Page 15 of Flirt Away

But the best part was that he’d wanted exactly what she’d given him. He’d craved it. Desired it. Right then, in that space and time, it was the perfect sexual encounter for both of them.

Mutually gratifying.

She needed nothing in return, only it would have been nice if she’d had the wherewithal to stick around and finish her drink and maybe have a normal conversation to complete the fantasy.

“Then what’s the problem?” Crystal asked.

“Me. I’ve been lying to my readers. More importantly, I’ve been lying to myself.” She glanced at the time. Thirty minutes before Zane showed up. “I’ve been afraid to really put myself out there and live my life. It was easy to stick with Jeff, a married man, who would never truly be with me. Love me for me. It was safe. This? Taking a risk with this guy I just met? Scary as hell. I mean, he’s like no man I’ve ever dated. Besides being a nice guy, his body is like a Greek god’s. But I still have that little voice in the back of my head that says:You’re too fat. He’s not going to like to see you out of your clothes.”

“That’s your mother’s voice.”

“Doesn’t matter. It’s there. But I’m going to get rid of it once and for all.” And Zane would help her do it. “I’ve got to get going, Crystal. I have a date.”

“You go, girl. Let me know how it works out.”

“Will do.” Now, all she had to do was figure out what to wear so she didn’t look like she planned to seduce the man.

But that she’d be open to the idea.

6

Zane bent over and tugged at the ponytail holder, letting his long hair bounce to his shoulders. He ran his fingers through the wavy locks. He’d always thought his hair was one of his better assets.

Satisfied that he looked halfway decent, he snagged the bag of groceries from the back of his Harley and made his way down the walkway, impressed by her stylish abode. She obviously did well for herself in her career.

Nothing was sexier than a successful woman who took charge of her life.

A slight breeze kicked in, bringing with it the salty scent of Seattle. A layer of mist filled the air as low-hanging clouds descended from the sky. Most people hated living in Seattle because of the dark, chilly days, but this ambiance made Zane’s heart beat a little faster. He raised his hand and rapped his knuckles three times against the blue door with its small hanging basket of flowers, the blooms greeting her guests with an array of spring scents that tickled his nose and brought a smile to his soul.

That seemed so like something Dixie would do.

He inhaled sharply, preparing himself for the onslaught of sexual tension that had already begun to build, starting in his toes and slowly crawling up his skin, leaving a scorching trail of tingling heat in its wake.

The door swung open, and there stood Dixie in a pair of jeans and a strapless floral top that flowed down to the middle of her thighs.

He swallowed, trying to keep the air in his lungs.

Once again, she stole his breath.

“You look stunning,” he managed.

“Thank you.”

He reached out and lifted a strand of her wavy hair from her shoulder. “I love this color.”

“It’s not natural.”

He smiled. “I don’t care. It’s beautiful on you.” He leaned in and kissed her cheek, letting his lips linger as he inhaled the scent of her sweet strawberry shampoo. He cupped the back of her neck before running his hand over her shoulder and down her arm. “Though now I’m curious, what is your natural color?”

“I’m a redhead, just more of a light red, not this bright copper.” She glanced up at him and blinked. She couldn’t be taller than five five, giving him a good nine inches on her, though when he’d seen her last, she’d been wearing heels.

Tonight, she was barefoot.

He liked that.

Taking her chin between his thumb and forefinger, he pressed his mouth to hers, slipping his tongue between her plump, rosy lips. He pulled her tight to his chest, deepening the kiss. He wanted to take her right here in the hallway. Slam her against the wall and rip her pants to her ankles, ramming himself deep inside, making her gasp for air.

He broke off the kiss and took a step back. Before he took things to the next level, he needed to find out why she’d run off the other night. He needed to understand what had prompted her to be so intimate at the club and why she ignored him after. His heart couldn’t afford to be broken again. He held up the bag. “Where’s the grill? I’ve got some prime steaks to cook up for us.” He smiled. “And some wine that needs opening.”

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