invite her back to his room without offending? He didn’t want to go back to his room and the cold bed alone. Finishing the rest of his scotch in a large gulp, he sat the cup on the coffee table.

“You have a room here?” she asked before he could speak.

“Yeah, a suite with a balcony. You want to go see?”

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